Overall codes and conventions of a horror film

There is always a protagonist – victim – who then ends up surviving at the end

Dark scary atmosphere – stormy day – dark clouds

High pitch screaming, and dialogue “someone help me”

Commonly used dialogue “who's there” and “what do you want”

Always the appearance of authority – police, she is a denotation of good vs. evil

Isolated location – not many people around

Music – indicating a frightful moment coming up

Disruption of normality

Sudden signs of ghosts/spirits

Battle of good vs. evil

Death and blood

Shows the “best bits” of the film to attract viewers

Titles are shown mainly at the end

Shows the “well known” actors

Dramatic camera angles show the characters more

Action is interrupted with credits on screen

Follow on

Red – blood, anger, frustration Black – void, emptiness, lack of information and colour White – contrast with black, purity Grey – lack of colour, emotionless Mixture of dialogue and music – creates a balance Titles and intertitles to add more information Fast editing towards to end – creates excitement for

the audience Different camera angle and shots to reveal emotions,

level of powers and to show mise – en - scene Instruments of torture – knives – show danger Instrumental music – sets tone and atmosphere

Conventions

Conventions are found in films in order to make the audience more comfortable and familiar with the film. Conventions are followed to make the genre more recognisable to the audition for example: blood would relate to a horror genre. Conventions are the normal noticeable way of doing something,, something that is a distinct indicator.