Codes And Conventions of Horror Films

1. By Alice Webster 12FN

2. Character Types
Δ Hero/Heroin
Δ The Villain
Δ The Helper
Δ The Victim/s
Δ The Donor

3. Iconography
Setting
Δ Haunted house
Δ Abandoned warehouse
Δ Science labs
Δ Blood
Δ Gore
Δ Weapons
Δ Supernatural
Δ Dark effects

4. Themes and Representation
Δ Victims are usually women
Δ Villain/Monster is most often a man
Δ Higher authorities such as police never kill the villain, they always die
Δ Villains are often in 30-50s, or some cases young children

5. Settings
Haunted houses in a dark light
Abandoned warehouses
Other isolated places such as the forest. Cities and streets are not common
in horror movies

6. Visual Codes/Camera Work & Sound
Sound
Δ Creaking doors
Δ Wind in the night
Δ Screaming
Δ Evil laughing
Camera work
Δ POV Camera shots (audience can’t see what is going to happen, and what
is distressing the victim)