Rehan blog: Genre Research

Genre: Horror

The purpose of horror movies is to astonish, frighten, and even disgust viewers. Over time, subgenres like slasher movies, supernatural horror, and psychological horror have been added. Particularly among younger audiences looking for exciting and immersive experiences, horror is still very popular.

Content

Horror films frequently use themes of death, survival, and the frightening nature of violence to delve into our darkest fears. Frequently set against remote settings like haunted houses or eerie, desolate landscapes that heighten the suspense, they introduce us to terrifying monsters or unrelenting killers. The final girl or hero facing the antagonist represents bravery and tenacity in the face of extreme peril. These tales challenge us to face our own anxieties and doubts by posing moral conundrums and the unknown. In the end, they serve as a reminder that, despite our darkest times, we are all human.

Production Techniques

Production techniques for horror movies usually rely on pacing, sound design, and visual effects to build tension. Using techniques like jump scares, eerie music, low lighting, and odd camera angles, filmmakers can heighten the suspense. In addition, practical effects and makeup are frequently used to create realistic horror depictions.

Marketing

Trailers for horror films frequently draw us in with dramatic music that heightens tense moments and startling images. Dark designs are common on posters for these movies, which emphasize eerie scenes that captivate the audience or eerie pictures of the antagonist. Filmmakers are increasingly employing viral marketing strategies to generate buzz and anticipation through teasers and behind-the-scenes images shared on social media. This dynamic approach captivates audiences and keeps fans eagerly awaiting the film's release.

Film Sample #1: The Shining (1980)

The Shining by Stanley Kubrick is a prime example of the horror genre because of its psychological depth and supernatural aspects. Jack Torrance, the protagonist of the film, goes insane while he is by himself in the haunted Overlook Hotel. Using themes of insanity, loneliness, and the paranormal, the content skillfully appeals to the audience's fears of both physical and psychological horror. To increase the suspense and create a spooky atmosphere, production techniques include long tracking shots, eerie music, and the unnerving use of color. The blood-filled elevator and the haunting twins are two examples of the movie's iconic imagery that help explain why it is considered a classic horror movie.

In The Shining, the unsettling sound of a child’s voice singing "Auld Lang Syne" echoes through the Overlook Hotel.

Film Sample #2: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

A Nightmare on Elm Street by Wes Craven is a classic horror film due to its inventive combination of dreamscape and slasher elements. The movie opens with Freddy Krueger, a dream-haunting figure who represents the fear of losing control over one's reality. Because it examines themes of trauma and retaliation, the audience can relate to the story. Creative practical effects, eerie sound design, and dreamlike visuals are some of the production techniques that contribute to the film's suspense and surreal horror. His terrifying dream appearances and the iconic image of Freddy's glove serve to further solidify the film's impact on the horror genre.

The iconic "Halloween Theme" plays whenever Michael Myers is about to strike.