1. EVALUATION: How does my film conform to conventions of the Horror Genre? Tom Sutherland (4122) – Wilson’s School
2. How does it conform? In planning to make the clip, I had to do lots of research into the horror genre. Allowed me to emulate some features and subvert others where it would be effective. Conventions: Alarm Playing on fear Effective soundtrack Editing style
3. (Stereo)Typical horror features Evil Blood/gore Monsters/unworldly power Isolation/being alone Pathetic fallacy Antagonist having psychopathic problems Darkness, use of weapons
4. Alarm Horror is designed to cause alarm in the audience Heavy links with soundtrack Quick pace-of-editing helps to create this atmosphere Camera shots from within the bushes (separate from the action) also contribute to this effect. These are known as enigma codes (things withheld from the audience’s knowledge. They create suspense and keep the viewer watching, wanting to find out more. I have written some below the stills from the clip below. Who is that? Why is he/she on the floor? What are they going to do? Mid/long shot framed with trees. Helps to create a sense of mystery about the wood? Where is the protagonist going? Who is watching? Whose hand is that. Again, contributes to the suspense and create an air of mystery about the plot.
5. Effective soundtrack Soundtrack is vital in creating the mood. Eg. You could have the best-ever shot to create suspense, but overlaid with comical music, it would not have the desired effect. My film has an effective, creepy soundtrack, appropriate to the genre. For example: bangs, heartbeats, breathing, screams etc.
6. Editing style Often horror films use both montage and continuity editing sequences to different effect. My opening sequence only uses continuity editing Conforms to the (usual) form for opening sequences. It establishes the characters and setting whereas montage editing could leave the audience feeling confused.
7. Antagonist - typicalities My film has a male antagonist Wearing a mask Dark colour scheme Carrying a blood-covered shovel Connotations: fear, unknown, evil My sequence’s antagonist Antagonist from Saw
8. Protagonist - typicalities The film subverts the stereotypical protagonist, who is a female and generally young Connotes vulnerability/isolation/fear etc However, as seen in surveys, this has worked effectively as it makes the situation more realistic and believable – the audience can better relate to it.
