Media studies portfolio: November 2018

HORROR

Horror is a non fiction or fiction genre intended to scare, shock, or disgust people. The typical target audience of this genre can range from the age of 15-25 but is more targeted toward young adults 18+ because of the generally graphic nature of the films, it would not be suitable for younger audiences. Because most horror films are rated R the main audience for horror are not under 17, and older audiences 30 years old and up may not find as much interest in horror due and may be drawn toward more relate able genres.

Genre Conventions

The conventions of horror pertaining to the content is mirrored with the constant theme of most horror films, the element of fear. Common ways to portray this through content consists of jump scares, the fear of death, the fear of the supernatural, the dark, psychological thrillers, suspense, dismemberment, fear of the unknown, and the fear of being alone. Many horror films contain a multiple of these elements ultimately to create the discomfort they are aiming for.

The conventions of horror pertaining to production techniques include a variety of classic approaches. When producing a horror film, it is common for people to include very dark and suspenseful background music to create tension and add to the thrilling atmosphere. Another technique commonly used in horror films is special effects in post production such as paranormal or making a murder look completely real, making the uncommon common in order to make the audience uncomfortable. Another technique that is utilized is the use of gore, by including intense gore to movies, something a typical person wouldnt see in everyday life adds even more to the atmosphere of horror films. Another technique horror films tend to use is POV shots to but the audience in the place of the horror in order to enhance the emotions tied to horror. Adding haze, or fog is also common in films because it sets a mysterious atmosphere. Another way horror is commonly depicted in films in through special effect makeup, to make monsters and gore look more realistic.

Institutional Conventions

Horror films are usually marketed by teasing the audience by showing brief clips of thrilling content to enhance the anticipation for the film. Horror films are also more frequently released during the halloween season, throughout October, because this is when people are most willing to invest in a scare. Another way to market horror movies to ensure it reaches the correct audience is to place the commercials for them on other horror movies.

Iconic Horror Films

Halloween

Directed by John Carpenter

This movie is a true embodiment of horror, it show cases a extremely suspenseful nerve wracking thriller. Halloween includes a variety of content, it is a psychological thriller because it follows Micheal Myers, a psychopath and his journey on his murders of multiple people. A big aspect of this film which makes it so horrifying is the mystery, the audience is left in awe of what is to come next, the way that Micheals face is barely shown creates deep tension especially with the combination of jump scares. The suspenseful music in Halloween also adds to the sinister and ominous thrill of the movie.

Directed by Andres Muchietti

This movie is a very good example of horror because it takes a common human fear- clowns, and combined that with terrifying special effects such as blood filling a young girls bathroom contribute to the intense scare factor of this film. The editing techniques showcased in this film is also noteworthy, in one scene Pennywise's eyes roll backwards and his mouth opens showing his many rows of razor sharp teeth. This perfectly portrays the horror genre because many people would be disgusted and scared when viewing a scene such as this. The music and sounds of suspense added to the movie also further the scenes of intense action and add a creepy tone to the movie. Another way this film embodies horror is because it also includes gore much like many other horror movies, a boy named Henry is tempted to kill his father and he does and it is shown clearly on the scene, this likely evokes deep feelings of discomfort and disgust from the audience.