horror genre

 

 

Horror genre

Horror can be split into sub genres:

The monster scare

Psychological thrillers

Slasher…

·         Split into sub genres-often hybrids

·         Primary target audience –male, 16-24

·         15 or 18 certification (promises of pleasure)- debates  on passive consumption

·         Extensive use of narrative enigmas

·         Slow pace of editing, builds tension. Long takes.

Codes and conventions

·         Three act narrative structure

·         Predictable narrative content (follows format)

·         Clear binary oppositions e.g. good v evil

·         Use low key lighting, use of CGI, FX

·         Dominant representation of gender: male villain, the female victim

·         Extensive use of close up, points of view shots, long angle view shots

·         Young/ teenage characters

·         Use of hand- held camera: audience identification/realism

 

associations with a horror film:

• isolated house
• dark lighting
• murder
• gore
• scary music
• victim and villains

 

 

Target Audience

• male audience if there are a lot of gorey/ violent scenes
• ages from 15-25
• exciting and thrilling
• dramatic scenes
• plessure of being scared
• women often play victaim which attracts the men