Thursday 10 November 2011

Codes And Conventions of a Horror Thriller.

As we are planning to do a horror thriller, we thought it would be best to look into the Codes and conventions of a traditional horror thriller. Here are some of the slides Alice found online, and also a quote by James Patterson that Mr Ford decided to show us.




Camera Angles:
  • Extreme Close ups (emphasize the subject)
  • Tilt (to create disorientation)
  • Establishing shots (showing location, stereotypically isolated buildings e.g. mansions or forests)
  • Handheld (looks realistic, making it feel more believable)
  • Long Shots (help show the danger or what the lead character is surrounded by, usually isolated)
  • Tracking (where the camera moves at the side, following a character)
  • Dollying (where the camera follows the character from in front or behind, to make it feel as if the character is being followed/stalked)
  • Point of view shot (so the audience can see what the character sees, to feel as if they are looking through their eyes)

Codes and Conventions:
  • Atmosphere is usually sinister and location often appears dar and isolated.
  • Montage editing and quick shots in the trailer to increase tension and suspense. Often previews best bits to engage the audience and encourage them to see the film. 
  • Dark music to help increase a frightening atmosphere.
  • Lead character often ends up surviving and slaying the antagonist character.
  • The antagonist usually has a pattern in the way they work or kill.
  • Usually good against evil.
  • Plot frequently involve themes of death, the supernatural or mental issues. 
Below is a quote about thrillers by James Patterson. It shows what gives a variety of thrillers and what things are in them. It also explains what a thriller shows, or what emotions it should bring up.


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