Genre:

Horror

Horror is a genre thats purpose is to create a feeling of fear or terror amongst the audience. 

It has been around for more than a century and sometimes may overlap with many other genres such as thrillers.

Genre Conventions: Content

Horror films are so successful in the movie world because they are always able to tap into everyones worst fears and exploit them to keep the audience intrigued. Horror films understand that there are about 10 basic things that everyone is afraid of and uses them to their advantage. For example, directors know that many people are afraid of the dark, so they make most of their scenes take place in dark or grim locations.

Horror films also almost always involve an evil spirit or something gruesome. This dates back to the beginnings of horror, when directors would put vampires and bats with medieval castles in the background because it appealed to the people then. Now people are more into haunting religious spirits. Directors know this so they make movies like the exorcist to appeal to the viewers senses.

Genre Conventions: Production Techniques

Horror is a genre that relies heavily themes, moods, and tones that each minor detail matters. In horror films, many lighting tricks are used to make each scene more drastic. A lot of directors even underexpose their shots to get a better effect. Underexposing can work really well because it’ll leave more areas of the frame in the shadows and create a more mysterious feeling

Also, sounds play a huge role in horror films. In suspenseful situations, perfectly timed jump scares and cuts can make or break a film especially of this genre.

Film sample:

The Exorcist (1973)

This film is a perfect example of a horror film. It uses religious figures as well as many jump scares to stun the audience and frighten them. Also, almost this entire movie is shot in dark gray hues to add that more trapped and grim effect on the viewer.

Film sample:

The Shining (1980)

The Shining is an all time classic horror film, but it does not follow the conventional route. It is not shot with dark hues, however it is shot while keeping the viewers general fears in mind. The whole film is about isolation and psychopaths. Bright snow can sometimes be just as effective as dark nights.

Other Examples:

The Nun (2018)

It (2017)

The Conjuring (2013)

SAW (2004)

Scream (1996)