Justin's Genre Research Blog Activity

 

Genre: Horror

Genre Conventions – Content

Horror films are all about fear and the unknown. Here are some common themes and elements:

• Monsters and Creatures: These can range from ghosts to vampires to serial killers.
• Psychological Fear: Many horror films focus on what’s happening inside a character's mind.
• Isolation: Characters often find themselves alone, cut off from help.
• Survival: Protagonists are usually trying to survive a terrifying situation.
• Jump Scares and Suspense: These techniques keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Genre Conventions – Production Techniques

Horror movies use specific techniques to create a creepy feel:

• Cinematography: Low lighting and unusual camera angles make things feel tense.
• Sound Design: Eerie sound effects and sudden loud noises ramp up the fear.
• Editing: Quick cuts and fast pacing increase anxiety.
• Special Effects: Practical effects (like makeup for blood and gore) are often used alongside CGI for supernatural scenes.

Institutional Conventions – How is Genre Marketed

Horror films are marketed in unique ways such as:

• Trailers: They focus on jump scares and thrilling moments to attract viewers.
• Posters: Dark imagery and iconic symbols (like creepy masks) create intrigue.
• Social Media: Engaging posts that play on fear, like creepy stories or polls.
• Merchandising: Items like t-shirts, toys, and collectibles that tap into the movie’s themes.

Film Sample #1: "The Shining" (1980)

Analysis: Directed by Stanley Kubrick, "The Shining" is a classic horror film that explores themes of madness and isolation. The Overlook Hotel serves as the perfect eerie setting. The cinematography creates a disorienting feel, while the unsettling soundtrack builds tension. Marketing for the film emphasized Jack Nicholson's chilling performance, making it iconic in the horror genre.

Film Sample #2: "Hereditary" (2018)

Analysis: "Hereditary," directed by Ari Aster, mixes psychological horror with family drama. It dives deep into themes of grief and trauma. The slow pacing and shocking moments keep the audience on edge. The film’s use of framing and haunting music enhances the unsettling atmosphere. Its marketing focused on the emotional impact and psychological scares, presenting it as a fresh take on horror.

List of 5-7 Other Film Examples within the Genre

1. "Get Out" (2017) - A social thriller that combines horror with commentary on race.
   
   
   
2. "A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984) - Introduces the character Freddy Krueger, who haunts dreams.
   
   
   
3. "The Exorcist" (1973) - A classic about demonic possession and the battle between good and evil.
   
   
   
4. "It Follows" (2014) - A modern horror film that explores themes of inevitability.
   
   
   
5. "The Babadook" (2014) - Deals with grief and motherhood through a supernatural lens.
   
   
   
6. "Sinister" (2012) - A writer discovers a film that connects to a series of murders.
   
   
   
7. "The Conjuring" (2013) - Based on real events, it focuses on hauntings and paranormal investigators.