This document provides a summary of common conventions in horror/psychological thriller films. It notes that these films typically involve a struggle for survival between good and evil taking place in an isolated setting. Common elements include the use of weapons like knives and saws by an evil force intruding on the lives of other characters. Technical elements aim to build tension through the use of lighting, camera techniques like close-ups, and a mix of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds. Character archetypes include victims like a "dumb blonde" as well as potential rescuers who may turn out to be false heroes.

1. Genre: Horror/Psychological Film Teaser
Thriller
Generic conventions - A struggle for survival – a Setting – in an abandoned house, a
Mise en Scene : fight between good and evil. shop in the middle of the city
(Costume, props, iconography) - Set in an isolated area where
no help can be found Weapons – sharp objects i.e. saws,
Characters - Plays on common fears such daggers etc
as insects Chase scene
Narrative - Uses the theme of
supernatural origins i.e. evil Uses the theme of an evil character
force intruding into the other character’s
- Knives and saws (sharp everyday life.
objects) are used often as
weapons Voiceover/Narrator – in the view of the
- Everyday objects i.e. statues, evil character
kitchen utensils etc. as
weapons The actions of the evil character
- The villain is always hiding his sometimes are taken place in the day
face or is unknown (in the time.
shadows) to the characters.
The evil character is never at the
- The setting is (most of the scene of the crime, but his voice can
time) an abandoned/isolated be heard – like he is watching the
place surrounded by trees characters as they try and survive.
- The time of day is always at
night
- Good looking, brave, male
character – main male
character – who gets injured

2. or killed trying to save the rest
of the group. Love interest of
the main female character.
- A dumb blonde who is known
to be a promiscuous and
selfish. She ends up being
killed during the film.
- A false hero is seems brave
on the surface, but when
faced with a difficult situation,
his true colours are revealed.
- Shy, overly scared character
who often dies in the end
after a build up of panic
Technical Rules/Codes: - High and low angles – show
power over the characters Fast jump cuts – to create tension
Camera techniques, angles, - Extreme close ups – show
shots. emotion (mainly fear) Uses both high and low angles when
Editing - Close up shots – identify with the characters are trying to escape
Sound a character
Lighting - Tracking the character Natural lighting – for the scene in the
- Hand held camera – gives a city
sense of realism Artificial lighting – when inside the
- Steadicam is sometimes used building (screaming)
Dark lighting – to build suspense when
- Fast cuts – creates a sense characters are waiting.
of pace and panic. Can
confuse the audience of what More use of non-diegetic sound near
is going on in the scenes. the end of the teaser – builds up
climax

3. - Fade-to-black – builds Little use of diegetic sound – only
suspense and leave some heard when the characters were
questions unanswered screaming.
- Use of diegetic (footsteps, Special effects – saws coming out of
screams, heavy breathing) the title screen.
and non-diegetic (eerie
backing track) creates the
atmosphere.
- Usually dark lighting which
hides parts of the character to
create mystery in the
character’s personality.