This document discusses the codes and conventions commonly found in horror films. It outlines several examples of popular horror subgenres and the fears they aim to invoke, such as nightmares, vulnerability, and death. Character archetypes are described, with the final girl often surviving and villains having distinguishing murder methods. Unwritten rules are listed, like certain actions guaranteeing a character's death. Locations and weapons typically featured are also provided.

1. Codes and Conventions of HorrorI will talk through the Conventions and codes of a horror film in this slide show.

2. Examples of horror filmsHalloween – SlasherSaw – Torture Porn/GoreScream - SlasherFriday the 13th – Psychological/SlasherTexas Chainsaw Massacre - GoreThe Descent – Monster/GoreThe Exorcist - Religious

3. Horror films are unsettling and designed to cause discomfort to the viewer. When watching a horror film, unless its not very good it should do most of these things to you;Frighten and make the viewer panic causing heart rate to rise.

4. Cause dread and alarm.

5. Invoke hidden or even new fears, sometimes lasting longer then the film.

6. Captivate and entertain us in a fearful and gruesome manner.

7. Conclude often in a way that shocks the audience.Fears enforced by the horror genreAny good horror film should play on at least one of the following;Nightmares - something everyone has experienced once in their lifeVulnerability - something the human race has become with its every need easily accessible to them.Alienation - being alone is one of the scariest things for everyoneFear of the unknown - even something simple like a darkly lit roomDeath - the inevitable and also unknown, its never certain what will happen when you die.Loss of identity - losing everything you once was, an example which isn't quite horror is, The Matrix.

8. Characters (Hero's/Good)More often then no the lead character survives the film, and it is usually a female.Contradicting this though, any character can if fact die, including the main character.Most common age groups for characters in todays films are teenagers, this could be for a number of reasons; It’s the target audience of the film, people don’t really want to see a 50 year old woman in ripped clothing, its an age almost everyone can relate to. And many more possible reasons.With female characters; -sex almost always means death, only cases its not is when the woman's more matured in age.-And on the opposite, if she is a virgin she will survive victorious.