Codes and Conventions in A Horror Film

2. CODES
Codes - Systems of signs, which create meaning. Codes can
be divided into two categories - technical and symbolic.
Technical codes are all the ways in which equipment is
used to tell the story in a media text, for example the
camera work in a film.
Technical Codes: Editing, the use of camera (such as
camera movements, camera angles and camera shots)
and sounds (diagetic and non-diagetic).
Symbolic Codes: Mise-en-scene and lighting.

3. CONVENTIONS
Conventions - The generally accepted ways of doing
something. There are general conventions in any
medium, such as the use of interviewee quotes in a print
article, but conventions are also genre specific.

4. SECLUDED LOCATION
The characters are often placed in an isolated location so they are unable to
get help when the time comes. It also makes an eerie atmosphere.

5. SOMEBODY DIES WITHIN THE FIRST 5 MINUTES
By having somebody die within the opening scene of a film, it sets the
mood for the remainder of the movie. It also gives the sense of threat
and danger. For example in ‘Sinister’ the first scene consists of a tape
showing the hanging of a family.

6. THE ANTAGONIST IS UNKNOWN
This creates the element of suspense and mystery. It puts the audience on
edge because they are unable to identify who the murderer/villain is.

7. NO SIGNAL
This makes the characters seem vulnerable as having no signal eradicates
their chances of calling for help.

8. STEREOTYPES
Stereotypes within horror films helps the audience relate to the characters.
It also allows the audience to easily differentiate between all the
characters within the movie.

9. CLOSE TO SAFETY
The character is always extremely close to escaping, however the
antagonist always ends up catching them. This gives the audience false
hope.

10. SEPARATION OF CHARACTERS
The separation of characters may them all individually vulnerable. It also
sparks the common fear of abandonment and being alone.