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GENRE RESEARCH - HORROR BY TIM LOE

Genre research horror

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Page 1: Genre research   horror

GENRE RESEARCH - HORRORBY TIM LOE

Page 2: Genre research   horror

WHAT IS HORROR?

Horror films aim to trigger an emotional response from the audience. This is done by playing on the audience’s most primal fears.

Page 3: Genre research   horror

HORROR - NARRATIVE

A conventional horror film will usually include a supernatural (the other) fulfilling the role of the antagonist. The narrative will revolve around the vanquishing of this antagonist, and there is usually only one person who can do this (protagonist). A trait featured in horror that makes it so intense, and scary is the fact that a conventional horror usually involves the protagonist confronting ‘the other’ alone, as their calls for help are usually ignored. The fear of being alone is universally appealing and therefore intensifies the discomforting atmosphere conveyed in a horror when the protagonist must face the antagonist alone.

Originally the end of a horror was to give audiences one final scare, but now the narratives are left open in order to make room for a sequel (e.g. Final Destination, Paranormal Activity).

Page 4: Genre research   horror

SETTINGS

The settings of horror films are usually isolated places, an example being the film ‘a Cabin in the Woods’. The function of a conventional horror setting is to connote isolation, and re-enforce the atmosphere of solitude the protagonist may feel (which naturally makes the film more scary).

This is why settings such as dark woods, countryside and farms are often featured in horror films. An example of a film that heavily showcased the theme of solitude was ‘The Women in Black’ which involves a man in a remote house far away from civilisation.

Page 5: Genre research   horror

CHARACTER TYPES

Protagonist – Victim/hero

Villain (antagonist) – ‘the other’

‘Dumb bimbo’ – This character dies during the quest to defeat the other

African American – The character that usually dies first

Mentor/helper – asked for help but usually doesn’t give it due to sceptical about idea of ‘the other’

The expert – usually an expert in the field of the supernatural or psychology, and is the first to give the idea of ‘the other’ or clarify this idea to the audience.

Page 6: Genre research   horror

ICONOGRAPHY AND THEMES

Imagery associated with the horror genre include:

Blood

Weapons usually consist of Knives/axes and are not usually guns. (Knives and axes create more blood which is also associated with horror)

Blue filters, and de-saturated colour

Non- naturalistic lighting