Genre Conventions Research Blog HORROR

 

One movie genre me and my group thought about was Horror.

    •    Common camera angles used in horror videos/movies would be high-angles often used to make characters appear vulnerable, low-angle to make characters look more dominant, Dutch angles are used to create a sense of imbalance and close-ups are used to show fear on someone’s eyes or show a curvature smile.

    •    Common mis-en-scene in horror films are a dark setting in a rural location away from everyone, props often used are weapons such as knives, axes and chainsaws that would create a painful death, Black, red, grey and brown would all be colours considered for a horror film as they all signify danger and tragedy, most people (mainly victims) in horror films look like the are dressed casually but a lot of effort is put into their outfits to show hints of their role and personality in the movie, the weaker characters in the frame are the ones who are opposite the camera on the floor showing how positioning affects how the film is and finally facial expressions used in Horror films would be those of fright and terror as the whole purpose of a horror is to entertain through fear

    •    Common editing strategies in horror are cuts to build pace quickly, they are usually used to get from one shot to the next rapidly, with no transitions in between the two shots. These are mainly used in action or thriller trailers to create suspense and are sometimes implemented into horror trailer, like Sinister, at the end of the trailer to build to the climax, normally featuring a jumpscare. Another transition that is frequently used, especially in horror films, is the fade to black. It is mainly used at the start of a trailer to help narrate the story at a slow pace so that tension can be built from the off

    •    Example of horror films: A nightmare on Elm street, Halloween and Psycho

    •    If I were to use this genre, I would definitely implement easy things to accomplish at home. This things can be lightning, camera angles and mis-en-scene that can be motified instead of spending money. Lighthing can be achieved by using led lights on closing windows and using flash lights. The camera angles would be achieved by the camera man which is also really easy and free. We could also edit a certain way or edit in sounds to make it fit into the horror genre. 

    •    One element that doesn't appeal to me is the props and acting skills necessary. For the props, it would have to be somethibg that can create a quick death like a knive which is a safety concern for me. The acting skills its also concerning due to the fact that if you don't have a good acting "face" it would be hard to be scary. This elements don't appeal but i'm sure can be achieved easily be achieved.