2. Setting
•The setting of a horror film includes anything that connotes isolation or being alone. For
example, abandoned houses or dark alleyways. The more the setting connotes isolation, the
more impact and fear is projected to the audience. If the characters feel alone and isolated
within the setting, so will the audience.
•Sometimes the setting will have a “dark” history that will correlate to the storyline. An example
could be an insane asylum. This is becoming a popular feature of horror films and they will often
include some form of religion or cult that is included in the history.
3. Technical
•A variety of shots are used within horror films and they are used mainly to promote fear. Both
high and low angles are used to allow the audience to share the same fear the character within
the film is feeling. Handheld shots are used as it makes it harder for the audience to make out
what’s happening, thus provoking more fear. POV shots are used and are important as they
show the audience the point of view from that particular persons eye.
• Music and sounds play a very important role within horror
films, because without them it would be significantly
difficult to provoke fear within the audience. Ambient
diegetic sounds are used (such as footsteps) to create both
fear within the audience and the character themselves.
Non diegetic sounds are used mainly to create fear within
the audience.
•The editing of a scene is usually a give away to when
something is about to happen. So when the pace has
slowed down it’s obvious something may jump out. Example of POV shot: Evil Dead.
4. Iconography
•Colours associated with horror are usually dark (black, red) as they give connotations of danger,
gore and evil.
•Lighting plays an essential role within horror films as it is often used to conceal things from the
audience. Low key lighting is often used as this can create shadowing and unfamiliar shapes.
Lighting can also be influenced by actions within the film (an example would be bonfires or
torches). A scene that is commonly used is when there is very select light (usually sourced from
a torch or lighter which may flicker) and something appears. An example of this would be in the
film The Pact. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ztc5Nq1JL4 at 1:30)
•Religion (sinister)
5. •Props that are used within horror films are very distinct and a films sub genre can be easily
recognised from the use of them. For example, if a chainsaw is identified then it’s likely that the
film is going to be a slasher film. Costumes used within horror films are quite iconic and are
mainly used to increase the fear of the villain. For example, the character Jason Voorhees from
Friday the 13th has an iconic costume.
•Religion is becoming an increasingly popular aspect of horror films
and will often incorporate a religion/cult/sect within the history of a
setting/character/supernatural element. An example would be in the
film Sinister (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgYxydrVlDk 1:00
onwards – talks about symbols)
6. Narrative
•The classic narrative structure of the horror genre will include a protagonist character and a
main/final girl within the film. The nature of the film is based upon conflicts the protagonist will
endure and solve. Often the endings are left open for a sequel and potentially a franchise
(Nightmare on Elm Street or Halloween as an example)
7. Characterisation
•The protagonist – often the hero of the film and will overcome conflict of some sort.
•The villain – often a psychopath/supernatural entity/monster etc.
•Immoral teenagers that are often killed not far into the film
•Children are often used as well.
8. Themes
•Psychological thrillers (Silence of the Lambs)
•Slasher (Texas Chainsaw Massacre)
•Zombie (28 Days Later)
•Supernatural (Paranormal Activity)
•Action horror (Dawn of the Dead)
•Body Horror (Teeth)
•Comedy Horror (Scary Movie)
•Gothic Horror (Dracula)
•Science Fiction Horror (Alien)
