mise-en-scene of the paranormal and psychological sub-genres of horror

2. • The films I will be using to investigate the
typical mise-en-scene are:
• Annabelle (2014)
• Sinister (2012)
• The Babadook (2014)

3. All of these screenshots show
that it is conventional for
props to be used in the
psychological and paranormal
sub-genres of horror. All of
the props pictured are quite
eerie looking and create a
sense of curiosity and
discomfort within the
audience.
In most of these screenshots,
an over-the-shoulder shot has
been used to try and give the
audience a similar perspective
to the characters. This makes
the audience experience the
same fear and unease as the
characters in the film.

4. It is typical in psychological and
paranormal horror films for the setting
to be a household of some kind. The
colours used tend to be quite dull and
bleak – creating an uncomfortable
atmosphere for the viewer. Even during
the daytime, the houses appear to be
bleak and dark. This creates a sense of
constant discomfort which foreshadows
the disruption that will inevitably be
caused later on. As well as this, the
location of the houses tend to be very
remote and isolated. This is done to
create the impression that there is no
escape from their problems and that
there is nobody that will help them

5. The costumes worn by characters are
usually neutral in colour. This is to
create the impression that they are
innocent and vulnerable. It is typical
for the most vulnerable characters to
be targeted by any spirits or demons –
so light, neutral costumes emphasise
their weakness. In contrast to this, the
antagonistic characters usually wear all
black costumes. This is to emphasise
their intent to terrorise and their
inhuman nature. However, some
horror films will have the antagonist in
a distressed, white costume in order to
juxtapose their frightening nature.
When this is done, it is usually paired
with disturbing make up.

6. Blood is often used for the victims in
psychological and paranormal horror
films. They are often somehow attacked
by an inhuman entity and physical harm
is caused to them. When they are in a
peaceful or neutral state, the
protagonists wear little make up in order
to emphasise their vulnerability and their
purity. However, for villains in the horror
genre, they usually have excessive
amounts of make up. Their skin is
incredibly pale and their eyes are often
abnormally dark. This is done to create
the impression of an evil soul and shows
that their intentions are harmful. Villains
usually have a lot of black and white
make up in order to make their facial
features appear to be sharper and more
intimidating.

7. In horror films of any sub-genre, low key
lighting is almost always used. This is
because it creates an unnerving effect
on the audience. Because vision is
restricted, there is the fear of the
unknown. There are dim hues of light
which will cast shadows and distorted
figures onto surfaces. As well as this,
movements are harder to see and are
more subtle. These create a much more
terrifying atmosphere as the audience
are unaware of what could be in the
background and it creates a sense of
unpredictability about the situation.

8. Shot types that are less common in other
genres, such as the extreme close up, are
often used throughout the horror genre.
This is because they show the expression
of characters in much greater detail and,
because they are so intrusive, it can add
to the audience’s sense of unease and
discomfort. It is conventional for horror
films to be a little more experimental with
camera movements and angles –
especially those of a psychological nature
as they aim to somewhat disorientate the
audience.

9. Facial expressions go hand-in-hand
with the use of extreme close ups.
Characters within the horror genre tend
to have distressed facial expressions
and cautious, uncomfortable body
language. Antagonists, on the other
hand, have much more menacing facial
expressions. Sometimes they have
excessive grins whilst causing trouble
for victims in order to show their
sadistic nature and juxtaposes the
trauma that the victims are
experiencing.