Horror Conventions Essay

The typical convention of horror, specifically using the colour white, is shown in the typography. The colour white connotes the image of ghosts, spectral beings that haunt their victims. This connotation gives the audience the feeling of the ghost is gazing at the audience through the DVD cover through the blurry effect and the filter applied to bulge the text giving the text a spectral presence. This is also seen in the film “Entity” with the bold typography and a white figure in the background. The feeling of being watched invokes the audience because of the adrenaline being produced in the body. A plausible reaction would be is to drop the DVD cover and run! This gives the audience a sense of gratification. Horror films offer a diversion from normal life as the supernatural events that happen in them are astounding. Experiencing such a thrill at a safe distance allows a sense of safety which conforms to Maslow’s theory. This conforms to the conventions of the horror genre as we feel a chill down our spine.
The typical conventions of horror specifically using high key lighting on the main characters face, shows the forthcoming evil. This use of mise-en-scene gives the impression of the main character being tainted by the abhorrence that is occurring due to the “Woman
This is shown in the mise-en-scene specifically using the prop of the religious icon, the crucifix. This gives the impression that the supernatural is involved and we need God to handle our problems that are too troublesome. This might lead to prayer. The film “Nothing to Fear” uses religion in this way through the phrase “Let us pray”. This gives the audience a sense of dismay as people turn to religion for assurance. This conforms to Dyers Utopian Theory as we draw peace from the symbolism form the cross which uses this as a form of escapism from our daily lives. This conforms to the conventions of horror as we escape the daily routine of