Neave Redmond

In a horror film there are usually stereotypical characters such as the heroic male figure who always dies saving a female. Female in horrors are usually seen as weak and passive, who are easily scared and scream a lot. Both of which a propagandistic characters. In horror film there is always a antagonistic character, such as a zombie, demon or murder. Characters Weak female (damsel in distress) Strong heroic male character normal family Antagonistic character The irritating male/female who always dies first
Having a family in a horror film allows the viewer to relate to the characters more by having an emotional connection with each member of the family. This also makes the film seem more realistic.

Stereotypically in horror films isolated, eerie location are used to create a tense unwelcoming, uncomfortable atmosphere. Many different locations are used such as; A normal family home; this is for the audience to relate to and allows them to build an emotional connection with the normal family home
Abandoned hospitals, train stations, aeroports this is to show the viewers that the individual is completely on their own which makes the viewer feel sympathetic towards them The woods are used as a location as they can be very isolated and not have any houses or shops near to them Haunted houses are used for the scare factor, these houses are large and dangerous looking

The use of blue and grey lighting create cold dank, atmospheres which makes the viewer feel cold and tense. The lighting is a crucial part of a horror film as its a vital part in creating a scary tense atmosphere. In horror films lighting is also used to highlight important characters as well as low lighting can be used to show that the character isn't as important.

Bright white lights can be used to signify death, ghosts and clinical centres such as hospitals Musky blues are used to create cold atmospheres and tension Flashing lights Natural lighting is often used Chiaroscuro lighting High/ low key lighting

Props: Can tell us a lot about a character Costumes : Create an authentic film Hair & make up: Makes the film scary and more realistic Voice/ tone: The way someone speaks can tell us a lot such as a deep powerful voice suggests that the person is a dominate character Colour: In scenes colour can mean a lot such as the colour blue can create a cold dull , calm, peaceful scene where as the colour red suggests danger, anger, passion or love

All of these elements are essential in a horror film as the create a bigger picture of what is happening. The use of make up in horror films is essential as it makes the horror film seem horrifying and realistic

Music creates dramatic tension. In horror films ambient sound is used to tell the viewer what type of place they are in. Asynchronous sound is used to make the viewer feel disorientated and confused, this is where the sound is unrelated to the visuals. Many other types of sound is used such as; Dialogue Diegetic sound, this is used so that the audience get a real feel of the scene Non Diegetic sound; this is sound that the characters cannot here such as a sound track or music or a voice over. Non Diegetic sound adds to the atmosphere of the scene Pitch is used frequently in horror films Rhythm is often used to create a sense of urgency or threat Sound effects are used in horrors to emphasise what is actually happening

Acton match is used frequently in horror films, this is usually used when a person is running and there is a close up of the individuals face that switches to a mid shot to a close up of their feet. This is used in horror films as it adds tension to a scene and allows the viewer to feel involved in the film. Editing that is used in horror films;
cutaway the use of this edit allows the scene to be more interesting Eyeline match Graphic match Jump cuts: this creates a disorientated feeling for the viewer Shot/reverse shot Visual effects

In horror films low level shots are often used to emphasise the power that the antagonised characters has where as low angles shots are used to show how weak and powerless the peritonised characters is. Shots that are frequently used in horror films;

Close up: This is so that the viewer can see in detail what the person looks like or what an object looks like. It is also used to capture emotion. Establishing shot: This is used at an opening of the scene to get an clear view of where the characters are Crab shot: This shot adds an element of interest Mid shot Long shot Hand-held shot Head on shot