Camera Shots and Angles in Horror

Low AngleWhen a subject is filmed from a low angle, it usually indicates that the character has a significant amount of power over the other subject in the scene. It shows they are in control in the situation, and in most scenarios, are about to inflict danger on the system. For example, in AMC’S The Walking Dead, when the protagonist, Rick Grimes, is about to shoot a man, it films him from a low angle, and also from the point of view of the victim. This is a prime example of where a low angle is used to connote control over another subject, which is generally used in horror to show who is in power.

Eye Level ShotThe eye level view is used to give them equal treatment in the situation. This shot is incredibly common as it is neutral, and ether allows the audience to take in other elements such as the mise-en-scene, or to really focus on the character in shot. The eye level shot shows the subject in how we would see them in real life, which puts the audience up to the character as an equal. Using this shot can make the subject appear more honest, and perhaps even ‘friendly’. However, in horror, this can be used to manipulate the viewer into thinking the villain is good and equal.

High AngleA high angle shot is usually used to show the subject in a dangerous situation in which they are left vulnerable to danger. In many cases where it is used, it connotes that something bad is going to happen to the character, especially in horror media texts, and it makes the audience seem above the character and superior. It allows the subject to be weak and exposed to danger, and allows the audience to sympathise with the character and feel emotions towards them.

Worms Eye View

The worms eye view in horror films makes the subject look extremely dominant, even more so than with a low angle. The audience feels below and weaker to the subject, and it connotes the subject has control and dominance. The shot restricts what can be scene in the mise-en-scene, so we are forced to focus on the subject, which makes the audience feel vulnerable.

Canted AngleCanted angles generally tend to be used in order to create confusion and disorientation in the scene and amongst the audience. It can be used effectively from a character’s point of view, and it allows the audience to understand how the character is mentally, and signifies confusion. For example, if a character is hit over the head, we may see from their perspective the camera slanting, as if we were in the characters position. It creates a feeling of confusion and disturbance, as well as madness and disorder.

Birds Eye ViewThe use of a birds eye view can show extreme vulnerability in a situation, or extreme power and control of a situation. It can be used in a horror to show the danger and isolation that a character may be in, or we can see the mise-en-scene around a character who has inflicted great damage or destruction, which can be used effectively in a horror to show what the killer/monster has done, e.g. if a killer is surrounded by bodies and blood, an effective way to emphasise the bad that has been done would be to use a birds eye view shot.

Close ups/Extreme Close ups

A close up or extreme close up in horror media texts is usually used to show the emotion clearly on a character’s face, and show us the reaction of a character in great detail, especially in an extreme close up. The shot can also draw attention to the music and editing, e.g. it is common in horror that a close up is made from an intense zoom, which usually goes with tense, staccato music. We also get to see flaws, details, and important icons in these shots, as well as get an impression of what might happen in a scene, e.g. if a weapon is filmed in a close up, and then a killer, as an audience, we can put the two together and work out that a murder will occur.

Long Shots/Extreme Long Shots

The use of an extreme long shot can be used in a similar way to an establishing shot. It gives the audience a good look at the surroundings and mise-en-scene, and lets them see the area. It also allows for the audience to see characters, especially the protagonist who is usually introduced in a long shot, and it establishes whether they are alone or not, and where they might be.