Codes and conventions of a horror film

Gets fear and apprehension in the viewers.

Normally starts off showing how normal the protagonist’s lifestyle is. They are often young, or youthful, and good looking, in order for them to be liked by the audience. As they are often teenagers, they are more vulnerable, and more alienated, too old to be trusted, but also too young. Often involves typical American stereotypes, such as jocks, cheerleaders and ‘nerds’ or ‘weirdos’.

Horror movies are often set in a suburban setting. This means they are alienated enough to not be able to find help, but also not far into the countryside which few viewers would be able to relate to. However, also countryside when it’s a ‘road trip’ or camping movie where a group of young adults/ teens go away by themselves, or any isolated setting which you can get lost or trapped in.

Camera work is unnatural- lots of high angle and low angle shots to connotate fear.

Use of sound, dramatic music, silence, emphasised diagetic sounds such as breathing, heartbeat, and footsteps in order to create tension.

There are conventions that people come to associate events with in horror films, such as silence and slow shots and edits just before the monster jumps out.

The ‘monster’ is always defeated at the end of the film, but may not be actually dead, as they can come back in sequels.

The main bulk of the scary-ness in a movie is often set at night. This makes it harder to see what is around, and is therefore scary-er and easier to create tension.