Friday, 12 June 2015

R3 - Genre Theory: The Horror Film


Horror films are seen to bring to mind our worse buried fears. As well as that it seems to captivate and entertain us at the same time. Horror films are based around the gloomier side of life. Lawrence Grossberg came up with three theories that can be used to discuss the relationship between genres. One theory states that genres have a common set of conventions. This includes that horror films usually have a ‘somber, low-key lighting’ and that most of the terrible scenes take place at night time. A key convention that is common is the ‘sustained use of the point-of-view shots’. Also another important convention that is commonly carried out is the’ strategic use of sound’. This convention helps to build up fear when a certain part is building up to a frightening scene, so it prepares the audience.

THE HORROR GENRE
Horror films are seen to have become more popular than before as it is now that horror films are shown on TV more regularly and bookshops contain more horror based novels. Also there are more horror based series viewed on TV especially by teenagers.

CODES AND CONVENTIONS
Codes and conventions allow the audience to identify the genre. The idea of genre is very beneficial for media producers as they allow producers to ‘adopt and adapt’ formulas that can help them become successful and popular with the audience.

Iconography is an important convention as it shows how horror films have changed over time.

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