This document summarizes common conventions and techniques used in horror and psychological thriller films. It describes haunted locations, masked or faceless evil figures, and a gradual buildup of tension. Character archetypes include a "dumb blonde" who is killed, a geeky male who survives, and a brave hero who is injured or dies trying to save others. Technical elements include high and low camera angles to emphasize power dynamics, fast cuts to create an unsettling pace, and the use of both diegetic and non-diegetic sounds. Overall, the genre relies on blurred lines between fantasy and reality to play on common fears.

1. Genre: Horror/Psychological Thriller Film Teaser
Generic conventions A struggle good against evil. Shadows that seem ambiguous and we are
Mise en Scene : therefore unsure entirely of the story.
(Costume, props, iconography) Haunted houses, dark corridors, old
buildings. Running sequences down long corridors, either
Characters towards camera or using a dolly.
Play on common fears, blurring the lines
Narrative between fantasy and reality. Hiding in confined and uncomfortable spaces.
“Dumb” promiscuous blonde who is A masked or faceless evil figure.
always killed. Seen as cathartic as she is
cleansed of her sin. A gradual build up of tension, reflected through
pace and non-diegetic sound.
Male geeky character who knows how to
overcome the situation. Old isolated locations
Good looking, brave, hero male who dies
or is seriously injured trying to save the
day. He often has a love interest with the
naturally prettiest girl.
A shy, overly scared character.
The falsely brave, self absorbed bully who
is killed.
Technical Rules/Codes: High/low angle shots often used to High and low angles create dominance or
emphasise the power of the evil character submission.
Camera techniques, angles, shots. over the good.
Editing Contrasts between light and ark. Use of each is
Sound Fast cuts, often meaning the audience intense and uncomfortable.
Lighting can’t see the whole scene.
Use of diegetic sound such as footsteps and
Slow, child like music is made to seem screams, but non diegetic eerie and sinister music.
sinister as it is in an incorrect situation.
Fast edits that create pace and confusion
Sudden loud noises scare the viewer.
Use of light and dark.