Genre Research: Horror

 

    In the horror genre, the eye level angle, low angle, and Dutch/canted angle are commonly used camera angles for horror films. The movement used in this genre ranges from pans, tilts, and tracking shots. In horror, shots used are close-up, extreme close up, point of view shot, over the shoulder shot, point of view shot, and wide shot. 

    Horror uses costumes that can strike fear in people, such as grotesque or deformed looks to make a certain antagonist look scary. The lighting or color design is poorly lit, to create a dark mood or atmosphere. Acting in horror movies refers to being able to portray emotions authentically and capture a character perfectly. Makeup is a big part of the horror genre as it can be used to create a terrifying character with frightening looks. Props are also used to advance the story in horror movies by having a certain significance. A set creates the whole scenery of horror films and influences how the characters interact.  

    Many jump cuts are used in horror films, such as in creating suspense. Cutaway, fade in, and eye-line match are all other editing conventions used. 

    Diegetic, non-diegetic sound, sound bridge, sound motif, ambient sound, and dialogue are common sounds used in horror.  

    A few examples of horror films are The Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Thing, The Conjuring, Dead Silence, Phantasm, Inferno, Saw, The Shining, Psycho, Midsommar, Basketcase, It Came from Outer Space, They Live, The Witch, and Hunt. 

    In the horror genre, I like the suspense and mystery that is in many of the movies. If I were to use this genre for the film task, I would use many of the conventions listed above to create this sense of suspense and mystery. 

    I do not like how in horror it is common to have poorly developed characters or predictability. I would not use these elements if I were to choose horror as my genre.