Codes and conventions of sub-genre for horror

 

 

Gothic horror – codes and conventions of this sub- horror are presented in range of ways, firstly the settings are usually castles, dungeons ruined landscapes or extreme landscapes and magic or supernatural features. They will use a range of shot types to signify how the different characters are in their environment. There are also aspects of super nature so the character will link to this and is supernatural looking and will be going against science. The setting is usually a duality where it is split into two levels for example a house and a cellar. It also has representations of good and bad / light and dark sides. The characters are often shown in shadows of characters or in actually transformation.

Physiological horror – codes and conventions of this sub-horror of the characters are fear, guilt and belief and emotional instable, e.g. the shining. The time of supernatural builds tension and furthers the plot. The weapons you usually see aren’t actually physical weapons they tend to be more supernatural and psychological. The main setting is usually the same for all of these horror types and you will see them over and over again when watching physiological horror films. These types of setting seem realistic to the target audience as it allows them to be able to relate to the film on the same level. Sounds are common sounds and music however they don’t tend to match what is on the screen.

Slasher horror – codes and conventions include a lot of violence which usually is revolved around a serial killer killing or following a multiple amount of victims. They include a lot of mystery and suspense throughout this could also signify other hints and things throughout the film. One of the biggest conventions is the killer whose identity is generally revealed in the final scene .Before it is revealed they tend to look unrealistic and immoral. The weapons include things like axes, chain saws, arrows and more physical weapons like these. There is almost always a final girl/virgin who generally refuses to take part in any illegal or sexual activity.  The setting is generally a high school/ college , or the creepy house at the top of the hill or the hand out in the wood for example .

 

Action horror – This is the combination of evil and an event of supernatural also in these films they include gun fights and frantic chases. There are elements and themes that run through all action horror these are commonly zombies, demons, gore, vicious animals and vampires. An example of this is dawn of the dead.