Conventions and Conventions of Horror Genre

Below is evidence of research that has been done into the genre of our film. The reason that research was done into multiple genres was due to the fact that we decided to make our film a hybrid genre of both horror/thriller. Here is some research into the codes and conventions of the different aspects of these genres, as we are going to see how it compares to our finished film.

Horror Genre

Setting - The setting in a horror film is generally used as a way to connote danger. It can sometimes be an isolated location, for example, as seen in this extract of the film Texas Chainsaw Massacre. By having a location away from civilization, this connotes to the audience the idea of something unknown, as well as there being a lack of help at hand.



Lighting - The lighting in a horror film is often used as another way of signifying danger. The use of a lack of light can be seen as a way of hiding something that we would be normally able to see as people. In horror films, lighting is often used to play with our fear of the dark as it connotes due to use not being able to see what is there rather than being able to see something. This is what gives a lack of light an element of danger. It is also sometimes the case that horror films contain scenes where there is a contrast to lighting to connote danger. A switch from one scene to another where the lighting changes can often change the mood to the film. This is shown from about 8 minutes on, in the film extract above.

Typical Character Types - There are different kinds of character types that are in typical horror movies. It is not always the case that there is a set number of character types or one or two types. However, there are often common themes within characters in horror films. It is often the case that there is a protagonist and antagonist. However, it may be clear who is the protagonist and they may not even be seen much throughout, which adds to the element of mystery to a film. There may be a vulnerable character who is killed to connote the theme of the film. This is seen, for example, in the opening to the film Scream (1996) below.



Costume - Costume tends to have a lot of purpose in horror films, even if it may seem as if doesn't. The majority of characters often wear normal clothes e.g. t-shirt and jeans for male. By having characters wear clothes that your average teenagers would wear, not only does it appeal more to the audience and make it seem more real, but it connotes the idea therefore whatever happens in the film could happen also in real life. It makes it seem more possible if the characters are average people in an average life and therefore subtlety adds an element of danger to the film.