Today, we will take a look at the key factors we need to make sure to include in our film. One of the biggest steps to success will be making sure we are knowledgeable on the genre, as well as its conventions. We hope to collectively gather enough research to grasp a strong understanding of what makes a horror movie a horror movie, so we can begin looking for movies that execute these conventions well for our inspiration for our film opening.
Conventions:
- Mise-en-Scène: Focus on isolated settings, restricted color pallet (blacks, deep reds, and cold blues), props that signal "iconography" (discarded personal items), as well as broken mirrors and flickering lights.
- Cinematography: The use of Dutch Angles (camera tilt) to bring physical uneasiness to the audience. POV shots to make the viewer feel as though they are the predator or they are being watched.
- Sound design: The use of dissonant chords (notes that don't flow), diegetic sound (creaky floorboards and heavy breathing), and silence help create a sense of fear and unbearable tension.
- Editing: Begin with slow pans/ long takes to build dread, then switch to rapid cuts during a chase or scare to disorient the audience.
Narrative structure of an opening:
- Establish equilibrium: Showing a normal life/world that is about to be destroyed (ex: happy family).
- Hook: Many horror films begin with a killing or supernatural event involving characters that have not been introduced yet, showing the audience there is a real threat before they meet the protagonists.
Psychological research:
- Tension and release: There must be a long period of silence/tension before a jump scare in order for it to be successful.
- Unknown: The fear of the unknown acts as a more powerful tool than a visible monster/threat (use shadows in the opening to create curiosity from the audience).
- Catharsis: Controlled fear allows for the audience to enjoy the fear factor by being allowing them to process anxiety.
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