Conventions of the Horror Genre

1. CONVENTIONS OF THE
HORROR GENRE
Conventions “the widely recognised way of doing something –
this has to do with content, style and form”

2. SETTING
• The setting is deemed to be one of the main reasons you can tell the genre straight
away. The setting of a horror film can be in places like: small communities or
isolated places, places with dark history i.e. abandoned houses.
• Isolation is key, making the audience feel how the character is feeling.
• These can all help build up a storyline

3. TECHNICAL CODES
• High and low angles can create fear and nightmares
• Point of view shots are used to allow the audience to see the world from the main character or monster
etc.
• Handheld shots to promote the feeling of the unknown and terror. Makes it different for the audience to
know what's going on
• Using the depth of field on the camera. Can make it harder for audience to view what's going on in the
scene
• Disturbing, diegetic sounds. Can be a heartbeat or footsteps etc.
• Extreme close ups on actors face can help audiences identification with horror and fear
• Editing to create tension and suspense. If the editing is not fast, then we know that something bad could
and will happen

4. ICONOGRAPHY
• Specific colours like blacks and reds linking to blood = evil = danger
• Lighting to create dark shadows but also to create bonfires. Fire = danger
• Props can help the audience to identify the genre. Knifes, chainsaws etc.
• Costume of the actors or actresses. Could be ripped or have blood stains to create tension for
the audience, putting them into the actors shoes
• The iconography of monsters/villains in film. Can create fear, terror. Frankenstein is a good
example

5. NARRATIVE STRUCTURE
• There will always be a hero, a man or a protagonist. This can keep with the conventions of the horror
genre. They must embark on a mission to save someone or kill someone to solve all their problems to
have a happy ending
• Make it recognisable for the audience, do not make it different to any other horror film
• The first act in a horror film focuses on central characters beginning a venture into a strange setting
• The end of the film normally involves a dramatic, sometimes apocalyptic, showdown between monsters
and characters of the film. In some horror films, the resolution of the plot leaves open the possibility of its
return
• Narrative structure provides a formula or template in film production
• Films would not be recognisable without a narrative structure

6. CHARACTER TYPES
• The main protagonist, often the victim and/or the hero of the film
• The villain, often a monster, alien or serial killer
• The teenager that always gets hurt/badly injured/ possibly killed
• Police officers can either be good or bad

7. THEMES
• Good vs Evil
• Depression
• Religion
• Revenge
• Supernatural
• Science gone wrong
• Nightmares
• Madness
• Insanity
• Envy
• Suicide