The document discusses how the horror film Insidious establishes its genre through typical codes and conventions of horror films. It establishes genre through its supernatural plot involving an evil spirit attacking a family, use of low-key lighting and costumes to depict evil forces, and clear distinctions between good characters and evil demons. The film also establishes genre through its 15 age rating, use of close-ups and soundtrack to build tension and mystery.

1. By Gabrielle Green
TEXTUAL ANALYSIS
GENRE

2. For this particular task, my group will be analysing the film Insidious (2010
Directed by James Wan)
This film has been chosen as it is a film within the horror genre which we
intend to base our group project on.
OVERVIEW

3. Typical codes and conventions include:
• The creation of enigma through narrative (Mysterious events within the film giving the audience
a sense of suspicion and tension)
• The film is usually certificated with a 15 or 18 age rating.
• Editing is generally slow paced consisting of long takes and there are transitions such as
matching shots and jump cuts.
• Binary oppositions are present. For instance, there is usually a clear distinction between good and
evil.
• Mise-en-scene elements of low-key lighting and costume such as gothic make-up is present in
these films as it connotes a sense of darkness and fear present within the setting.
• Stereotypes of gender are usually depicted in these films for instance, men play the antagonist,
whilst women tend to play the role of the victim. However, insidious challenges this as the main
antagonists are female although the demon is played by a male.
• Point of view shots are used to show subjects from the characters point of view
• In terms of camera work, there is high usage of low angle shots to connote power, extreme close
up shots or close ups which signifies the expressions of characters and highlights key objects
within the film such as weapons or notes etc.
WHAT ARE TYPICAL CODES AND CONVENTIONS
OF FILMS WITHIN THE HORROR GENRE?

4. HOW DOES INSIDIOUS CREATE
ENIGMA?
• In the opening scene of Insidious, there is a usage of low key lighting
throughout the house which is denoted through the crane shot.
• This establishes the genre of the film as it connotes darkness and a sense
of fear to the audience leaving them wanting to know what will happen
next within the narrative.
• As we can denote within the second shot, the antagonist within the film is
illuminated with under-lighting which places emphasis on facial features
and the candle he is holding.

5. • In relation to costume, stereotypically, the antagonists in horror films
tend to wear dark black clothing (usually a gown)
• Make up is worn to make these characters appear pale and lifeless
making the audience perceive them as scary.
• This element is clear in Insidious as the shadowy old woman wears a
gown and appears very unkempt and sadistic.
• Props such as candles are used within horror films as the burning is
commonly associated with evil forces such as witchcraft and
supernatural spirits
• A red candle used by the old woman connotes she is undertaking a
brutal action towards the family due to the numerous unfortunate
events which takes place in the inhabitants home.
HOW DOES INSIDIOUS ESTABLISH
GENRE
MISE-EN-SCENE

6. • Insidious is certified as a 15 rated film by the BBFC.
• Due to the content of ‘strong horror and menace’, the film has been given
this rating which suggests the film has been targeted at an older audience.
• This is a typical element of horror films as the gruesome themes such as
torture, murder and supernatural activity depicted within films are
unsuitable for young children.
HOW DOES INSIDIOUS ESTABLISH
GENRE?
(AGE RATING)

7. • In the opening scene of Insidious, there is a usage of low key lighting
throughout the house which is denoted through the crane shot.
• This establishes the genre of the film as a horror film as it connotes
darkness giving a sense of suspense to the audience.
• As we can denote within the second shot, the antagonist within the film is
illuminated with under-lighting which places emphasis on facial features
and the candle she is holding which highlights the theme of darkness.
HOW DOES INSIDIOUS ESTABLISH ITS
GENRE? (STYLE AND LIGHTING)

8. An extensive use of close up shots and extreme close up shots are used generally in horror films.
Insidious establishes its genre through this element as there are many close up shots denoted
throughout the text.
Establishing shots are typically used to show where the action will be taking place. This is usually
shot in a low key setting with FX effects such as smoke in order to connote an underlying
mystery.
HOW DOES INSIDIOUS ESTABLISH ITS
GENRE THROUGH MICRO-FEATURES
(CAMERAWORK)

9. In the opening sequence, non-diegetic sound is used.
The music is played at a very slow pitch which gradually speeds up as the
camera pans through the house.
This establishes the fact that the film is a horror film as ‘scary music’ is
included in the soundtrack.
HOW DOES INSIDIOUS ESTABLISH ITS
GENRE THROUGH MICRO-FEATURES
(SOUND)
Press Play

10. The main plot of Insidious involves a family attempting to protect their son
from an evil spirit called the further as it has invaded the home the family
recently moved into.
Son Dalton is victimised by a force dubbed the further when he attempts to
climb into the attic and suddenly falls on his head, resulting in him entering a
coma.
There are demons present within the film as well as a haggard old woman
holding a lit candle
These elements of the plot show a clear distinction between good and evil as
the family are clearly innocent people who haven’t been known to harm
anyone.
Evil themes within the film are connoted by the demons and the further as
they are the culprits behind harming the family.
HOW DOES INSIDIOUS REPRESENT
TYPICAL BINARY OPPOSITIONS TO
ESTABLISH ITS GENRE?

11. • Insidious is a film which establishes its genre as a horror film by using the
typical codes and conventions of horror.
• This is depicted through the supernatural theme of the narrative:
• Dalton falling into a coma with doctors being unable to identify the cause.
• Fictional ‘demons’ being in the house and torturing the inhabitants
• Violence and revenge; this is denoted in scenes where Josh Lambert (Dalton’s
father) strangled the detective to death.
• The action takes place with very low key lighting which signifies darkness and
mystery.
• Lastly, genre is established through the clear binary oppositions of good and
evil. This is clear as evil is presented by ‘the further’ whilst good is presented
by Josh and Renai Lambert who try and protect their son Dalton from the evil
force by calling for help and even moving home.
IN SUMMARY