Horror Film Research

Horror - an ​extremely ​strong ​feeling of ​fear and ​shock, or the ​frightening and ​shocking ​character of something, (definition).

 

The horror film genre is one that is meant to scare and thrill the viewer through either the supernatural or macabre (the use of death or disturbing scenes). This type of genre tends to overlap with other gene types for example, thrillers and supernatural. Most plots of horror films involve an evil force, event, or person commonly of supernatural origin that is in the everyday world. The typical settings for horror films are in place that would create fear for the viewer. They are also located in quiet places. For example; Forests, Dark Streets, Basements, Empty Houses/Sheds/Hotels/Schools, Run down cities, Urban Cities and Graveyards.
 


Diegetic and non-diegetic sound is very important in horror films as they create the fear and tension. Non-diegetic sounds as in the music can be added after the film has been added to emphasize parts of the film. Typical Sounds; Footsteps, Heart beat, People laughing, Screaming, Fast paced music, Creaking doors/furniture and Ghost noises, this is just a few examples of what you would likely hear in horror films. 




Titling was shown before the film started only in Scream and Halloween, the tilting of Scream was shown in white and bold on a black background with also diegetic sound of screaming. Where as Insidious was shown in red on bold a black background. Also both do not show credits apart from the film studio who have made the film and whose presents the film.





Handheld shots are rarely used because they make it hard for the audience to understand the storyline. High and low angles shots are used a lot to show fear in the characters. Point of view shots are conventionally used in horror films. They are usually used to show what the antagonist can see and what the protagonist is seeing. This connotes fear and tension. Close up are also used in horror films a lot to show the reactions of the characters. This is a very effective when understanding the plot and storyline.




Editing is used to create unsettling tension and suspense with the film. This connotes the type of event that is happening and helps the audience relate and understand the storyline. For example; a long take might be used to create suspense for an event such as a killing. However if there was a chase, there would be a short takes and fast paced cutting to create the horror and tension.