1. Mise-En-Scene Isolated settings, or domestic settings often
at night time Dark atmosphere, created by expressionistic lighting,
shadowy lighting
2. Camera Work and Editing Crosscutting for suspense sequences
Faster cutting for violent action Point of view shots for those
being watched Hand held shots for chase scenes
3. Characters Hedonistic teenagers (having a good time)
Innocent girls Victims become heroes Monsters Final girl
Psychologically damaged adults
4. Narrative Structure Conforms to Todorovs equilibrium,
Disruption, Restoration of Equilibrium Propps character theory
Binary oppositions between good and evil, life and death,
supernatural and natural leading to resolution of those conflicts
but often with a twist at the end suggesting all is not well
Victims using their skills to solve the crime and reveal/overthrow
the murderer
5. Music and Sound Heartbeats Atmospheric Psycho strings Loud
bangs and crashes Screams
6. Icons Blood Gore Knives Shadows Darkness Masks Ghosts
Deformities