Codes And Conventions Of A Horror Film

Vampire/Werewolf/Monster Horror's

Technical codes

· Camera Movements - point of view shots from the "creature".

· Editing - sharp/rapid cuts and transitions that create suspense and excitement.

· Framing of Shots - Low angle shots on the "creature" to make them seem more powerful and in control. If the characters "transform" they will most likely be shot alone.

· Lighting - darkness and shadows create an ominous atmosphere and mystery. Also colour of lighting might be used to create the desired atmosphere e.g blue lights/tints to show isolation, fear, suspense etc.. Blues are also used as a tint in the films, giving off a supernatural feel.

· Juxtaposition - from man to animal, life to death, entire characters and personalities change as they are transformed into new creatures, e.g. An American Werewolf In London.

Symbolic Codes

· Objects - the transformation into another character e.g. focusing on fangs, claws etc...

· Setting - normally dark and isolated places generally woods are an occurring theme as they seem to provide shelter for the creatures.

· Costumes - Typical vampire movies would show the vampires in long black capes, currently in cinema, the "monsters" in these films are being made to fit in more with the human world and therefore dress normally, e.g. Twilight, Jennifer's Body.

· Colour - Black signifying evil. Blue shows loneliness and the supernatural.

· Music - Generally these types of films have their own score to create suspense, however in more modern movies, they are becoming varied, mixing a score with a popular music soundtrack.