Horror films usually feature young and inexperienced main characters. This makes them more relatable to the audience and gets them into trouble within the narrative. On the other hand, the antagonist varies from film to film. It can be a shark, such as Jaws (1975), or a supernatural character such as Toby in Paranormal Activity (2007). The antagonists always target the main character and help the plot of the film progress.
The narrative of a horror film is always very predictable. Every horror plot aims to create suspense and scare the audience. However, the horror films can be a variety of themes. Common horror themes include religion, revenge, murder, survival, and supernatural. For example, The Exorcist (1973) is a horror film that revolves around the concept of religion.
Costumes and colors play a big role in the development of horror films. Protagonists are dressed in lighter colors to represent hope, while antagonists are dressed in darker colors to represent evil and power. Costumes are crucial and help the audience depict the background of the characters.
Many production techniques have become quite common within horror films. Regarding camera use, many horror films use close up shots to emphasize the facial expressions of the victims and horrifying situations. In Psycho (1960) the film uses close ups of the girl's face while she is being stabbed to death in the shower. These shots help the audience understand the fear and helplessness she is feeling in the situation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s22lNU5jXM4
Furthermore, some horror films use a handheld camera to make the scene look more realistic. In The Visit (2015), a handheld camera is used periodically throughout the film. The children are making a movie and film their creepy grandparents. The shaky videography helps convey the idea that the children are filming this scene.
Some other camera shot techniques include tilt disorientation and dolling. Tilt disorientation helps portray the chaos going on in a film, while dolling is used often to show the audience that the main character is being followed. These techniques both create suspense and mystery.
Lastly, horror films and known for using low key lighting. This helps create a dark and eerie effect in the atmosphere. The darkness makes the audience feel more vulnerable because they are unable to see what lies in the dark. This sets up the scene for obstacles and jump scares. Not only that, but silhouettes are often created by artificial lighting to infuse the scene with uneasiness and mystery. The Hitcher (1986) uses this iconic silhouette in their movie cover to portray the potential horror of the film.
No comments:
Post a Comment