Conventions and Characteristics of Horror Genre

This type of genre strives to educe fear and apprehension from their viewers by colliding supernatural into reality situations. Everything a normal society values is systematically destroyed throughout the film. It often can be completely paranormal without any reality whatsoever and are based on classic literature of the gothic/horror genre. They can also incorporate elements of other genres such as science fiction (sci-fi), fantasy, black comedies or thriller. Modernized horrors usually contain graphic violence or bloody gore. Horror films differentiate due to the years and so it is much harder to compare or group them largely and so contrasts between them become very clear.o
Preliminary introduction into ordinary lifestyleo
Type of bizarre murder/death – killer maybe known or unknowno
Credits follow horror theme – creepy font, title movement, image eg pumpkin, weapon, etco Main characters introduced – young/ youthfulo
Teenage kids – easy target also vulnerable – home alone
Teenagers usually a couple – football jock boyfriend and cheerleader blonde bimbo girlfriend. Mysterious phone calls – dubbed sinister voice “Who’s There…?”
Family ties brokeno Sisters killed by brothers e.g: Halloweeno
Sometimes unsuccessful acts of heroismo Victim unprotectedo
Superhuman killer – doesn’t die successfully = sequels