CH - Genre Analysis

1) My chosen genre is Horror. Sub genres include gothic horror, teen horror, slasher horror, gangster horror, psychological horror, body horror, science fiction horror and teen horror. We are following many of the conventions of this sub-genre, such as the proposed chase scene between a victim and an unknown predator, using darkness and teenage imagery of a rowdy group of friends (using iconography such as uniforms). Films that fit this genre include Scream, Eden Lake and Sorority Row.

2) Techniques/style of films that may be useful:Scream; the use of dramatic irony when the audience know the killer is with the victim before the victim realisesEden Lake uses a distinct tone of colour and lighting throughout the movie, which sets a dangerous and animalistic atmosphereSorority Row; by using the happy, bright atmosphere of a high school movie contrasted with the dark, horrific imagery of the murders it creates a stronger impact

3) A typical narrative for this type of film is a group or couple of teenagers in a secluded location, or familiar location (which would then be twisted, such as a high school) beginning with a dramatic occurrence before returning to seemingly normal life, proceeding a murder mystery scenario or an escape sequence. This would be used to create suspense by the contrast between high school life and the innocence of youth vs. the troubles and horrors then facing them and how they escape.

4) In this genre, conventional characters include:
- the ‘jock/cheerleader’,
-the ‘nerd’,
-the archetypal ‘hero/heroine’ (such as Sidney in Scream)
-and the obvious villain, who is usually apparent to the
audience

5) Typical locations for this genre are generally secluded, shadowed or dark, with some sort of twisted juxtaposition (such as a family home).

6) Iconography of this genre include school uniforms, knives, gloved hands, hooded assailants, ECU of eyes, blood splatters

7) Costume is normally casual clothing or clothing associated with that teenage group (such as jeans, or baseball hats) but normally the costume becomes dirty and ruined by the end, after multiple chases or fights

8) Lighting and colour is used to create tension and danger, such as the use of slanted shadows in Film Noir or the use of figure shadow to represent an impending danger. I would like to create the effect of a contrasting situation by juxtaposing light and dark in quick succession through two scenes compared. The connotations of red are fire, danger, pain; blue are cold, shock; green includes envy or safety.