Horror
Genre: horror
Target Audience: The majority of viewers for horror movies are between the ages of 15 and 35, with a tendency toward young adults and teenagers. These viewers take pleasure in the excitement of suspense, moments that make you jump, and feeling afraid in a secure environment. They are frequently thrill-seekers and are drawn to genres that offer high-energy and suspenseful tales, such as science fiction and thrillers. A wide spectrum of thrill-seeking reasons is also satisfied by horror, which draws viewers with a variety of tastes, including those drawn to supernatural themes, psychological fear, and physical gore.
Genre Conventions (contents)- Themes: Common themes include mortality, supernatural forces, psychological torment, and revenge. Stories often revolve around survival, confronting fears, and the clash between good and evil. Settings: Dark, isolated locations like haunted houses, abandoned buildings, and forests are staples. These settings, combined with eerie soundscapes, build a sense of danger and isolation. Characters: Horror frequently includes archetypal roles, such as a “final girl” who survives till the end, morally ambiguous protagonists, and villains like monsters, ghosts, and serial killers. These characters reflect primal fears and societal anxieties.
Genre Conventions ( production technique) - Mise-en-scene: Dim lighting, shadows, and a dark color palette (e.g., reds, blacks) create suspenseful and sinister atmospheres. Props like knives and other makeshift weapons heighten tension. Sound: Horror films rely heavily on sound to evoke fear—creaking doors, whispered voices, and sudden, loud noises to emphasize jump scares. Editing: Quick cuts and fast-paced editing amplify anxiety and create a sense of urgency and fear.
Institutional Conventions ( marketing)- Jump scares, suspenseful cuts, and intense trailers are used to promote horror movies. Promotions frequently highlight the film's intensity and distinctiveness while concentrating on particular horror clichés (such as supernatural or slasher aspects). As demonstrated by It Follows, which tested ads aimed at both younger audiences and older, nostalgic viewers, the genre frequently uses social media for viral marketing. Successful ads steer clear of overhype and utilize imagery and language that appeals to horror enthusiasts, strengthening the feeling of mystery and community involvement.
Film Sample #1- Hereditary: Hereditary examination of grief, familial curses, and supernatural forces is a prime example of psychological horror. An gloomy atmosphere is created by the film's use of creepy ambient sounds and dim lighting. The protagonist's psychological collapse is further enhanced by close-up shots and disturbing perspectives, and the use of sluggish, eerie images heightens the tension. Hereditary marketing focused on its unsettling family story to appeal to viewers looking for intellectual and atmospheric horror.
Film Sample # 2 - The Conjuring: The Conjuring, which centers on paranormal investigators coming across evil spirits, blends jump scares and strange terror. The movie employs close-up images and gloomy, cramped settings to evoke closeness with the protagonists' anxiety, intercut with loud, unexpected noises to startle viewers. Viewers interested in paranormal horror were drawn in by the marketing's emphasis on real-life case files, which added an air of credibility.
Other films:
The Shining -