This document outlines common conventions in horror genre films, including:
- Settings that are isolated with low lighting to create fear of the unknown, such as abandoned buildings with dark histories.
- Camera work like high/low angles, point-of-view shots, handheld footage, and close-ups to make it difficult to see and build tension.
- Editing that varies between slow to build suspense and fast to create drama, and characters including a fragile protagonist and strong antagonist representing good vs. evil.
2. Setting
The setting of horror films is usually in an isolated
place as it gives the affect of you being on your own
and creates the fear of the unknown. Another common
convention is for the place to have low key lighting, as
this yet again creates the effect of the fear of the
unknown. Often films with a horror genre will be set in
places that has a “dark” history like a mental asylum,
abandoned houses etc
Sometimes horror films will be located at a normal
everyday place like a family home as it creates the
effect to the audience that you are not safe anywhere.
3. Camera Work
Camera work used in horror films is usually expressive and
natural. High and Low angle shots may have connotations
to fear and nightmares. Point of view shots are used a lot as
it often shows the audience what the creature or monster
is looking at this creates tension and suspense for the
audience as they are waiting for something to happen.
Hand held shots is another key convention for horror genre
as it makes it hard for the audience to see what is
happening. Often Depth of field is very effective as it makes
it hard for the audience to see what is happening in the
background or foreground. Horror films may also have
extreme close up shots as it shows the characters
expressions of fear.
4. Editing
Editing varies in the horror genre for example
if they are trying to create tension and
suspense the editing will be quite slow as the
slower the pace the more suspense is made.
Editing may also be fast paced, as it creates
drama and tension yet again
5. Characters
In a horror film there is usually a protagonist
and antagonist. The protagonist is usually
quite a fragile, weak character usually a young
female, while the antagonist is represented as
a strong male character.
