Codes and conventions of horror thriller

1. Horror Thriller
Ruby, Rowan, Najwa

2. Horror/Thriller – Codes & Conventions
• Secluded location:
- Generally, horror movies like putting their characters in locations where there is no one around to
help them in a disaster, for example the woods, a ghost town, a summer camp, an abandoned
amusement park and a house out in the middle of nowhere.
- Small communities, urban environments, dark streets and narrow alleyways. Large cities or run
down ghost towns. Anything that connotes isolation or being alone as this foreshadows disaster.
- Locations for any good horror genre film could be: lakes, roads, highways, countryside, barns,
farms, dark woods, woodlands, houses, cabins, cities, subways, gloomy underground tunnels,
creepy hotels, abounded houses, haunted houses, space- stations(for sci—fi horror), Graveyard
(or cemetery), dungeons.

3. • Iconography:
- Props are used occasionally as signs to hint the genre such as: knives, blood and shattered glass,
this tries to frighten the audience and gives a sense of foreboding.
- Another convention is that with the use of short takes and loud sounds it is encourages the
audience to be on edge during dramatic scenes.
- Horror movies usually use sudden actions such as, doors slamming and things jumping out at the
camera.
- Another way in which horror movies create a creepy atmosphere is with the use of lighting. This is
very important when making a horror movie. It encourages the audience to think about what's
about to happen or appear.
- Some conventions of a supernatural horror film: Shadows, wind, moving objects and strange
sounds.
Horror/Thriller– Codes & Conventions

4. • Sound:
- Audio is essential when editing. In order to create tension loud diegetic sound must be inserted
over the scenes.
- To make the audience nervous or shocked, loud non-diegetic sound can be added which also
would create panic.
- Silence/or quiet music is used when a dramatic or frightening scene is about to occur. This is in
order to create tension.
- Sudden sounds are also used to create a scary atmosphere. Diegetic sound allows the audience to
relate to the character since the viewer can feel how the character would feel.
Horror/Thriller – Codes & Conventions

5. Horror/Thriller – Codes & Conventions
• CAMERA SHOTS AND TAKES
- They use short takes in Horror movies in order create more suspense since if there are quick takes
one after the other, the audience won’t have time to think about what’s about to happen.
- Specific shots such as low angle shots can be used in order to make the villain appear more
threatening and overpowering. However they can also be used to make the villain less scary and
more timid in some situations.
- Hand held camera shots allow more of a naturalistic take therefore it encourages a spookier
atmosphere. The rigged movements of the camera gives a sense of something about to go wrong
and can show a state of panic.