Horror Genre

GENRE – Idea of repetition and difference

Horror Genre Conventions:

CHARACTERS:
Victims - Female
Male villain/killer - (distorted image? monster? demon? mask? psychotic?)
Human heroes
Children are common

THEMES/FEELINGS:
Eerie
Suspense
Shock
Secrecy
Fear
Anticipation
Tension
Jump
Heart Race
Nervous
Disturbing
Claustrophobic
Dramatic

COMMON NARRATIVE:
Stalking
Being watched
Obsession
Death/impending
Killing/murder
Psychopathic behaviour
Chase
Being Trapped
Superatural
Revenge
Jealousy
Lust/crimes of passion
Torture
Mutilation
Spying

LIGHTING:
Dark
Low Key Lighting
Unnatural light

ICONOGRAPHY/PROPS:
Blood
Gore
Mist
Shadows
Silhouettes
Weapons
Candles
Cloaks
Mask
Bloody Dagger

CAMERA MOVEMENT:
Distorted – different angles
Fast paced - action
Slow movements - tense moments
Tracks
Hand-held
Point Of View Shots
Enigmatic Shooting
Use of lots of close-ups

LOCATIONS:
The ordinary – home (bedrooms, bathrooms, basements)
Deserted/abandoned buildings
Forests
Hospitals
Dark Alleys
Dark Places
Haunted, isolated places

SOUND:
Screams
Heart Beat
Creaks
Weather – Thunder
Breathing
Silence
Creepy Music