Horror

Horror movies are most often speculative fiction with the purpose to disturb, frighten, and/or scare the viewer. The typical audience for horror movies varies between teenagers and young adults, both male and female between the ages 15-25 since majority of people these ages enjoy thrills. However, horror is also popular among people in their 30's and 40's due to the fact that they grew up during a time that many consider it to be the peak of American horror which introduced icons like Michael Myers, still popular today.

Genre Conventions - Content

Fear and Terror in horror films are critical if you want to draw the audience into a thrilling experience that stirs strong emotions. These films include different types of fear such as fear of the unknown, death, or societal issues, but they all have a similarity which forces the characters to face their worst nightmares. Although nobody likes facing their fears in real life, when it comes to watching movies, the audience loves to feel scared and the intrigue of what's happening next mixed with the shocking scenes, keeps them hooked on. Additionally, many viewers say that they enjoy horror movies due to the adrenaline rush and the safe exploration of fear. The thrill of fear and the unknown, triggers an adrenaline rush that creates an emotional response to what is presented on the screen, and what they love is that whatever they characters are going through, they don't. By this I mean that the audience is able to overcome and/or confront their fear in a safe environment, where nothing that's going on can get to them.

Horror films often feature isolated settings where characters are obligated to face their fears. Some locations include haunted houses, abandoned buildings, dark forests and remote cabins. When characters are cut off from safety or get away from the crowd they usually end up alone in these places, which is where the plot gets intense. This sense of isolation increases feelings of anxious and helplessness, allowing the audience to better relate to the characters' fears. However, at this point not only are they isolated, they are also vulnerable. Being by themselves, away from their comfort zone, and in a dark atmosphere puts them in the perfect place for the "evil" to get them, and the audience knows that it will soon come.

Since the vast majority of horror films are fiction, supernatural and violent elements are key in the content. This is designed to shock and disturb the audience by including classic monsters, ghosts, and even psychological threats, including real-world violence and insanity. Graphic and intense violence can really grab the audience’s attention and add conflict to the story. When filmmakers include supernatural beings, they tap into basic fears of things the normal human being can't understand or control, while violent scenes often reflect deeper social issues and moral questions. Together, these components create memorable and terrifying moments that shape the horror experience, leaving a lasting impression on viewers long after the film ends.

Genre Conventions- Production Techniques

Sound is an essential aspect of any horror film, since thy enhance the overall atmosphere and emotional impact. Sound effects can can immediately interact with the audience's senses and build tension by producing jump scares, such as creaking doors, whispers, or sudden loud noises. to make these sounds even more terrifying, sound designers often layer them with other sounds or manipulate them to create a unique effect. Additionally, a haunting score can provoke an emotional reaction from the audience, for instance, a sudden volume changes can cause an alarm and surprise, while a slow, discordant musical buildup can indicate danger. Filmmakers can easily influence the audience and make them feel what they desire at any time during the movie, just with sound effects.

When it comes to horror cinematography, shadows and lighting play a key role by creating terror and suspense. How producers manipulate light and darkness creates an atmosphere that heightens the overall cinematic experience. For example, employing harsh, contrasted lighting produces dark and alarming atmosphere that intensifies the feeling of isolation and vulnerability and makes the audience feel concerned. Moreover, the use of shadows is another important technique in horror films. They can be employed to create confusion, to reveal, disguise, or draw attention to potential threats. A scene's depth and texture is improved by shadows, which also adds visual interest and let the viewer's imagination fill in the blanks. These small details, such as long shadows stretching a dark hallway or a figure of an unidentified person hiding in the shadows, can evoke strong feelings of anxiety and suspense in the viewer.

How Is Horror Marketed

Horror is marketed in a variety of ways including entertainment, retail, attractions, and many more. When looking at the market segmentations of horror we see that it is targeted in all locations (mainly in the U.S. and Mexico), towards the younger audience (16-25 years old), people in the middle class, and individuals who have interest in horror. Horror is mainly identified with films and fantasy stories which is what creates the baseline of marketing. Furthermore, horror is also marketed through trailers and teasers that often feature intense, suspenseful scenes that showcase jump scares and unsettling visuals, designed to evoke curiosity and excitement. One of the most important visual ways horror is marketed is through posters. The same posters you see in social media, movie theaters, and even public places like the mall. These posters often include a dark red and black color in the background, and often have the "evilness" portrayed in the middle of the frame. As the viewer, it causes intrigue to know what the movie is about and therefore hooks the audience.

The Conjuring, directed by by James Wan, emphasizes horror through its ambience and psychological techniques. The film is based on the true story of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who help a family haunted by dark forces. The cinematography consists of dim lighting and unsettling camera angles to create an opposing environment, while sound enhances The strange silence and abrupt, unexpected noises in the sound design heighten the feeling of fear. To add on, the use of jump scares that feel earned rather than cheap and , the movie gradually increases suspense and pulls viewers further into the terrifying story. The Conjuring stands out among modern horror films because of its unique blend of supernatural elements and emotional stakes.

Hereditary (2018) by Ari Aster redefines horror by combining family drama with psychological horror. After the death of their isolated grandmother, the film follows a grieving family as they discover dark truths. After the death of their isolated grandmother, the film follows a grieving family as they discover dark truths. Aster skillfully creates a sense of impending doom with spooky visuals and a somber soundtrack. Character development is made possible by the slow-burning pace, which draws the viewer into the situation they are in. Throughout, themes of pain, sorrow, and inherited madness remains building to a shocking conclusion that horrifies and provokes viewers to stop and think. Hereditary established its position in the horror canon with its strong examination of fear that resonates long after the credits have rolled.