This document discusses the genre of horror films. It provides examples of well-known horror movies and notes that they typically aim to scare viewers through themes involving psychology, religion, monsters, gore or true stories. It explains that horror films usually feature a survivor protagonist battling an identifiable villain/killer who has a trademark murder technique. Camera techniques like handheld shots, point-of-view shots, and close-ups are important for creating atmosphere and conveying fear or rage. Locations are often isolated areas that enhance feelings of being alone and vulnerable.

1. What is genre?
a class or category of artistic endeavour having a particular form, content or
technique.

2. I will be writing about the typical conventions of the genre ‘horror’
Some examples of horror consist off
• Pyscho
• The shining
• The exorcist
• Wolf Creek
• The decent
• Saw
• Texas chainsaw massacre

3. Typically a horror film is made to try and ‘scare’ the viewer,
however in some situations it does more. Horror films always
have one basic theme which the plot revolves around. Such
as: Psychological, religious, monsters (supernatural), Gore or
in some circumstances a true story. These movies all have
similar incentives: To try and frighten and shock us, to invoke
hidden fears, cause dread and alarm and often end in a
terrifying, shocking finale.

4. There is always some sort of lead character, in the cases of horror movies
which involve murder, this character is often the survivor.
The villain/killer/monster of the film often has a trade mark technique.
Whether it is the way in which he kills his victims or the weapon he uses
to do it. For example in ‘Jason’ or ‘Freddie vs. Jason’ Jason always has a
hockey mask and a machete alternatively Freddie has metal claws and a
black and red striped jumper. This can often lead to some history of the
character. Similar to many different genres, horror usually functions with
a Protagonist and an Antagonist. Typically the Protagonist is the victor
of the epic battle which gives provides the audience with a cathartic
experience.

5. Typically a small isolated town or village, any dark, ominous
places which make the characters isolated and alone. Often
there are places which have some sort of history, such as a
house where a family was murdered. Horror films can often be
set in forests or woods as well, this creates can be effective as it
creates an atmosphere of no civilisation. For example ‘The
Blare Witch Project’

6.  Camera angles are very important to make a horror film. Different angles
create different atmospheres. For example a handheld shot can prevent
the audience from seeing what they want to, this can make the
killer/monster much more scary when it is finally revealed. For example
‘Paranormal Activity’
 POV shots allow the audience to see from the killer/monsters
perspective, an e example of this is when we can see the monster looking
at the victim, however the victim is oblivious.
 Extreme close ups can be used to connote the fear on the protagonists
face, alternatively they can be used to show the rage of the antagonist.