Codes and conventions in a horror film

Codes and conventions present in slasher horror films

Technical codes

· Camera- more recently, jerky movements captured on a handheld camera.

· Editing- sharp/ rapid creating excitement

· Framing- extreme close ups of weapons and the killer making them seem powerful /dangerous.

· Lighting-dark and shadow infused creating an ominous atmosphere and mystery. Also colour of lighting might be used to create the desired atmosphere e.g red or blue light.

· Juxtaposition- calmness before the storm-dramatic change in atmosphere.

Symbolic Codes

· Objects-weapons e.g. knives, chainsaws and axes etc. A barricade to stop the killer from advancing.

· Setting-normally dark and isolated place but also in their normal environment which adds to the audience fear as it implies that nowhere is safe not even your own home.

· Costumes-The victims dressed in everyday clothes signifying that this situation can happen to anyone- these are normal people. The killer is often dressed in black denoting death, dominance, despair and evilness. Black also allows the killer to blend into the darkness o the night thus allowing them to move undetected. The killer often wears a mask hiding their identity adding to the audience’s curiosity.

· Colour- Black signifying death and evil. Red to denote danger.

· Music- Intense, up tempo, dramatic score is used. Unlike traditional horror films which use an orchestral score it’s sub genre of the slasher movie tend to use a commercial score which can incorporate gothic rock songs which aid the atmosphere and excitement of the film.

Written Codes

· Opening Title- Printed in a sans serif font which is coloured red indicating to the audience that this film is a horror film and therefore will contain blood and gore as donated by the colour red.

Evalution of creating a film score targeted at a specific genre

Evaluate your research

I believe my research was quite effective. I found using the search engine Google particularly helpful especially when searching for " key elements in a horror score". I then made key notes summarizing the instruments and the tempo of the score.

Use of garage band

Our main objective was to create a new score designed to accompany a self chosen genre. After careful consideration I decided to create a horror score. Initially I explored the programme in order to familiarise myself with it. I decided to choose a piano driven baseline which I feel fully captured the essence of a horror score as it created an eerie, thrilling and tense atmosphere which mirrored a heartbeat. The compoisition also included classical piano keys and string instruments.

Group Evaluation

I enjoyed working in a group as it was interesting to explore different views. My partner was very patient and helpful, as I was unable to see due to my vision impairement, which ultimately meant the task took longer as she had to read to me.

Self Evaluation

I made key notes from our research which benefitted the group. Also engaged in discussions regarding the score.

How to improve

I believe the key problem in our score was the decision to include piano keys which I feel destroyed the atmosphere of the piece. If I redid the piece I would replace the keys with an instrument that created more tention meaning the score would be more consistant.

Photography homework

Subject







My aim for this photo was to depict loneliness. I believe I have achieved this as in the photo the subject is alone and is facing away from us symbolising hopelessness. In my opium the amalgamation of the subject's shadow and the fact the photo is taken in black and white further embeds the extend of the subject's isolation thus creating sympathy.






I feel this photograph is made interesting due to the fact it was taken through wooden squares effectively creating a sense of confusion and uneasiness.

















Landscape



This photo is a tilted low angle shot which ultimately make the tree seem dominant thus overwhelming the audience. My aim was to present a trees struggle to survive. I decided to take this photo in black and white in order to highlight the difficulty and hardship this tree has to endure to survive. The irony is that the tree is presented as dominant in order to enforce its vulnerability. Nature v man!















This image is a low angled long shot which in my opinion perfectly illustrates both the beauty of nature and the uncertainty of nature. The contrast in light can be seen as an extended metaphor expressing the extremes of nature. The trees are looking upwards to the dominant sky which holds the key to their survival. The colour connotations further add to the sense of uncertainty and wonderment!

Tilted frame

Tilted frame is used to make the shot more interesting. the use of a Tilted frame can also be used to signify confusion or ominousness.

Low angle shot

A low angle shot is used to make a subject appear more powerful, dominant or superior. This shot is commonly used both for heroes and villains.

High angle shot

A high angle shot is used to make the subject seem powerless or vulnerable.

Walking room

A walking room gives the subject space in the direction the subject is walking giving the audience a good indication where the character is going.

Looking room

looking room gives the subject space in the direction they are looking in order to make the subject appear more natural. This shot might be to used to show a character's perspective during a convosation or in a interview.

Over the shoulder shot

A over the shoulder shot is used when to characters are having a conversation.

Two shot (mc)

A two shot is used to capture the emotional reactions between two subjects.

Very long shot

A Very long shot is less tight than a long shot. A very long shot is also known as an establishing shot as it can be used to set the scene. There is little detail visible in the shot, as it is meant to give a general impression rather than specific information.

Long shot

A long shot is less tight than a medium long shot.
In a long shot you see the subject in its entirety.

Medium long shot

A medium long shot is less tight than a medium shot This is a good shot to reveal the environment of the subject and to show interaction between multiple subjects.

Medium shot

A medium shot is roughly from the subject's wait to their head. A medium shot gives you an idea about the subject's body language and allows you to capture any activety involving the subject's hands.

close ups

Close ups are normally used as a cutaway from a more distant shot thus allowing you to capture more detail such as the emotions of a certain character. A close up can also be used as a device to distinguish or introduce main characters.

They are four different types of closeups...





An extreme close up is very tight and has a very specific focus such as the subject's eyes. An extreme close up can also be used to portray a character as powerful or threatening.




A big close up is less tight than an extreme close up and allows to capture more of the subject's head.

A close up is less tight than a big close close up and captures the whole of the subject's head.

A medium close up is less tight than a close up. A medium close up begins to give you a idea where the character is.

why i choose media studies ?

I choose media studies as I find the media exciting ,creative and profoundly powerful. I also believe this A level will provide a solid foundation for my current career path. I hope to transform my comdey sitcom scripts into tv programs. I am also extremely facinated in the ways that the media munipulates the audience in order to create a desired effect.

I Have limited experience with Digial cameras and Editing and hope This A level with Improve my skills , however I have created a short film comdey with The BBC which I solely wrote and directed.