Horror Film Genre Conventions

The horror genre itself has role to provoke a response; emotional, psychological or physical of an individual to react with fear. Horror films often deal with the viewer’s nightmares, fears, terror of the unknown and insecurities. In order to make a horror film successful in scaring their audience, they usually follow a set of guidelines known as the codes and conventions which are explained below.

CHARACTERS
Characters which often feature in horror films can be fantasy characters such as aliens, ghosts, spiritual figures, werewolves, vampires and many more.
Other characters include:
Hero/villain: most horrors include a hero whom has to defeat an evil character, the villain. The narrative develops with these two characters as they both fight for or against eachother for something. The majority of films often end with good beating evil however some films choose to subvert this and make the evil character unbeatable to surprise the audience.
Helper: most commonly known as a sidekick. Both the good and evil sides are likely to have one or more or even a community of sidekicks who help them defeat the opposition.
Princess: many horror films feature a female character of some sort. She is usually attractive and a figure whom the audience aspire or are appealed to. They can sometimes play the hero (or the villain) or even be the victim whom the hero and villain are fighting over.

NARRATIVE
Hero Vs Villain, mission or quest, deaths, curses, young children, possessive characters, good defeats evil, side-kicks and police officers involved, set in an isolated place, involves intrusion of an evil force, event or person into everyday life (disruption of the equilibrium).

THEMES
Good Vs Evil, revenge/grude, nightmares, hallucinations, visions, insanity, possessed, religion/belief, supernatural, gore, deaths, torture, violence, suicide and spiritual horror. 

SHOT TYPES
High angle: this is used to make the subject look inferior and insignificant (e.g. a parent shouting at their child)
Low angle: this is used to make the surroundings look distorted in size and make the audience feel like they are small.
Close-up: this is used to convey emotions such as anger in a horror film
Point Of View: a very commonly used shot to make the audience feel as though they are taking part in the action. They feel involved and as a result, scared.
Hand held Camera: to create jerky action shots to make the audience feel uneasy,
Jump Cuts: these transitions are used to make the tempo of the action appear faster and make the audience feel scared.

PROPS
Weaponry: knives, guns, axes, chainsaws, firearms, sharp/heavy/blunt objects. Weapons can be stereotypical to a character too to make the audience remember them in sequels.
Make- up: dramatic, blood stained, cuts, bruises and open wounds.
Costumes: every day natural clothing for the goodies and dishevelled, ripped, blood stained clothing for the evil.

SETTING
Derelict or abandoned buildings, graveyards, churches, forests, hospitals, cellars, basements, roofs, castles, historical and isolated areas. 

LIGHTING AND COLOURS
Low key lighting: allows dark shadows to form and spook the viewer and also create a dark, gloomy atmosphere to compy with the horror genre
Back lighting: to form a silhouette of a person or object which scares both the on-screen characters and the audience. It makes the figure look evil, superior and sinister as their identity is masked and hidden.
The lighting is often expressive and unrealistic.
Colours: reds are often used as they represent blood, evil and danger and black is often used as it represents death, evil and darkness.

SOUND
Non-diegetic: sounds such as a narrator explaining the story or music playing whilst the hero is walking down the street.
Diegetic: natural sounds in the shot such as footsteps, dialogue and background noise
Sound effects: horror films use many sound effects as they are necessary to create a scary atmosphere such as heartbeat sounds, violence, stabbings, gunshots, wind, screams and creaks. They are effective in making the audience feel uneasy as it makes the scene feel more realistic.
Crescendo: this effect is often used in horror films to build a climax in a scene which creates tension.

SUBGENRE'S
Supernatural, sci-fi, psychological, slashers, fantasy, gore, comedy, true stories, animal, zombies, werewolves 

Preliminary Task PLAN

The Shining Opening Sequence Analysis

This is my analysis of The Shining's opening sequence. You may need to pause the video at times to read the annotations as the text duration can be quite short and difficult to read in time.

Importance Of Media In My Life

Analyse The Variety and Importance Of The Media In Your Life

Without the media, for me, communication with my friends, family and the public would be non-existent. I use it from the moment I wake up until I go to sleep at night. Although being a teenager and being expeted to always be using the latest technology (new media), I still often use various old media forms such as reading books, magazines and newspapers.

The public communicate with me via newspapers, posters, adverts, leaflets and television which are all examples of old media. The majority of the above medias are for educational and entertainment purposes.

For social purposes, I communicate with my friends and family via the following media: mobile phone, social networking sites (Twitter and Facebook), the Internet in general and occasionally e-mailing. These media are important in my life as I need them to communicate freely, instantly and wherever I am. They are not only key for social reasons, but for safety reasons such as keeping in contact with my parents. I think that communication amongst the world and also friends and family would suffer immensely without the tools of media.

Analysing 9 Points of the opening credits of "The Happening"

Camera Movements

TRACKING SHOT-  A tracking shot is a shot in which the camera is mounted on a camera dolly; a mobile platform which steadily travels along a rail to create a smooth movement. In this shot the camera follows the character or an object (e.g. vehicle.) It can also be known as a dolly shot. Depending on the speed of the tracking, this shot can have different connotations:

• a sense of dreaming, hallucinations or trance if the tracking is extremely slow
• chaotic, tense and jumpy scenes if the tracking is extremely fast (e.g. car chase)

TILT SHOT-  A tilt shot is when the camera tilts up or down, rotating on an axis. A downward tilt shot can be used to give a sense of inferiority or weakness such as an adult looking down at a small child. On the other hand, an upward tilt shot can give the opposite effect and signifies superiority and the sense of height and power. A popular scene is a tilt shot from the base of a tall building to the top, to represent the sheer size of it. They can also be used in conjunction with a point of view shot, where one character is looking another character or object up and down.

ZOOM -  A zoom shot is as obvious as its name states, it simply uses the focal length on the camera to zoom in and out of a shot. They simulate tracking shots and are often used if the necessary equipment isn't available (e.g. dolly). However, zoom shots can be tricky to achieve unless you have an extremely good, most likely- expensive, camera which can effectively zoom in smoothly. If the zoom is jerky this will make the shot look unprofessional and unclear for the audience to follow. Zooming in isolates and focuses on a person or object whereas zooming out places that person or object in a wider context and the location can be seen clearly.

ARC SHOT-  An arc shot is the movement of the camera in a full or semi-circle around an object or character. An arc shot is used to add drama to a film sequence and increases the intensity of the narrative. They are known to be greatly effective when filming a moving object, although a complicated shot, it holds the audience's attention.

CRANE SHOT-  A crane shot is when a camera is suspended by a crane or a jib which moves electronically (usually). They are used when the camera needs to be a few feet higher than usual. An obvious use is when they want to view the actors or scenery from above or move up and away from them (which is a common way to end a scene or film). There are two types of crane shots:

• Rise up- camera rises vertically
• Fall down- camera moves vertically downward

PANNING SHOT-  This is the movement of the camera from left to right in a fixed position which follows character movement, e.g. somebody walking or running. It is a very common shot used and can be successful if done on a smooth track to avoid any jerky movements. It can easily capture the audience's attention and leads them through the narrative or scenery thoroughly. 

Camera Shot Types

When a film is made, directors will often plan a scene to use a collaboration of shot types in order to hold the viewers attention. The audience would quickly lose interest if only one type of shot was used therefore directors aim to employ as many shot types as possible throughout the film. Not only do shot types ensure the mise en scene is explored thoroughly, they also add depth to emotions and events involved in the narrative of the film. For example, close ups of a knife in a horror film show the audience how sharp and dangerous the weapon is and that a violent attack is about to take place. It has an immediate and effective output just from the shot type.

Walking around the school site, we were instucted to take photographs of the many different shot types that people in the film industry use. In doing so we understood how the framing, composition and surroundings all work together to create a variety of shots which can be fitted together to explain a narrative in depth. Using the camera on my phone, I photographed various classmates and places in the school area. Afterwards I edited the photos into black and white and adjusted the settings to represent a horror theme. Note: a few pictures have been taken or sourced elsewhere than from the school area.

CLOSE-UP

In close-ups, the subject dominates the majority of the frame allowing very little background to be shown. They are more dramatic than a mid or long shot in conveying emotions. In reality we are likely to only allow people we really trust to get this close to our faces: parents, children, partners usually, so this is a fairly intimate shot. In a horror film this shot could be used to make the audience feel uneasy due to the magnification and detailed focus of the person or object.

EXTREME CLOSE-UP

As the name clearly suggests, this shot is an extreme close up of a person or object. The shot does exactly what it says; shows a small detail of certain relevance which could be otherwise missed in a long shot. The main focus fills the whole frame and is normally used for dramatic effect. It is often used in horror films to make the audience feel uncomfortable as for example, you're unlikely to get so close to somebodies face as shown in the picture (left) in real life.

MID-SHOT

A mid-shot is when you can only see a figure from the waist up. It is appropriate when the subject is speaking without any dramatic emotions. It works well when the intention of the shot is to deliver information, for example news reporters are often filmed from this distance. As well as being a comfortable, neutral shot, it allows room in the frame for hand gestures and movement. This would be used in perhaps calmer scenes in a horror film when emotions and intensity do not need to be exaggerated. Furthermore it could be used when the villain and hero are having a conversation, as in reality this is how much of the other person you would see if you were actually talking to them.

LONG SHOT

A long shot displays the character/s from head to toe in the entire frame and plenty of detail of the background is also shown. It is a very commonly used simple shot to show the audience to know what is going on, who is involved in the scene and the area surrounding them. They are unlikely to be used in emotive scenes or intense situations as they lack detail. It usually exhibits the mise en scene as a "life size" view for the audience watching the film in a cinema for example.

POINT OF VIEW

A point of view shot is when the camera acts as a pair of eyes and makes the audience feel as though they are in character mode and are really there in the scene. It is often used in horror films to guide the audience as to what a character is up to or in a chase scene from the victims point of view. It is used to make the audience feel involved, scared and unsettled. An effective and popular shot that directors frequently decide to use.

OVER THE SHOULDER

Over the shoulder shots show the subject from behind the shoulder of another character, almost as if you were peering over somebody. Sometimes a subject is not shown and just the shoulder view can be seen (e.g. left picture). In horror films this could be used to show the monster or ghost spirit peering over the victims shoulder, following them down the road perhaps. Other types of scenes this shot is used for is when two people are having a conversation. The camera cuts continuously to behind each persons shoulder.

ESTABLISHING SHOT

Usually the first shot of a new scene and is designed to inform the audience of the location. It is also useful in scenes where the action is very spread out. For example, in a horror film a fight between goodies and baddies, the shot can show the scale of the action and fight taking place. The establishing shot is frequently used at the very start of the film or the very start of a new location; helping the audience to keep on track what is happening.

LOW ANGLE

Low angle shots can be used for all sorts of reasons. They increase height and could be used to make the object superior to the audience and make them sense fear and insecurity as they are being dominated by a larger, bigger character. This shot has the ability to make somebody look powerful. Low angle shots can also increase the size of buildings and sometimes distort the overall image to the audience which directors occasionally do for effect. In a horror film this could be used collaborated with a point of view shot; showing the victim on the ground looking up at the superior villain. It adds variety to the scene and keeps the audience interested.

HIGH ANGLE

Obviously, the high angle is the opposite of low angle and has different effects upon the audience. The camera is elevated above the scene using a crane, or a cameraman on a high chair or structure to give a general overview of the characters and surroundings. High angles make the subject appear smaller and represent being less significant or vulnerable. They are effectively used in horror films to make a victim look scared, significantly small or less powerful as opposed to the villain. Alternatively this could be subverted if the hero overturns the villain and wins against him in a fight.

BIRDS EYE

Birds eye view shot otherwise known as aerial, is a shot from above looking directly below at a vertical angle as opposed to a slight diagonal angle like a high angle shot. These are usually shot from a helicopter with a suspended camera. In a horror film, birds eye view shots are typically used to follow a chase for instance and is effective in including both the characters and scenery in it. This shot puts the audience in a godlike position, looking down on the action and people can be made to look insignificant, almost ant-like.

WORMS EYE

The worms eye shot is typically the opposite of the previous birds eye shot. It does exactly what it says, as if you are a worm and looking around and above you from the ground; this is the type of view you'd have (left). Worms eye shot is a more extreme version of a low angle shot and usually would involve the camera man or camera being positioned on the ground facing upwards. These types of shots make the subject appear more intimidating, looming and powerful.

CANTED

This is a technical term for a 'titled' angle shot. The camera is titled to one side and distorts the orientation of the subject/scene. It disorientates the horizon level that the audience are used to seeing. It is a very popular shot type in horror movies as it suggests imbalance and instability; making the audience feel nauseous or unsteady/uneasy.

Mise En Scene Analysis of "Seven"

The clip begins with a close up shot of the sheets of a book turning. The shallow depth of field means the hand turning the page is blurred and silhouetted in the background; creating a mysterious opening which makes the audience curious.

The first CGI shot appears of the credits. The first line introduces the producer and reads "New Line Cinema presents an Arnold Kopelson production." The font looks messily handwritten which could give connotations that a ghost or a likewise character wrote it; this intiates the horror genre. The font also isn't fixed on the screen, it twitches slightly against the black background making the audience feel unsettled.

Next, a shot of hands being photocopied is shown. An absurd sighting which could hint to fingerprint records and suggests involvement with the police. The shot then continues for us to see a close up of somebody shaving the pads of their fingers with a blade. Maybe this suggests removal of evidence from a violent attack or murder perhaps.

The main characters names begin to appear between cuts of shots and then at 25 seconds, the title of the film is shown. Abstract cutaways of book pages turning, words being written, a film strip being cut and glances of photographs all signify that somebody is planning something in a great length of detail and precision. The majority of the shot types are either close ups or point of view shots which make the audience feel like they are really there and involved and an uneasy, tense mood is created.

Flashes of red occur between the cuts and the colour red represents danger, hatred and blood; three words which are easily associated with horror films. The colour scheme runs along with sepias and grayscales tones which add to the dark, gloomy representation of horror.

The flashes and sketchy movement of the cuts contribute to a jumpy, spooky and mysterious mood to cause the audience to feel uneasy which is the aim of the film. Extreme close ups of needles being held by dirty, cut fingers and then a pad of pages brings uncertainty and question marks left over the happenings of the film. The audience are likely to be confused yet intrigued into the intentions and plans this character in "Se7en" has.

Overall I feel the editors have mastered the horror perception of this opening successfully by sticking with dark colour schemes, close up shot types, jumpy cutaways and abstract clips. The mise en scene of this video certainly makes the audience feel on edge and intrigued into watching the film "Se7en."

Analysis of Sound in "Se7en" Opening Credits

The constant beat throughout the opening credits builds tension as there is no resolution and this unsettles the audience. The tempo increases throughout the video; further adding to the tense mood created. It begins with a slow calm beat, speeding up to a more chaotic collaboration of sounds at the end. The entire sound clip is also built on a crescendo which sends out a warning to the audience that something is about to happen. The credits (actors names etc) appear occasionally in time with the beats and occasionally at irregular intervals; this makes the audience feel uneasy.

Sensitive, high-frequency noises can be heard at the beginning of the clip which immediately makes the audience feel uneasy and signifies the horror genre. Quiet drumbeats can also be heard which could represent footsteps; again creating a horror atmosphere. The volume continuously increases and decreases which results in brief silences contrasted with loud outbursts. This is purposeful in trying to startle the viewers.

After about one minute, faint almost opera voices can be heard. This complies with the horror genre. At 1:20 a more musical beat is introduced which in hindsight is fairly upbeat, however the eerie sounds distort the music to a minor key. We hear the first set of lyrics/vocals within the last ten seconds of the frame and we are led unsure as to what is to happen next.