2. Setting
• The location of horror films are such an important
aspect when trying to create the gloomy scary vibe
which most horror films tend to go for. Setting is used to
help infuse fear into the mind of the viewer and
attempts to make them feel how the character(s) in the
film would be, as a way of empathy. They do this by
choosing places that are small and isolated as being
alone is horror concept in itself, which can produce fear
in numerous people. Places also attract horror directors
if they have a ‘dark’ history behind them as that can
help contribute to effect the film is trying to give off.
Commonly used examples of these places would be
derelict locations such as dark forests, run-down cabins
or houses in the middle of nowhere.
3. Style
•
The expression in which the camerawork portrays is one of the main focuses
of horror films with popular use of high and low angles to create fear and
make the character look domineering or inferior. Handheld camera shots are
becoming more popular within more modern horror films and it makes it
more difficult for the viewer to make out what is happening which creates the
effect of the unknown.
•
Sounds are hugely concentrated on within the production of horror film as a
haunting, disturbing sound such as a unexpected shriek or a suspense
building heart-beat can create tension or fear within most people.
•
The editing on horror films plays a key role in creating fear within viewers as it
can be used to apply unsettling tension and suspense. If the editing begins to
slow down and then there is a slight hint towards the fact that something bad
is about to happen, leaving the viewer wondering and waiting in fear.
4. Iconography
•
The visual styling which horror directors aim for within their horror films
tends to be very dark and try to apply red and black as much as possible as it
associates with blood and dark which is a common fear.
•
Low lighting is a commonly used feature in horror film production as shadows
can be used as a method of creating fear by making unfamiliar shapes or
making the move quickly as if it is personified.
•
Props used within films can be identified with a certain villain or character.
For example, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the first horror film which
comes to mind when associating a chainsaw.
•
Common Objects in horror films include: Masks, Weapons, Supernatural
Icons, Religious concepts.
•
The Iconography of the monsters contributes to the creation of absolute fear
within the viewer. These tend to be: Demons, Vampires, Werewolves,
Zombies etc.
5. Narrative Structure
• The genre of horror hugely applies the classic narrative structure, however
it can be cut off as a one off film or then could use a cliffhanger ending
that entices in the possibility of a sequel, which could be then turned into
a franchise. A popular example of this happening in the past is ‘Friday the
13th’.
• There is always a hero or a protagonist which keeps with the normal
horror conventions. Most commonly this character must then go on an
adventure or complete a task to challenge or destroy the problem or
monsters/villain.
• The horror genre tends to split off into sub-genres such as Slasher films for
example. These are more of a formulaic narratives
6. Character Types
The range of character types throughout the horror genre tends to be the same for most
films as it is quite a cliché genre. The main character types are usually:
•
•
•
•
•
The Main Protagonist – generally the hero or victim of the film, the prey of the enemy
The Villain – often a monster/demon/serial killer etc. The predator of the main
protagonist
The Idiotic Teenagers – typically friends of the main protagonist, always get hunted by
the villain and killed one by one
Police Officers – Generally either come to save the day or are corrupt and in with the
plot along with the villain
Many more commonly used characters are horror stereotypes such as: Werewolfs,
Cheerleaders, Demons, Zombies etc.
7. Horror Themes
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Supernatural
Beyond Death
Zombie Apocalypse
Insanity
Revenge
Religion
Good Versus Evil
Depression
Envy
Most horror themes tend to have a dark scary vibe to it to increase the effect
of fear towards to the viewer, which most horror films typically aim for.
