1. Genre
…is based on representations
which are able to be identified by
an audience. (from a book)

2. So…. This connotes horror…
• Through the dark imagery used
• Creepy setting
• Colours used: red, black and white
• Blood stain
• High Contrast

3. And…This Connotes
Psychological Thriller…
• Protagonist is the main subject in the frame
• A close-up of the face
• Character doesn’t look comfortable- could
signify his mental instability

4. Isolation- Our short film
Which genre does our film fit into?

5. Our Protagonist:
• Close-ups of her face
• Looking Vulnerable
• Young/ Innocent
• Red coat…Stands out against
forest so is an obvious target.
• Red signifies danger!!
These all fit the conventions of a
horror/ psychological thriller

6. Antagonist
• Looks very threatening (jokes)
• Tall and strong (ish) so follows
conventions of powerful
antagonist
• Male…so follows conventions
of male being the villain
These are also conventions used
in both horror and thriller
genres
(quality picture)

7. Anthony Giddens:
In the post-traditional era, since social roles
are no longer handed to us by society, we
have to choose a 'lifestyle' – So a lifestyle
is more like a genre
http://www.theory.org.uk/giddens6.htm

8. Other conventions used
• Dark, natural lighting- creates a tense
atmosphere
• Rural, wooded area- She is vulnerable
as there is no-one near by to protect
her
• Phallic symbols
• Enigma code- The audience are
unsure whether she is just being
paranoid or whether she is actually
being stalked. They are also unsure
whether the antagonist is actually a
bad guy. The ending will leave a cliff-
hanger as he pulls something out of
his pocket. The audience can decide
whether it is a gun/ knife or her purse!!
• Using genre theory, audiences don’t
like all films in a particular genre to
contain the same narrative otherwise
they get bored…

9. Problems With Genre Theory
• Some films, like mine and Lorna's could fit into a number of genre’s-
Horror or Thriller
• Depending on what the viewer was hoping to see happen…A horror
fan may be disappointed if they watched our film as no-one actually
dies.
• There is less freedom when making films as you feel like you have
to adhere to genre conventions