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.