Conventions of the horror genre

Mise-en-scene

Setting - In a horror film the setting can be anywhere. In the trailers that i have researched they are all set in a different places. Either in the woods, in the home or in the middle of nowhere, however they all tend to be isolated from the rest of society with only the villain and the victims there. The reason for this is that it creates tension and suspense to the audience, knowing that something is going to happen, but not knowing when creates physical effects towards the audience- adrenaline rush.


Props - weapons such as knives, guns and saws are used to show/suggest danger and violence and also the fear of being hurt and in pain, for example in the film Saw (2003). Masks are also often used to hide the identity of the killer, for example Scream (1997)


Colours- the colours of the text are predominantly black, white or red. This is because these colours denote death, murder and darkness. The colours work well together to create the effect of horror and evilness.
Red represents blood, danger and evil entities such as the devil. Black represents darkness and mystery, it also relates to the phrase 'the black sheep' which is an outcast from family or society. This is generally the case within horror, when the villain is neglected from society. White can suggest coldness, which can relate to the personality of the villain.

Costume, hair and makeup - the way the characters are dressed lets the audience know what type of character they are. If the character is dressed in dark clothing and is covered up-so the identity is not revealed then stereotypically they are seen as the villain. The make-up used on a villain, will generally be really pale so the features are emphasised e.g. pale face, with dark eyes to give them a creepy look. A good example of this would be the Joker in Batman. The victims (protagonist) are usually dressed in casual, everyday, outfits so that they look 'normal' towards society. Whereas the villain will look different and will possibly stand out more (against the norm of society). However, this is not always the case and there will be exceptions to the rule, an example would be when when a villain is not obvious and are shown as part of the group.

Sound: 

Diegetic sound- An example of this within horror would be a victim screaming, the sound of a door opening or the sound of a gun shot. Trailers have to be suitable for all ages, the trailer cannot show disturbing/violent scenes and can't be over the top - causing too much fright. It would give too much away. Therefore they have to rely on sound and effects to make these elements evident e.g hearing a scream without seeing the attack. The use of character interaction (dialogue) will help the narrative along and will help the audience to understand the events within the trailer. Using this within a trailer helps show the narrative of the film and helps create suspense, tension and enigmas.


Non diegetic sound - It is sound that has been added during post production. Within horror trailers, the sound used is generally music that will create a spooky effect or will create tension. Sounds such as a heartbeat can be used to create a scary effect and suspense. For example in the high pitched sound in the music in the trailer for Thirty Days Of Night gives a sinister feel to the film and helps create tension along with the visual in screen.

Sound Bridge- The same music or sound that links two scenes together, to make the action scene interrupted. This would be use in the middle of the trailer as it will be revealing the action within the film, it helps to keep the continuity within the film by carrying on with the same source of sound.

Voiceover- a voiceover is generally used in a theatrical trailer, but is sometimes used in a teaser trailer with the actors voice used over a sequence of shots. This is shown within trailers for films such as Twilight, Thirty Days Of Night and I am Legend. The purpose of a voiceover is to help the audience understand the visual and the narrative of the film throughout the trailer.

Cinematography: 

Establishing shot - is used at the beginning of the trailer to set the scene and to show equilibrium. Normally you will see the soon-to-victims leading their normal lives before the disruption occurs.

Close up - this shot shows the detail of a subjects face. It's used within horror trailers to show the fear and emotion of the victims and making the audience to feel their pain. It can be also used to show the face of the villain, or an extreme close up may be used to show just a section of their face for example their eyes. This will create an enigma as the audience wont be sure what the villain fully looks like.

Mid shots- are used to show the action within the film (when equilibrium has been disrupted) allows the audience to see the character and the setting at the same time, this is used within horror . A mid shot can also be used to show the villain, usually in horror films it will show a dark outline of the villain's figure if the identity is not to be revealed.

Long shots- are used to show the setting, it allows the audience to see all the surroundings in the scene as well as the characters. In horror it could show a building on fire or possibly a murder, so the audience are not clear on who the killer is.

Point Of View shot- This makes the audience feel the fear and tension within the scene (it gives them an adrenalin rush). The shot is used when the victim is running away or hiding from the villain.

Tracking- this camera movement allows the audience to follow the action within the trailer, and allows them to keep up with the pace of the characters and movement within the scene (for example the character running). This movement can make the audience feel they are apart of the action and will make them feel the physical effects that the character is feeling (scared, adrenaline rush) It will make the scene more effective and seem realistic in the eyes of the audience.

High Angle- is when the camera is position high up and is tilting down on the subject, making the character look vulnerable to the audience. This is popular within the horror genre as it makes the victim powerless against the villain.

Low Angle - placed below the subject titling upwards so that the character looks dominant and powerful, this generally towards the villain before the attempt to repair the disruption.

Canted angle - is the tilting of the camera and is used for dramatic effect to create a sense of disorientation, intoxication, madness etc. This can be shown within horror such as the Saw series.



Pan - This is when the camera moves left to right, or right to left following a subject. This is used in horror movies when a suspicious character comes into play, the camera follows the character to emphasize on his part in the movie. Moreover it is used in chase scenes to follow the victim as he is trying to get away.

Dutch Tilt - This is a shot used by which the subject or object being filmed is tilted to an angle. This shot is often used in horror films to represent disorientation and confusion. A tilted shot type such as a dutch tilt often connotates confusion or panic.