Genre Conventions

Science Fiction Horror Science Fiction Fantasy Comedy Action and Adventure Comedy Action and Adventure

HORROR ‘Horror fiction, horror literature and also horror fantasy is a genre of literature, which is intended to, or has the capacity to frighten, scare, or startle its readers by inducing feelings of horror and terror.’ Reference: Wikipedia Horror as a genre aims to create a sense of fear, panic, alarm, and dread for the audience. These films are often unsettling and rely on scaring the audience through a portrayal of their worst fears and nightmares.

HORROR- sub genre ACTION HORROR- this is the includes the intrusion of evil, super natural and violence. E.g. Ghost Rider BODY HORROR- this includes modifications, dysfunction and unnatural effects. E.g. Invasion COMEDY HORROR- this is where two genres combine comedy and horror, often uses black comedy. E.g. Scary Movie GOTHIC HORROR- traditional expectations of a horror film, some recognizable factors associated with this is dark and supernatural. E.g. Frankenstein. PSYCHOLIGICAL HORROR- this relies in the characters and audience existing fears and emotional weaknesses. E.g. Jaws. SCI-FI HORROR- often paranormal/ Experiments gone wrong or similar ideas. E.g. Alien SLASHER HORROR- this involves large amounts of blood and killings, they use large amounts of mystery and suspense. E.g. Prom Night ZOMBIE HORROR- Uses reliving corpse/ mindless humans or paranormal beings feeding off the living. E.g. Night Of The Living Dead

PSYCOLOGICAL HORROR ‘Many psychological thrillers have emerged over the past years, all in various media (film, literature, radio, etc.). Despite these very different forms of representation, general trends have appeared throughout the narratives. Some of these consistent themes include: -Reality -Perception -Mind -Existence/Purpose -Identity -Death’ There is many other things associated with a psychological horror. One of these being the weapons used within the production often in a psychological horror the weapons won’t be physical but tend to be more psychological or supernatural. Another common theme is the setting it will often be in places like woods, a hospital or a big house, all places which create a sense of realism this plays on the idea that the fear within the film is created through the fears of the characters or audience. Another common theme is the sights you see throughout the film such as flash back, shadowing and silhouettes these continue to play on the fears. The sounds which runs throughout the films of these sub genre also common they are often contrapuntal, doesn't’t match with the actions on screen or selective sound which is where you choose sounds that you especially want the audience to take notice on this often adds to experience of the film. Reference: Wikipedia, ‘The main facet of a psychological horror film is what isn't shown, not what is.’

EXAMPLES OF PSYCOLOGICAL HORROR FILMS