The document outlines common conventions in horror films, including that they often feature an element of death, take place in isolated settings like abandoned buildings with dark pasts, and involve a protagonist facing a monster or evil presence. Key visual elements include the use of dark colors, low-key lighting, dark costumes, masks, weapons and props associated with villains to create a sinister atmosphere and frighten the audience.

1. Conventions of horror of films
An element involving death
e.g. a murder, a ghost
presence, living dead
(Vampires and Zombies).
The setting is usually isolated.
There is a monster/evil that the
main character has to
face/defeat e.g. 28 Days Later.
Blood is a common
feature.
They are designed to
frighten or unsettle
the audience in some
way.
The setting is somewhere
with a dark past. These can
be hospitals, old houses etc.
which are abandoned.
There is usually a a hero or
protagonist who has a mission
to kill or solve the problem.
Uses dark colors to create a sinister
feeling, this is usually black and red
which are related to blood, evil and
There is usually a
villain e.g. in Saw
Props can be associated with a
specific villain or character e.g.
knife, chainsaw.
Lighting helps to give a
dark/sinister atmosphere. Low
key lighting is mainly used to
create shadows etc.
Costumes are kept
dark to represent the
evil characters.
Some costumes are linked with
particular characters e.g. a
mummy is wrapped in layers of
cloth.
Masks and
weapons are
usually found.