Settings
Common settings in Horror movies include uses of large, vast, spacious environments; this gives characters more area’s to explore in the ‘middle of nowhere’ and means they have more spaces to hide. Horrors are often set in suburban areas, for example, a common location is in a characters home (especially in supernatural horrors), and this achieves common ground between the character and the audience which adds to the scare-factor. Also, with more modern horrors, the houses in which the film is set contain more cosy and homily vibes but still maintain an eerie, austere presence. As oppose to much older horrors, the houses appear haunted in a more obvious way.
Above: this house is the setting in the film ‘Amytiville Horror’
Above: the house that features in ‘The Uninvited’
Above: this house is the setting in the film ‘Amytiville Horror’
As you can see, both these houses appear to be ‘normal’ domesticated settings, yet combined with uses of contrapuntal sound, they are provided with a spooky, unsettling atmosphere.
However, it is also conventional for horrors to be set in woodland areas, forests or worn down warehouses, in remote and secluded locations that include only the victim and the killer. This is conventional of slasher horrors.
Characters
Characters
The fundamental character types are ofcourse, Innocence vs. Evil. Let us begin by exploring the evil...
The Killer
In horror films it is common for the killer to originate from a troubled and psychotic background, they then kill to seek revenge. In psychological horrors, it is conventional for the killer to appear as if they are a ‘normal’ human being, until eventually their horrific and monstrous nature is revealed. Often we are mislead as to who the killer is and we are left guessing as we are presented with a string of suspects. This contrasts with slasher horrors as more often than not, the identity of the killer is hidden. Quite often, with Gothic horrors, the killer tends to be a beast, a supernatural being. For instance, we have Dracula or the Wolfman etc. With supernatural horrors, the killer may be some kind of ghost, demon or spirit.
The Killer
In horror films it is common for the killer to originate from a troubled and psychotic background, they then kill to seek revenge. In psychological horrors, it is conventional for the killer to appear as if they are a ‘normal’ human being, until eventually their horrific and monstrous nature is revealed. Often we are mislead as to who the killer is and we are left guessing as we are presented with a string of suspects. This contrasts with slasher horrors as more often than not, the identity of the killer is hidden. Quite often, with Gothic horrors, the killer tends to be a beast, a supernatural being. For instance, we have Dracula or the Wolfman etc. With supernatural horrors, the killer may be some kind of ghost, demon or spirit.
The Sacrificial Lamb
This type of character is usually female and is the first to be killed. The killing of the sacrificial lamb sets the narrative and informs the audience of the killer’s motives.
This type of character is usually female and is the first to be killed. The killing of the sacrificial lamb sets the narrative and informs the audience of the killer’s motives.
The Sexual Transgressor
The death of a victim is a result of their wrong doing. In slasher horrors characters who participate in sexual activities are known as ‘Sexual Transgressors’. It is a staple in horror movies that these characters are set for early destruction. It is common for couples to be killed immediately after they have sex, or even during the act! Other ‘immoral’ and inappropriate activities partaken in horrors include underage drinking, drug abuse and smoking, which also lead to death. Perhaps this stands as a moral message to society to maintain innocence and virginity and you will survive.
The Stupid Girl
In teen slashers, the victims are the ones who have no interest in study, preferring to focus their attention on partying, drinking and sex. According to theorist Carol J Clover, these type of victims die because they make mistakes, they’re often oblivious to the danger surrounding them; lacking common sense, these ‘stupid girls’ or sometimes known as the ‘dumb blondes’ put themselves into situations where ultimately they end up being brutally killed. Sometimes, these characters combine qualities of innocence and promiscuousness.
The Final Girl
Any character who is not the final girl will ultimately become a victim. Unlike her friends this character is often studios, virginal, sensible, brave, wise, intelligent and responsible. The final girl is seen as the proactive fighter as she stares death in face. She is not the passive victim as she manages to stay alive until she is rescued or has killed the antagonist herself. According to Clover, the final girl is established as the main character from the outset. Minutes into the film, the audience differentiate this character between her and her friends, acknowledging her as the ‘girl scout, bookworm, the mechanic’ and unlike her friends she is not sexually active. The final girl is watchful to the point of paranoia; she registers even the smallest signs of danger, ones that her friends would ignorantly disregard. She is resourceful and level headed and is always the first to sense that something is not quite right. The final girl sets out to defeat the killer herself.
The death of a victim is a result of their wrong doing. In slasher horrors characters who participate in sexual activities are known as ‘Sexual Transgressors’. It is a staple in horror movies that these characters are set for early destruction. It is common for couples to be killed immediately after they have sex, or even during the act! Other ‘immoral’ and inappropriate activities partaken in horrors include underage drinking, drug abuse and smoking, which also lead to death. Perhaps this stands as a moral message to society to maintain innocence and virginity and you will survive.
The Stupid Girl
In teen slashers, the victims are the ones who have no interest in study, preferring to focus their attention on partying, drinking and sex. According to theorist Carol J Clover, these type of victims die because they make mistakes, they’re often oblivious to the danger surrounding them; lacking common sense, these ‘stupid girls’ or sometimes known as the ‘dumb blondes’ put themselves into situations where ultimately they end up being brutally killed. Sometimes, these characters combine qualities of innocence and promiscuousness.
The Final Girl
Any character who is not the final girl will ultimately become a victim. Unlike her friends this character is often studios, virginal, sensible, brave, wise, intelligent and responsible. The final girl is seen as the proactive fighter as she stares death in face. She is not the passive victim as she manages to stay alive until she is rescued or has killed the antagonist herself. According to Clover, the final girl is established as the main character from the outset. Minutes into the film, the audience differentiate this character between her and her friends, acknowledging her as the ‘girl scout, bookworm, the mechanic’ and unlike her friends she is not sexually active. The final girl is watchful to the point of paranoia; she registers even the smallest signs of danger, ones that her friends would ignorantly disregard. She is resourceful and level headed and is always the first to sense that something is not quite right. The final girl sets out to defeat the killer herself.
Representations of Gender in Horror
Horror films present to us an interesting representation of gender. Females are more negatively portrayed than males as traditional stereotypes are maintained. The male characters are depicted as strong, powerful and masculine, where as the females are exposed as weak and vulnerable. We see the females being chased by the male antagonists, unable to fight back and escape, she appears feeble, fragile and helpless. In horrors women are killed in a graphically brutal and merciless fashion. As they are physically torn apart, the killer not only takes their life, but what dignity they have left. Female victims are literally reduced to nothing as they are violated and tarnished. In comparison to the killings of male characters, those of the females are far more memorable and prolonged. The extended suffering forces audiences to view them as weak and traumatised as they witness the killer’s strength in full force. It has been said by Schoell, that audiences enjoy and relish the killing of females more than males, as they receive a sense of gratification watching an attractive woman being slaughtered.
According to Clover, the death of a male is nearly always swift as they have little or no time to react or register terror. The male is quickly dispatched and the camera moves on. The death of a male is either viewed from a distance or viewed only dimly, sometimes his death will occur off-screen and not be viewed at all. I believe that this is the case because it is seen as de-masculinising to watch a man plead for mercy, which is not the sort of representation, which film makers want to demonstrate of the ‘superior’ sex. Horror films encourage voyeurism in their representation of female characters and, therefore reinforce feminist Laura Mulvey’s theory of ‘The Male Gaze’ where women are seen as objects, which are to be looked at.
Horror films present to us an interesting representation of gender. Females are more negatively portrayed than males as traditional stereotypes are maintained. The male characters are depicted as strong, powerful and masculine, where as the females are exposed as weak and vulnerable. We see the females being chased by the male antagonists, unable to fight back and escape, she appears feeble, fragile and helpless. In horrors women are killed in a graphically brutal and merciless fashion. As they are physically torn apart, the killer not only takes their life, but what dignity they have left. Female victims are literally reduced to nothing as they are violated and tarnished. In comparison to the killings of male characters, those of the females are far more memorable and prolonged. The extended suffering forces audiences to view them as weak and traumatised as they witness the killer’s strength in full force. It has been said by Schoell, that audiences enjoy and relish the killing of females more than males, as they receive a sense of gratification watching an attractive woman being slaughtered.
According to Clover, the death of a male is nearly always swift as they have little or no time to react or register terror. The male is quickly dispatched and the camera moves on. The death of a male is either viewed from a distance or viewed only dimly, sometimes his death will occur off-screen and not be viewed at all. I believe that this is the case because it is seen as de-masculinising to watch a man plead for mercy, which is not the sort of representation, which film makers want to demonstrate of the ‘superior’ sex. Horror films encourage voyeurism in their representation of female characters and, therefore reinforce feminist Laura Mulvey’s theory of ‘The Male Gaze’ where women are seen as objects, which are to be looked at.
Costume
The killer is usually dressed in dark attire; often wear items of clothing that hide their identity, such as capes, cloaks, masks and gloves. They are demonic and in-humane and hiding their self makes the audience see them not as civilised humans, but living things lacking emotion, consciences and morality. It promotes fear of the unknown.
The Final Girl is usually dressed in sensible attire, sometimes, quite masculine. They tend to be quite androgynous; the final girl stands out against her friends as she does not express herself provocatively.
The Final Girl is usually dressed in sensible attire, sometimes, quite masculine. They tend to be quite androgynous; the final girl stands out against her friends as she does not express herself provocatively.
The ‘stupid girl’ character or otherwise known as the ‘dumb blonde’ combines elements of both innocence and promiscuousness in her costume, hair and make-up. For instance, this character may wear her hair in pigtails and speak in a ‘cutsie’ baby voice, but also be wearing an attention-seeking outfit that boldly accentuates and highlights her bust, midriff and bottom. This character maintains the image of a simple and naive good little girl, yet she taints this persona with a sexual attitude and outfit.
Sound
Conventional uses of sound in horror movies include non-diegetic uses of eerie and unsettling music that signals something bad will occur. This is known as soundtrack music, which for psychological, supernatural and gothic horrors is often orchestral, for example, “What Lies Beneath” and “Wolfman”. This is because these subgenres contain less violence and gore, classical music simply tends to suit the narrative of the film, as it is more sophisticated and mature. As for slasher movies, they tend to use folk/ country music, especially in films that are set in southern America, for example, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”, “Cabin Fever” and “The Hills Have Eyes 1 & 2”. Also, with slasher movies a conventional use of soundtrack would be heavy metal music played in scenes of danger, death and sheer chaos. I really appreciate this convention of slasher horrors as the heavy metal music suits the scene so well, as it is so powerful and overwhelming.
Horror films love to use contrapuntal sounds, which is to apply sound that contrasts with the scene. For instance, using the laughter of a child in a scene where something bad is about to occur. This use of sound is effective because although initially a child’s laughter is supposed to be innocent and endearing, matched with the right scene, it can be sinister.
Silence is used in horror films to emphasise fear and indicate occurrence. Stab sounds are used right at the point of climax, used to emphasise danger, also used to imitate the stabbing of a victim.
Silence is used in horror films to emphasise fear and indicate occurrence. Stab sounds are used right at the point of climax, used to emphasise danger, also used to imitate the stabbing of a victim.
Events and Occurrences
The most obvious of events and occurrences in a horror film are of course, the killing of a victim and people escaping death.
Slasher movies tend to have this re-occurring theme where an isolated gas station appears at the beginning and the end of the narrative. This is apparent in films such as ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’, ‘The Hills Have Eyes’ and ‘Wrong Turn’, the main characters stop off at some kind of petrol station or convenience store whilst on their travels. The occupier of the store always seems to have a connection with the killer and either warns the characters not to take a certain road route, or encourages that they take it so that they end up in the territory of the killer.
Other such events that occur often in horror movies are when characters spy through the key hole. This could either be them spying through the door or a hole in the wall or fence and so on. This typically consists of the victim hiding from the killer and watching them through the hole, this is shown as we see a close up of the characters eyes peeking through, which is conventionally followed by a point-of-view shot through where the killer will appear, making the audience jump with fright.
Another reoccurring theme in horrors is the dragging of the victim; sometimes these victims have already been killed, other times they are seen being dragged across the ground either on their front or back, flinching and screaming as they are hauled to their doom.
In slasher movies it is common to show a group of teenagers in a party scene, where they participate in immoral and inappropriate activities, such as sex, drinking and sometimes drugs. Here the females are seen as objects, dancing provocatively and wearing very little clothing.
In slasher films that involve cannibalistic creatures, we often see the characters at the home of the locals, looking to phone for help as they are having car trouble. Usually, the home is empty during this time, as the occupiers are out. As the characters grow impatient, they decide to enter the home. By browsing the rooms of the house, they discover more about the locals. There is always one scene that appears in these types of horrors and that is when a character enters the kitchen area and opens the fridge to find that inside, pieces and parts of the human body are being stored. The sight is grotesque as body parts such as severed fingers, eyeballs, ears and so on, have been ‘hacked’ off and chopped up as they sit in jars and containers drenched in blood. This is just one example of this specific genre, on a much larger scale; a regular occurrence in horror movies involves the main character/ characters entering the territory of the killer, and making discoveries that inform them what they’re up against.
In supernatural horrors, a conventional event is one that involves the use of a bathroom mirror. The character looks into the mirror, and beside their own reflection, usually appears the reflection of someone else, who is the ‘ghost’ of the narrative. Such events have occurred in “What Lies Beneath”, “Deadline” and the film “The Eye” too, includes a mirror scene.
Another occurrence that is conventionally used in horrors is the one where the final girl fights back against the killer. The group of characters usually devise a plan to defeat them, and when that fails, the lone survivor fights on their own. For example, in the gothic ‘vampiric’ horror “30 Days of Night”, the main character takes on a horde of vampires by himself, similarly, in “Wolfman” the main female character takes the fate of the wolf into her own hands.
Sights
The most obvious of events and occurrences in a horror film are of course, the killing of a victim and people escaping death.
Slasher movies tend to have this re-occurring theme where an isolated gas station appears at the beginning and the end of the narrative. This is apparent in films such as ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’, ‘The Hills Have Eyes’ and ‘Wrong Turn’, the main characters stop off at some kind of petrol station or convenience store whilst on their travels. The occupier of the store always seems to have a connection with the killer and either warns the characters not to take a certain road route, or encourages that they take it so that they end up in the territory of the killer.
Other such events that occur often in horror movies are when characters spy through the key hole. This could either be them spying through the door or a hole in the wall or fence and so on. This typically consists of the victim hiding from the killer and watching them through the hole, this is shown as we see a close up of the characters eyes peeking through, which is conventionally followed by a point-of-view shot through where the killer will appear, making the audience jump with fright.
Another reoccurring theme in horrors is the dragging of the victim; sometimes these victims have already been killed, other times they are seen being dragged across the ground either on their front or back, flinching and screaming as they are hauled to their doom.
In slasher movies it is common to show a group of teenagers in a party scene, where they participate in immoral and inappropriate activities, such as sex, drinking and sometimes drugs. Here the females are seen as objects, dancing provocatively and wearing very little clothing.
In slasher films that involve cannibalistic creatures, we often see the characters at the home of the locals, looking to phone for help as they are having car trouble. Usually, the home is empty during this time, as the occupiers are out. As the characters grow impatient, they decide to enter the home. By browsing the rooms of the house, they discover more about the locals. There is always one scene that appears in these types of horrors and that is when a character enters the kitchen area and opens the fridge to find that inside, pieces and parts of the human body are being stored. The sight is grotesque as body parts such as severed fingers, eyeballs, ears and so on, have been ‘hacked’ off and chopped up as they sit in jars and containers drenched in blood. This is just one example of this specific genre, on a much larger scale; a regular occurrence in horror movies involves the main character/ characters entering the territory of the killer, and making discoveries that inform them what they’re up against.
In supernatural horrors, a conventional event is one that involves the use of a bathroom mirror. The character looks into the mirror, and beside their own reflection, usually appears the reflection of someone else, who is the ‘ghost’ of the narrative. Such events have occurred in “What Lies Beneath”, “Deadline” and the film “The Eye” too, includes a mirror scene.
Another occurrence that is conventionally used in horrors is the one where the final girl fights back against the killer. The group of characters usually devise a plan to defeat them, and when that fails, the lone survivor fights on their own. For example, in the gothic ‘vampiric’ horror “30 Days of Night”, the main character takes on a horde of vampires by himself, similarly, in “Wolfman” the main female character takes the fate of the wolf into her own hands.
Sights
Sights that are conventionally seen in Horror films, especially ‘Zombie’ horrors, are those where an extreme long shot is used to show a city or landscape. In the city, the streets are empty; there are no cars and there are no people. This is shown to emphasise the isolation, the sense of obscurity and loneliness as an area that was once buzzing with life, is now, lifeless. This common sight is seen in films such as “I Am Legend”, “28 Days later”, “28 Weeks Later”, “Dawn of the Dead” and “The Crazies”.
A sight seen in Horrors is the colour red, present to indicate danger. Sights including masses of blood emphasise the pain and suffering of a victim.
Weapons
A sight seen in Horrors is the colour red, present to indicate danger. Sights including masses of blood emphasise the pain and suffering of a victim.
Weapons
The most conventional uses of weapons in horror films include guns, knives and axes, as well as house hold items such as kitchen utensils, garden equipment e.g. chainsaws or any sharp, long and weighty objects. In other films, weapons are created specifically to be used on a victim, for instance, torture machines that feature in “Saw” saga.
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