Horror research: Conventions

Horror Films are unsettling films designed to frighten and panic, cause dread and alarm, and to invoke our hidden worst fears, often in a terrifying, shocking finale, while captivating and entertaining us at the same time in a cathartic experience. Horror films effectively center on the dark side of life, the forbidden, and strange and alarming events. They deal with our most primal nature and its fears: our nightmares, our vulnerability, our alienation, our revulsion's  our terror of the unknown, our fear of death and dismemberment, loss of identity, or fear of sexuality.

Whatever dark, primitive, and revolting traits that simultaneously attract and repel us are featured in the horror genre. Horror films are often combined with science fiction when the menace or monster is related to a corruption of technology, or when Earth is threatened by aliens. The fantasy and supernatural film genres are not synonymous with the horror genre, although thriller films may have some relation when they focus on the revolting and horrible acts of the killer/madman. Horror films are also known as chillers, scary movies, spookfests, and the macabre. See also Scariest Film Moments and Scenes (illustrated) - from many of the Greatest Horror Films ever made, Best Film Death Scenes (illustrated), and Three Great Horror Film Franchises.

source:
 http://www.filmsite.org/horrorfilms.html

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Horror research

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCbDUREBwUg

(Taken)

We used this to investigate aspects of horror which we can incorparate in are own movie. the main feature of taken which we plan to use in similar context. the scene where the girl gets pulled from under her bed by her ankles is one of the best most memorable scenes in Taken. when we are in the cabin location, we plan for someone to get taken by criminals in balaclavas. We think that the way this is done in Taken is extremely exciting and makes the scene fill with tension. the camera angle is also something we will take from this film, we feel like using low shots or POV angles will ake you emphathise with the character much more and get the full effects of the genre.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrEvK-tv5OI

(Jaws)

This opening sequence is very useful in our short film because the basis of the story starts with friends in a happy talkative environment. However the happy turns immediately unhappy once the shark captures the poor woman. The transference goes from jolly american music to silence with just dialogue, this is a very good way in changing the mood at the start of the film.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9XMd2eAy_4

(Independent music)

This music is very simple, but as our film will have a lot of dialogue, it can be used as background music is well as with opening and closing titles. if we wanted to add any other music that might be more dominant, we could mix them both up so that it can sound strained and create tension.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye1mE2bq7H8

(Independent music)

This clip has a lot more examples of a variety of music types. They are very different and they sound very suited to the genre, also making parts of it sound terrestrial, which could fit with our story of deserted woods and the 'unknown'.

Title Analysis

A title sequence is the method by which cinematic films or television programs present their title, key production and cast members, or both, utilizing conceptual visuals and sound. It usually follows but should not be confused with the opening credits, which are generally nothing more than a series of superimposed text.

I looked into horror opening sequences for our group film:

James Bond -Skyfall

This is a modern example of amazing opening credits. Firstly credits are located at the most convenient location of the screen, they are not still, but are slightly moving with the current of the ocean as James Bond is sinking further into the deep sea, this is a good way of integrating the titles and the moving image, as it seems less of a disturbance and more part of the film. The font is simple, so it does not take away from the rich ingredients of moving image. The font is also white, which is a neutral colours to the variety of images used in the opening sequence, the size is acceptable, noticeable but not overwhelming.


Se7en - Starring Brad Pitt.

This is an excellent example of horror which can relate to our own opening titles. Unlike many others, it is a lot less simple. The fonts are all dynamic, not all in straight lines, some neater then others, Some spaced out further then others etc. Comparing other sequences this one is the most eye-catching and exciting, sometimes less is better, but horror in particular can be a lot more creative; it prepares the audience for tension and addiction of horror characteristics, as you get drawn into what is about to happen. The black/brown/red backgrounds and white font is a successful comparison as it really brings out the variety of titles due to its dark to light effect. It also uses a lightening effect when the music changes key, keeping it intact and attractive.

Camera Work

POV = Point of view 
Subjective point of view; seeing through the eyes of a character.

Handheld = realistic; Like you are there
Documentary style involves the viewer, feels real with an immediate freedom of movement
Unusual moves = Steadicam

BLAIR WITCH doesn't feel staged.

Style - Organisation of Shots, Order, Pace.

Connections of Shots - Montage.

Continuity Editing - Cutting to different scenes in the same time space.

Master Shot - Sets up/established a scene. 

Narrative - The construction of the story line.

Plot - Way the story is compiled.

Story - The outline of chronological events.

Genre

Four Key features of Genre 

1) Narrative; The story
2) Characters; the people in the narrative
3) Themes; the issue the film deals with
4) Iconography; The visual style of the film


Typical Action Film 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujByokX6VdA
(James Bond)

Narrative = Drug Trafficking, trying to capture the trader.

Typical characters = Well known, hench men, either experienced or an adoptive character.

Themes = Drugs, Criminals, Violence, technology, Weapons, Perpetrator.

Iconography = Set in different countries, Fast pace, Colour, Special effects and lots of editing.


Horror

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1fu_sA7XhE
(Jaws) 

Narrative: Killer shark, bloody deaths, screams, capturing the killer.

Typical characters: Vunerable (Girls), Children.

Themes: Death, Gore, Sharks, Deep water.

Iconography: Usually smaller isolated places, innocent people can not escape or try unsuccessfully.



Different features of HORROR:

- Supernatural 
- Fantasy
- Nightmares
- Fear and Terror
- Ghosts
- Aliens
- Vampires 
- Werewolves
- Curses
- Torture
- Monsters
- Serial Killers
- Innocent Woman
- Weapons
- Located in fields or normal environments
- Children as Possessed characters

Pyscho: This film is a typical horror film, as the victim is a young, pretty blonde woman. 

Paranormal Activity: This is a more recent example , it is typical as it effects young children and vunerable women.  It is in a house which makes it more isolated and the audience can identify with the setting.  It is also a case of the 'Unknown' Making it scarier.

Shutter Island: Deals with the mentally ill, it is scripted so the audience have no control of how the person feels or reacts though his actions, we 'are' the character, making us rely on the character to defeat the 'evil'.