Genre Research: Horror

 Hi blog!

For my first project in this class, I created a presentation of the different characteristics from a selected genre. I chose horror because it has interesting ways of scaring the audience with logical camera movements. In the project, I went in-depth on the camera shots, angles and movements, editing techniques, sound, and Mise-En-Scene used for horror films. First, I gave examples of the common types of lighting used in those types of films. I mentioned up-lighting, silhouette, spotlighting, underexposure, and shadows. I found examples from horror movies like The Nun and Psycho. Then I found examples of camera angles like high angles, low angles, close-up, point of view, and an over-the-shoulder shot. The next category I covered was common camera movements. Hand-held, track, pan, tilt, and Steadicam are all movements that are commonly included in a horror film. Mise-En-Scene is another category that was a part of my project. It is based on the props, costumes, and setting. The weapons, blood, and frightening costumes make the movie seem like it's more of a reality. I then had to explain the elements of the genre and what makes horror films similar to others. Sound is another category that plays a very important part in how the audience reacts to the scenes. Diegetic, non-diegetic, soundtracks, ambient, and synchronous sounds were shown in short clips to give examples of how they add a suspenseful feeling towards the audience. This project showed me how horror movies are thought out to create a more terror-filled scene for the audience. I never knew how much a sound effect or low angle could enhance a scene. Now, I can recognize the small changes that greatly influence the tone of the film. The sounds, angles, movements, and costumes have a large impact on the quality of a horror film.