EVALUATION: HOW DOES MY FILM CONFORM TO CONVENTIONS OF THE HORROR GENRE?Tom Sutherland (4122) – Wilson’s School

How does it conform?

In planning to make the clip, I had to do lots of research into the horror genre.

Allowed me to emulate some features and subvert others where it would be effective.

Conventions: Alarm Playing on fear Effective soundtrack Editing style

(Stereo)Typical horror features Evil Blood/gore Monsters/unworldly power Isolation/being alone Pathetic fallacy Antagonist having psychopathic

problems Darkness, use of weapons

Alarm

Horror is designed to cause alarm in the audience Heavy links with soundtrack Quick pace-of-editing helps to create this atmosphere Camera shots from within the bushes (separate from the

action) also contribute to this effect. These are known as enigma codes (things withheld from

the audience’s knowledge. They create suspense and keep the viewer watching, wanting to find out more. I have written some below the stills from the clip below.

Mid/long shot framed with trees. Helps to create a sense of mystery about the wood? Where is the protagonist going?

Who is watching? Whose hand is that. Again, contributes to the suspense and create an air of mystery about the plot.

Who is that? Why is he/she on the floor? What are they going to do?

Effective soundtrack

Soundtrack is vital in creating the mood. Eg. You could have the best-ever shot to

create suspense, but overlaid with comical music, it would not have the desired effect.

My film has an effective, creepy soundtrack, appropriate to the genre. For example: bangs, heartbeats, breathing,

screams etc.

Editing style

Often horror films use both montage and continuity editing sequences to different effect.

My opening sequence only uses continuity editing Conforms to the (usual) form for opening

sequences. It establishes the characters and setting

whereas montage editing could leave the audience feeling confused.

Antagonist - typicalities

My film has a male antagonist Wearing a mask Dark colour scheme Carrying a blood-covered shovel

Connotations: fear, unknown, evil

Antagonist from Saw

My sequence’s antagonist

Protagonist - typicalities

The film subverts the stereotypical protagonist, who is a female and generally young Connotes vulnerability/isolation/fear etc

However, as seen in surveys, this has worked effectively as it makes the situation more realistic and believable – the audience can better relate to it.