Generic Conventions of Horror Films.

As we have chosen to do a Horror/Thriller opening, this lesson we have been researching the generic conventions of Horror and Thriller films, so we have an idea about what to include so we can fulfil the criteria of a good horror/thriller and make it easy for the audience to understand and know the genre instantly.

Generic conventions of a Horror Film:

A Horror aims to create a combination of fear and fascination for its audience. This genre can include the supernatural medical or psychological ideologies, in order to create the perfect sequence.

History of Horror Films: It seemed to stem from the gothic tradition in literature, in the 18^th and 19^th century which included dark settings, gross descriptions and brooding menace- inspirations were: Mary Shelly , HG Wells and Edgar Allen Poe and many more.

Characters:   A Killer (Usually identity is hidden or there is a twist),Victims –Male & Female, Innocent Child/ children, A possessed/disturbed child, A Suspicious Hotel/property owner, Detective characters.

Mise-en-scene: A Knife, Blood, Forest/ Wood, Shack, Derelict properties, Fire, weapons.

Visual Style: Low Key Lighting, Shadows, Close-Ups, Low Angle Shots, Medium Shots, Shots Of Characters, Reflection In One Or More Mirrors, Usually Dark (Set At Night), Location Shooting & Studio Shooting.

Themes: Violence, Gore, Suspense, Thriller and there can be some Comedy/ Humour, Hysteria.

Settings: Woods/ Forest, Trapped In A Maze, in the Street, at a School, within a town or City, Horror Can Usually Be Set Anywhere, as long as the other factors like visual style, themes and characters all match the genre.