by Emma Chillman

1. Codes and conventions
of horror

2. Characters
Protagonists and antagonists:
Main characters are
introduced. It is often easy to
tell who Is important to the
film
Some characters are
portrayed as strong and
brave theses often save the
day
Actors:
Main actors are introduced early
on
Big stars attract a bigger
audience
Audience may begin to relate
and feel for certain characters
In all films the characters follow
Propps’ theorem:

3. Mise-en-sceneIconography:
Many shots contain
props that are
associated with the
genre
Examples of props:
Masks, religious icons, weapons and
supernatural objects
Lighting:
Dark lighting to set the
mood of the film is used
often
Although bright lights of
daytime is also common
to make it seem real
Colours:
Reds and blacks to connote fear and
blood.

4. Sound
Diegetic sounds:
Doors creaking, screams and phones
ringing
These are also enigma codes Music :
Builds tension
Lets audiences know something is going
to happen
Guides the audiences emotions
Voice overs:
Act as a guide to give the audience
background information to add to plot
Introduces characters

5. Setting
Popular settings:
Graveyard
Abandoned building
Haunted house
Cities
Creepy hotels
Dark streets
Isolated areas
Small communities
The setting is important as it sets
the scene for the audience. Builds
tension and lets the viewers know
the general theme