Codes and Conventions of Horrors

The genre of movies "Horrors" have a wide range of codes and conventions that usually appear in them, these codes and conventions define the horror genre.


Camera

The opening shot of most horrors is an establishing shot of the location it is shot in, the camera is usually fixed and steady. The first shot is usually followed by a series of close ups of props or plot devices that instill a feeling of horror within the audience.

Editing

The only editing present in horrors may be desaturating the image to create a more moody feel, and fast cuts of footage to build suspense.

Sound

Horrors usually begin with diegetic sound, i.e a murderer hiding in bushes, and a non diegetic sountrack or score will fade in. It will usually be an off key high pitched piece, it will be erratic. No dialogue will generally be used at first.

Mise en Scéne

The mise en scéne of horrors differs depending on where it was set. However the antagonist in the movie will generally be concealed or wearing strange and disturbing outfits. The lighting will usually be low key to create an ominous atmosphere.