GENRE CONVENTIONS...

HORROR GENRE: AS MEDIA FILM OPENING PRE-PRODUCTION

WHAT IS A GENRE CONVENTION…

A genre convention- A genre convention is something that is commonly used in media films. One could say that is it a stereotypical element to a film. In my instance I have chosen to research a horror film. This has resulted in this PowerPoint- I shall carry out some research in which I will analyse everything regarding genre conventions within horror.

MISE-EN-SCENE/ICONOGRAPHYWeather…

Typically within a horror film the setting is always isolated and dark. This is often used to insure that the audience knows what genre the film is and how they should reached to certain elements within the film. Pathetic fallacy is often used within a horror film to reflect the dark mood of the scene, for example thunder, storms or rain. Thunder and lightening is used because it triggers feelings of uncertainty and unease. This is prefect for horror films as it insures the audience feel a sense of uncertainty and fear. These elements help to create a strong horror film in which the audience will want to watch it again.

In regards to props….

There is always a large range of props used within horror films: knifes, hammers, guns, chainsaws, masks, ultimately anything that is threatening or dangerous. These props are used to inflict pain and course damage. Moreover creating damage on its victim. These are used to increase the levels of uncertainty for the audience and ultimately create more of an atmosphere for the audience. Blood is a common prop used throughout most horror films within all ages/types of horror. It creates a real sense of fear and threat.

Lighting…

Commonly dark and gloomy lighting it used throughout horror films to create a tense mood and atmosphere. This again encourages a sense of fear within the audience. Bright and vibrant lighting is commonly used for the victims or ‘innocent’ actors. This is a good way of telling who the ‘goodies’ and ‘villains’ are. Shadows and flickering light are additionally commonly used in regards to mise-en-scene and can ultimately ensure a setting or location looks intense and spooky.

Clothing…

This is completely dependant on the film itself but ultimately and stereotypically the villain is usually in dark/black clothing to represent and show the audience their dark qualities. This then emphasises the mood and tone of the film. In regards to the victim, he/she is usually clothed in extremely innocent/young clothing to make the audience feel sorry for the victim. This additionally creates more drama and allows the film to become that bit more intense.

SETTING/LOCATION

In regards to the setting and location of a typical horror film, it is ultimately shot somewhere far from sight: dark, dull, in the forest, in an abandoned area, in the woods, late at night and so on. Examples include, old warehouses, graveyards, hospitals, abandoned houses/attics e.c.t. This is due to the fact that many of these locations have something in common: they all have elements of fear and uncertainty. A large element of all of these features is the element of death and therefore can foreshadow the upcoming events. This additionally allows the audience to better understand/follow the film. The setting of a horror film should have the element of fear. In some cases setting are used that are associated with good memories and happiness (for example a forest/park) whereby you may take your family, friends and partners. This makes the setting even more impacting and courses the audience the be even more so effected by the film.

TECHNICAL CODES

Camera angles…Many directors (if not all) will use a diverse range of camera angles to help create a sense of terror and dramatic atmosphere. By using multiple different types the audience is also being show all elements of the action. The director is showing all the elements of the horror film which thus will help to create more of a dramatic atmosphere and therefore a better film. For example, a low camera angle maybe used when the villain is shown- this allows the audience to be viewed as superior and more dramatic. Additionally creating more suspense. This also allows the character to be viewed with more power and dominance.

Cuts and editing…Edits such as the jump cut could be used to emphasise when events are happening extremely quickly and thus reflecting in the final edit.

Camera shots… Horror films usually include a range of different camera shots: close up, medium close up, high-angle, low-angle, establishing shot, over-the-shoulder and extreme close up. The extreme close up, for me, is one of the most easy yet impacting shot in horror films. It insure that all the emotion of the character is captured and thus allows even more tension to be created.

Here are some examples of the camera shot which I took during lesson. These shots include: Over the shoulder, high angle, low angle and a perspective shot.

NARRATIVES

Stereotypically horror films follow the narrative of someone being tormented or hurt. Narratives additionally include a twist which leaves the audience in despair or confusing. This is a good element of a horror film as it leaves the audience talking about your film and ultimately increases ‘buzz’ and will hopefully create more interest and revenue of the film. A good example of this is ‘Mamma’. Usually all narratives used by directors are relatable for the audience and are used in the hope to create tension and drama for the audience.

CHARACTERS Within all horror films characters are ultimately the most important element. They can either make the film a hit or a disaster. Usually this includes the hero/ victim/ villain. All play an important role within the films and each have a important role to play. There is additionally a sex appeal element to the film. Women are stereotypically presented as un-intelligent and are commonly are killed first/ removed from the film. This not only attracted the element of a male audience but encourages discussion regarding film and creates more interest within the film.

THEMES

In regards to the themes within a horror film include a diverse range of elements. These range from: good vs evil, hate, violence, danger, suicide, depression, religion, gore, envy, unease, religion, fear. All these themes have one factor in common- the ability to scare/make the audience frightened. These themes are vital to insure that the horror film meets the demands of the audience and have a positive reaction. This is an important element to genre conventions as it ensure that the audience know and understand what they are watching and that the director and actors are on the same page when the film is in production.

EXAMPLES OPENING SCENES TYPICALLY FOUND IN HORROR FILMS

Here is an example of a film opening title sequence. It shows the audience all the information regarding the film: the actors, the directors, the production company, the name of the film, and so on. It allows the audience to understand what type of film they’re actually going to watch. For some it maybe a positive, as it shows you perhaps someone you are familiar with and you know for sure that they are going to produce a good quality film. Thus ensuring that the audience additionally keep watching the film as they have loyalty and trust in actors or producers). Film credits and film opening are a vital element of all films. It not only allows the actors and directors to receive the credit they deserve that then allows the audience to understand what to expect (as I mentioned above).

Typical within opening scenes for horror films, the colouring and lighting is extremely dull and dark. As shown in the image above the opening reflects this perfectly. When the audience sees this image the audience instantly knows what to expect: a horror film. The colouring of the opening credits additionally have a vital part to play within the film. It not only set the mood/tone but allows the audience to have a good first impression.

In regards to this film opening credits, I really like the design and colouring within the shot. I potentially will use this as inspiration for my film opening credits.