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
in Black” actions. This can be seen in the film “Camp Hell”. This gives the audience a feeling of apprehension as they might be tainted by the evil acts in the film. This conforms to the Blumler and Katz theory of gratification as we imagine the visceral pleasures of being taken over by evil. This conforms to horror as these visceral pleasures provide escapism which we appeal to and is the reason behind horror films.
The typical convention of horror is to use religion.
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
life.
The typical convention of horror specifically the use of a hooded figure gives a sense of mystery and curiosity. This is shown in the use of mise-en-scene specifically, costume which disguises the “The Woman In Black”. This gives a sense of worry into what actions the character will perform as they are shrouded in mystery. This is shown in the film “The Sleeping Room”. This gives the audience a sense of perplexion as they can’t see the role the hooded figure which means they could have malicious intent. This conforms to Maslow’s theory and our hierarchy of needs. From a hooded figure we cannot tell someone’s identity. You usually hide to escape from an action or person. This feeling to disguise yourself could be to hide from a bad action you have taken. Our need of safety is being deprived as we need to visualise someone’s face to have a feeling of security. This links to the conventions of horror as in horror films they want to deprive us of our safety to give us excitement when scaring the audience.
This film was rated by the BBFA a rating of 12A. This is not a typical of horror movies as they are usually rated 18 due to the high amount of gore usually created and the explicit language main characters will use to show fear. This rating could be given as Daniel Radcliff was the star of the Harry Potter franchise which appealed to younger audiences so the rating of 12 gave the movie more publicity.