Conventions of the Horror/Thriller Genre

The Horror film genre are unnerving movies that act to elicit fear and horror from viewers. They are generally fast paced, graphic films which strive to elicit terror and disgust. However, the Thriller genre is a more slow paced and pathological type of film, that builds suspension, tension and excitement and focuses more on affecting the viewer in a psychological way as opposed to the Horror genre, being a more physical depiction. The Thriller genre includes many sub genres, i.e romantic thriller, erotic thriller, pathelogical thriller, action thriller, crime thriller etc.

We can identify these key conventions when focusing on the Horror genre:

Include a victim and a villian/killer.

Some more psychological horror films may include ghosts, mysterious unknown creatures or a paranormal elemnt, which causes great fear and apprehension in the viewer of the unknown.

Blood and gore to shock and disturb the viewer, as well as giving a more realistic effect. Special effects and make-up are used in these films to emphasize frightening moments in the film.

Some type of haunting, mysterious and dark solitary locations, i.e haunted houses, forests, castles deserted buildings etc.

Horror films usually use a weaker subject to play the victim, i.e a young, naive women to create a greater sense of vulnerability. Horror films also use high angled shots on the victim, making them look more dependant and helpless.

Haunting, eerie music is played in the background to increase the suspense and tension. The musics tempo and volume may be increased suddenly as the killer or villian is lurking or about to make an appearance.

The victim is often trapped in a claustraphopic situation (solitary confinement) by the villian, causing high distress and discomfort.

Most horror films include a major twist in the story, nearer the end to shock the viewer, as well as creating suspense and tension.

Action scenes which depict a physical conflict between characters, i.e. when Casey Becker- the victim (Drew Barrymore) is attacked and murdered by Ghostface- the villian in the horror movie "Scream".