Film Analysis
Code and convention of horror film:
A horror film follows certain code and convection to achieve its purpose of scaring and alarming the audience. The following are some of them:
Setting/location:
The location used for this genre of a film is isolated and lonely area that has been abandoned or an area where the victim will feel vulnerable. For example small communities, dark streets, narrow alleyways, roads, woods, haunted places, farms, country sides and cities etc… sometimes places with ‘dark’ history are used as well.
Sound:
Very disturbing sound are important in a horror movies. For example for diegetic sound footsteps or creepy cracks which are exaggerated for effect and for non-diegetic sounds like heartbeat or a suspense music building up which are loud and fast.
Camera shots:
Point of view (POV) shots are important because they allow the audience to see what might happen in the monsters eye which may make them feel as they are involved. For example POV could be use when the monster is chasing the victim. Extreme close up (ECU) allows the audience to see the emotion on the characters so that they could feel it too- fearful eyes and is also used to exclude threats because if we can’t see it, it’s more terrifying- the unknown.
Camera movements:
Panning is used in horror movies when a suspicious character comes into play, the camera follows the character to emphasize on his part in the movie. Moreover it is used in chase scenes to follow the victim as he is trying to get away.
Hand-held camera: This produces a jerky movement which creates a sense of reality in the scenes. Furthermore horror movies use it to create chaos and shaky trembling effects in the scenes; it is especially used in chase scenes which is perfect for horror film. Zoom: This is the most common camera movement used within horror the ability to zoom in to objects has a dramatic effect on the genre as it creates an element of suspense and fear amongst the audience.
Camera angle:
Low
A horror film follows certain code and convection to achieve its purpose of scaring and alarming the audience. The following are some of them:
Setting/location:
The location used for this genre of a film is isolated and lonely area that has been abandoned or an area where the victim will feel vulnerable. For example small communities, dark streets, narrow alleyways, roads, woods, haunted places, farms, country sides and cities etc… sometimes places with ‘dark’ history are used as well.
Sound:
Very disturbing sound are important in a horror movies. For example for diegetic sound footsteps or creepy cracks which are exaggerated for effect and for non-diegetic sounds like heartbeat or a suspense music building up which are loud and fast.
Camera shots:
Point of view (POV) shots are important because they allow the audience to see what might happen in the monsters eye which may make them feel as they are involved. For example POV could be use when the monster is chasing the victim. Extreme close up (ECU) allows the audience to see the emotion on the characters so that they could feel it too- fearful eyes and is also used to exclude threats because if we can’t see it, it’s more terrifying- the unknown.
Camera movements:
Panning is used in horror movies when a suspicious character comes into play, the camera follows the character to emphasize on his part in the movie. Moreover it is used in chase scenes to follow the victim as he is trying to get away.
Hand-held camera: This produces a jerky movement which creates a sense of reality in the scenes. Furthermore horror movies use it to create chaos and shaky trembling effects in the scenes; it is especially used in chase scenes which is perfect for horror film. Zoom: This is the most common camera movement used within horror the ability to zoom in to objects has a dramatic effect on the genre as it creates an element of suspense and fear amongst the audience.
Camera angle:
Low