Assignment 13 : Conventions of Horror

KellyChelsea

GelsominaTayla

Initial mind map of conventions

Part B: Conventions in a film

The Purge

Description of Scene:This is perhaps the climax of the film where the action of the horror begins. Threats are made and it leaves characters choosing between life and death.( By Chelsea and Tayla)

Scream 4

Description of Scene: The characters are describing the typical conventions of a horror movie then discussing the new conventions of a horror movie. ( Conventions are based on teenage horror films)( By Gelsomina and Kelly)

Scene 1 Screen Grabs

Female victim Alpha male CharacterNerdy Characters

Technology plays a key part in horror movies.Strong Female Blonde attractive female.

Setting in a school

Scream 4 Scene – Use/Develop/ChallengeExplanation of use/develop or challenge Photo Evidence

Plot It uses the convention of a teenage group as this is shown through the scene as the majority of the people are teenagers.

Narrative It uses the convention of third person as the story is told by all the characters however in this scene, it is done by the two nerdy teenagers.

Characters It uses all the stereotypical convention of characterisation. Such as the weak female and the alpha male.

Explanation of use/develop or challenge

Photo Evidence

Setting It develops the convention of a typical horror location as a majority of films are based in a haunted, abandoned house however, this is based partly in a school.

MES It uses the convention of a horror movie using youth costume, it has been developed as it involves youths and not grownups.

Camera Techniques

This camera point of view convention has been developed, as horror films do not usually have characters filming, it's most likely filmed from wider shot to show the whole scene.

Scream 4 Scene – Use/Develop/Challenge

The Purge

The scene chosen is when the people participating in the purge knock on the door.

By Chelsea & Tayla

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8.

General stereotype of possessed dolls is bought to life through the use of doll like masks

Challenged the theme of romance into the horror which is not typically what you see

Weapons seen as danger/threat- to scare

Close up of POV shows interaction with the audience as if the character is talking directly

Camera use of surveillance builds tension all in one frame

Laughter as they see this as enjoyment and mock the victims inside

Builds tension as it is thought that the character is talking directly to audiences

Their normal behaviour is seen abnormal in an intense moment of death

Conventions

1. Man has control2. Masked females in gowns3.Childlike behaviour (playing on swing)4.Group killers- Usually at least one couple5. Dark setting6.One unmasked killer which is showing control and how

unphased they are by their identity7.Use of a toy having control which shows possession8. Loud shouting of weapons

Use/Develop/ChallengeEvaluation of use/develop/challenge Photo evidence

Plot It develops the convention of a typical horror plot as this particular plot is unique in the sense of realism. It makes audiences wonder if it was to happen in the real world.

n/a

Narrative It uses the convention of the man having the control which is a general stereotype in itself as the man is the one to constantly talk and is primarily in charge to make the decisions.

Characters It challenges the conventions of the characters as they don’t pose a serious threat to the insiders. Their masks are not typically scary by the smiles on the masks but yet is conflicted with the weapons they hold.

Explanation of use/develop or challenge

Photo Evidence

Setting The setting it is developed that nobody is safe even with high security. What people believe are protecting them are really not.

MES Weapons and masks are in general use of the typical conventions but to somewhat extent as the doll face like masks don’t pose a huge threat as it shows them smiling.

Camera Techniques

This particular scene is challenged as it is filmed mostly in POV looking through the hole. As the people seen as a threat look through the hole it is as though they are directly talking to audience which builds up tension.

Use/Develop/Challenge