Conventions of Horror

Kieran Panchal

SettingIt is important that a suitable location is chosen when producing a horror film. The use of a setting in a film can help create can influence the viewers feelings and aid in creating an unnerving tone of in a scene. From analysing many existing horror films such as Creep (underground station) and The Grudge (haunted house) , I have discovered that typically isolated and dark locations are used as settings. This creates an impression of loneliness, vulnerability and helplessness of the protagonist amongst the viewer. Other location examples are:• Abandoned towns/cities• Woodland• Rural areas• Old/haunted houses• Underground tunnels

SoundThe sound (both diegetic and non-diegetic) can influence the atmosphere of a scene hugely – although we may not notice it. Although the use of music and soundtrack (non-diegetic) will be used throughout, It generally has the greatest effect at the most climatic points in a horror film and is used to increase tension and suspense. Often at these points the soundtrack will be in a minor key – usually with sustained notes, and volume will often escalate as the story comes closer to the climax or ‘scary bit’. Alternatively, amongst more recent films there tends to be a trend of old-fashioned fairground or children’s music which can create an equally eerie effect, for example The Woman in Black. There are also many diegetic sounds commonly associated with horror films. These create a similar effect to soundtracks, however they tend not to build tension, instead they are more sudden and jumpy. Films such as Paranormal activity and The Ring tend to utilise this very well. Some common examples of diegetic sound are:• Screams• Bangs (doors/windows etc.)• Squeaks (floorboards/doors)• gunshots

PropsThe use of props is noticeable in all horror movies. Props are one of the most important genre conventions, and can often create an impression of reality amongst the viewer, helping to produce an overall more scary tone. Traditional horror films would put props such as knives, guns, general weaponry (Chainsaw – Texas Chainsaw Massacre) and sharp items which generally spontaneous weapons. However, in the modern day there tends to be a trend of more subtle props that carry much further and deeper psychological connotation. For example:• Religious items – usually Christian, such as Bibles (The Dead) or

Crucifixes (The Exorcist) • Toy boxes (The Possession)• Dolls and children’s toys (The conjuring).

Character In every horror film, you will find that there is a protagonist and an antagonist/group of antagonists. In modern day horror films, we usually find that the protagonist will be a character that is socially and culturally similar to the average viewer of the film (usually teenagers – 30 year olds), this is to make the movie not only feel more relatable and therefore more frightening but also helps you form a bond with the character making you root for them more. For example in the Scream movies and ‘Shrooms’, the protagonists are teenage girls – similarly to the target audience. Also in horror films we find that the protagonist that the viewers are rooting for ends up the hero and comes out on top against the villain antagonist.Examples of antagonists:• Creepy children• Police officers• Ghosts/Demons• Zombies• Deranged serial killers

Camera WorkThere are many horror film-specific camera shots used in order to create an effect on the viewer. Some examples are:• High and low angle shots - show power or dominance or weakness

and insignificance among characters.• Point of View shots – Gives the viewer the impression of looking

through the character’s eyes.• Rough ‘handheld’ camera work– makes the footage feel more

realistic and believable.• Fast moving shots – create a sense of disorientation • Establishing shots – give the viewer a good sense of the location of

the scene.• Close ups – to show character reaction