Horror Codes And Conventions

 

• Setting is very important in horror films as they create the atmosphere in the movie.
• Horror films are usually set in isolated places of where there is a small group of people or community. By doing this makes the audience feel that the characters are trapped and nobody can help them and nobody can find the protagonist or the creature that is causing the horror.
• The typical horror scene would be set at night because this creates a scary feel and makes an audience feel uncomfortable as they do not know what is in the darkness.
• Typical settings are old abandoned buildings, woodlands, cabins, graveyard and other locations that are dark.
• Horror films normally contain young characters or teenagers as these are seen to be the most vulnerable.
• The genre normally contains the stereotypical young attractive (usually blonde) female and she is normally the first to die, go missing or first to have something happen to her.
• It is extremely rare for horror movies to be certified under the age of 15 and they contain scenes of horror, violence, sexual reference and blood.
• Some typical horror camera shots are extreme close up, low and high angle, point of view and hand held camera action (Paranormal Activity style films)
• The iconography of the colours are mainly black and red. Black is a colour which signals darkness unfamiliarity. Red is symbolic for danger.
• The lighting is un-naturalistic and the lighting is used to scare the audience by creating an effect.