Genre Research: Horror

Horror

Horror - a film genre that elicits fear to an audience for entertainment

Common Camera Angles and Shots

High angles: establishes vulnerability and a weak characterization. In horror films, this is specially evident in the protagonist that is harmed by the villain of the story.
Low angles: used when portraying the villain, establishing a sense of power and intimidation.
Close-up Shots of the actor's expression; typically scared or have a sinister expression
Over-the-Shoulder Shots: tens to reveal the antagonist with this shot
POV Shots: Enables the audience to either see the victim or the villain's perspective with this shot. When in the victim's perspective, the villain is usually charging at them. When in the villain's perspective, the victim is cowering or running from them.

Common Camera Movements

Pans: Typically in POV shots where it shows the character contemplating what direction to go next
Tracking: Typically done when character is running away, when blood is trickling, or when character is walking toward something ominous.
Hand-held: Gives a sense of unease to viewers, especially in high-action scenes or when the character feels anxious

Common Mis-En-Scene

Costumes: Baby doll white dresses, masks, priest outfit, suits for vampires, nun attire, clown suits are some of the common conventional horror film costumes.
Lighting: Low key lighting is commonly used at it fits the ominous & threatening mood in horror films
Acting: The antagonist usually acts sinister, malicious, and psychotic. While the protagonists are typically scared, and it's shown through crying, screaming and terrified expressions.
Makeup: The most common used in makeup is SFX makeup with blood. The makeup usually consists of cuts and wounds. Sometimes the makeup is used for the antagonist to make them even more terrifying.
Props: Knives, guns, hammers, bats, chainsaws, or any sharp weapon is most commonly used.
Setting: Typically set in abandoned houses or mansions, graveyards, churches, and forests.

Common Editing

Fast Paced Editing: Tend to consist of short takes and abrupt cuts to match with the chaotic, tense and nature of horror films.
Crosscutting: This is done when the character hears or looks at something that seems suspicious
Action Match: Shows the villain in multiple angles, which adds more tension in tone. Especially seen if the villain is approaching the protagonist
Eye-line Match: Happens when a character sees something suspicious

Common Sounds

Diegetic Sounds: Sounds of screaming, banging on walls or doors, gasping for air, evil laughters from the villain, and rustling leaves are some of the few sounds commonly heard in horror films.
Stings: Abrupt music that jump-scares the viewers, usually shrill, shrieking noises or music.

Examples of Horror Films

My Likes and Dislikes of the Elements in Horror Films

How weak the characters can be against the antagonists. For example, sometimes they don't even run fast or at all from the villain of the movie, which will ultimately lead to their pathetic demise.