The document discusses key elements of the horror genre including setting, iconography, cinematography, narrative/characters, and themes. Settings in horror films are usually eerie locations that set the tone and allow for scary shots. Iconography includes props, costumes, and characters used to develop personality. Cinematography employs shots and camera angles to only reveal what filmmakers want seen, using techniques like point of view shots. Narratives feature a protagonist and antagonist with supporting characters that may die, and can have sequels. Common themes are good vs evil, zombies, vampires, insanity, revenge, nightmares, masked murderers, and sci-fi horrors.

1. Horror Genre Analysis
Oh the horror…

2. Setting
• Most horror/Thriller films are usually set in an eerie or peculiar setting so
they are able to set a tone for the rest of the film. Although most are not
set in the same location through out there are locations which will stand
out in films. With the setting it can help to tell the rest of the story and can
also aid in providing scary shots to scare the audience.
• For example The hills have eyes is a setting set out in a Deserted
wasteland surrounded by hills. This allows them to create/ base a storyline
around and also allows them to conjure up scenes that will be able to play
along with it.
• Other settings include: Haunted house, Foggy forest , abandoned
apartment and mysterious movie theatre…

3. Iconography
• Horror films also use iconography to improve their movie.
They use different props, costumes and characters.
• For example films can use a different variety of weapons such
as chainsaws, knifes, and blunt weapons to help give a
personality to the characters
• Also they are able to dress the characters differently for
example they can wear masks to help conceal their identity.
Scream films are an example of this

4. Cinematography
• Film makers can also use different types of shots and camera
angles so they can only reveal what they want the viewer to
see.
• They can use shots such as: establishing, POV and first person
shots so they are able to give different impressions to the
viewer. E.G. Cloverfield is a good example of a movie that is
primarily filmed from a first person perspective so they are
able to convey all the actors and emotions.
• Through editing they are also able to use a variety of sound
effects to help create tension and shock in their films. Jump
scares are a prime example of using sound effects to create
tension and shock.

5. Narrative/Characters
• One of the main conventions used in horror films is the use of
narrative, they can decide if they would like to create a sequel
or if they would like to end the film as it is.
• Also they will always have a protagonist and an antagonist
character so they are able to create a storyline based around
the character and also their fate (Live or die)
• Although there are supporting characters who can have an
effect on the film and can help change opinions on other
characters, though these characters may often be killed in
horror films. They can also include: Zombies, Vampires and
aliens…

6. Themes
• There is a wide variety of themes used throughout the horror
genre including:
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Good vs. evil
Zombie apocalypse
Vampires
Insanity
Revenge
Nightmare
Masked Murder
Sci-fi horror