Codes and Conventions of a Horror

Example of Horror Films

• “Psycho”- Psychological• “The shining”- Psychological • “The exorcist”- Religious • “Wolf Creek”- True story • “The Decent”- Monster/Gore • “Saw”- Psychological- gore • “Texas Chainsaw Massacre”- Gore

Horror film

Horror Films are unsettling films designed to;

• Frighten and panic • Cause dread and alarm • Invoke our hidden worst fears• Captivate and entertain us in a cathartic

experience. • Often conclude in a terrifying shocking

Finale.

Fears created by horrors

• For different types of audiences it can deal with our fears;

• Nightmares• Our vulnerability • Alienation• Revulsions • Terror of the unknown • Fear of death • Loss of identity • Fear of sexuality

Characters

• There's always a lead character, that often results as the survivor in the film.

• The Killer/ monster often has a trademark characteristic in the way he kills, for example the people he kills or the weapon he uses to kill them.

• Its usually good against evil, the two characters conflict.

• The outcome is the good person always survives, or defeats the “bad guy.