1. HORROR ICONOGRAPHYGeorge Brinan 2. EXAMPLES OF HORROR
FILMSThe ExorcistInsidiousParanormalActivity FilmsAs Above So Below
3. TYPICAL SYNOPSIS The typical synopsis associated with horror
films are used to scare, thrill and entertainthe audience. Horror
films centre around the dark side of life; the strange, forbidden
andalarming events. Synopsis are vital for a horror film as they
give the film a foundation andmeaning. Some of the typical synopsis
of horror films include: Revenge Hauntings Demons and exorcisms
Gore Serial Killers Religious belief 4. SETTINGS Often abandoned
buildings or deserted areas, for example mental asylums or
oldwarehouses. Many times these buildings have some sort of
past/history to them, such as ghost storiesor mysterious noises
coming from there. Often horror films either start out in the
daytime and later turn to night, or they occur in thedark
throughout. This gives an eerie sense to the film. If you were to
watch a film that wasunfolding at night you would expect it to be
scary or frightening. 5. PROPS AND CLOTHING Props are one of the
main indicators that point towards thehorror genre. Specific props
can be identified with a certainvillain or character e.g.
Chainsaws, Machetes, Knifes, Guns etc. Common objects include:
Weapons, Masks, Icons of theSupernatural, Religious Icons. Masks
are mostly used whensome sort of criminal is the main protagonist
for example in thefilm Texas Chainsaw Massacre the killer is
constantly wearing astraw mask. Religious Icons are usually
associated with cultsand factions or they are associated with the
main story in thefilm. In many horror films the synopsis goes that
a group of friendsare out having fun, but then end up in a bad
situation. Thismeans that the clothes they are wearing are casual
wear,however they get progressively more damaged as the film
goeson. Several times they may be covered in blood, dust or dirt
asthey try to escape from somewhere. 6. CHARACTERS The Main
Protagonist, often the victim/hero of the movie. The Villain, often
masked serial killer or some sort of possessed demon. The
stupid/immoral teenagers that always get killed. Creepy children
often little girls who have been possessed. Police Officers that
can either be good or bad. Also more including Demons, Psychopaths,
Stalkers, 7. CAMERA WORK High and Low angles are common features in
horror films due to their ability to connote fearand nightmares.
POV shots are common because they allow the audience to see the
world from the characterseyes. Handheld shots make it difficult for
the audience to make out what is happening introducing asense of
panic. Cloverfield is an example of this, as the entire movie is
shot with a handheldcamera to promote the feeling of terror and the
idea that this could happen when you leastexpect it. Sometimes
horror films use depth of field, makes it harder to see the villain
creeping up behindthe victim. Disturbing sounds are very important
in a horror movie. Ambient diegetic sounds like footstepsand
non-diegetic sounds like a heartbeat. Types of shots used like
extreme close ups on a certain victims face can help the
audiencesconnection with horror and fear, and also to exclude any
Editing can create unsettling tension and suspense. If the editing
hasnt been paced up in awhile then you know that something scary is
about to occur.
