2. Codes and conventions are
basically 'rules' that must be
followed in order to fit into a
genre. They are shown
through mise-en-scene,
sound, camerawork and
editing.
3. Horror Films are designed to:
• Scare the viewer and to make them
feel uneasy/on edge
• Conclude in a shocking finale
• Frighten and panic
• Provoke our hidden fears
4. Horror Films include...
• High production values but many low budget horror films
• Dominant representation of gender: The Female Victim
• Primary target audience – Young Adults/Teens, 16-24,
• Extensive use of Narrative enigmas
• Exploration of Narrative Themes
Female Victim
Scary Movie
5. Technical Codes
• Slow pace of Editing, builds tension. Long takes
• Predictable narrative content (follows format)
• Clear oppositions e.g. good v evil
• Use of low key lighting
• Low angle shots
• Point of view shots
• Distorted diegetic sound
• Extensive use of close up
• Extensive use of narrative off-screen space
• Young/teenage characters
• Use of hand-held camera: audience identification/realism
6. Setting
A usual setting for a typical film in the horror genre are places that are
abandoned or have a hidden past. This can create a sense of tension and
how the characters are alone. However the setting of a horror film can be
varied and can be set anywhere, at any time of day.
Cabin In The Woods
7. How are codes and coventions
are used in the opening of
"Creep"?
In the opening of creep many codes and conventions
are used to make it fit into the horror genre.
Sound
Non-Diegetic sound is used to set up a creepy
atmosphere throughout the opening; this sets up the
audience expectation, adds tension and keeps them
alert and on the edge of their seats.
As well as the music being used sound effects of the
train is used to set up the narrative for the rest of the
film.
8. Mise-en-scene
Dark colours are used to set up
tension and darkness in the film.
However bright yellow text is used this
symbolises lights on the train which
sets up the narrative for the rest of the
film.
9. Editing
Editing is invisable through most of the clip
however some editing is still used. The
opening jumps between titles and footage
quickly like many horror films.
10. Camerawork
An excessive amount extreme close-ups are used
throughout and this is found a lot in horror films.
Especially film openings such as this one and also
"Seven."
The camera moves along with the sound and is
quite fast and disorientated. This also reinforces
the narrative as the camera doesn't fully focus on
anything so its like a train going past.
