Research - Conventions Commonly used in Horror Films

Conventions -Conventions are the widely recognised way of doing something which is to do with content, form and style.

Typical conventions that we would expect in a horror film consist of;

A large setting usually in the middle of no where                                                                                                                        We would expect to see a lot of area so that the character can explore, this is so the character has more hiding spaces, so there is a bit of time before the killer eventually reaches them creating a thrilling tension for the audience.

Above - The house that features in "The Uninvited" (notice the house is very secluded)


Another Media convention that is typically found in horror films is camping in the woods. 

           Shrooms is a prime example of a horror film set in a woods, in which teenagers/young adults decide to camp.
In Shrooms a character called Jake tells the rest of the group spooky stories said to be true about the place they have chosen to camp, this is a typical media convention that conveys to the audience that there will be trouble brewing.

Bad decisions is another typical convention of horror films. orphan is a perfect example of bad decisions. The main plot of this film is a family who had a miscarriage and although have children, always wanted another little girl so they thought they'd do a good deed and adopt an orphan. Although they were unaware how bitter and twisted this orphan actually is, the mother soon had a good idea of how scheming and evil this supposedly sweet and innocent girl really is. The father chose not to believe her although all the signs were there he thought she was crazy and decided she needed to move out if her behaviour towards Esther (the orphan) continued. This put his family into danger, as this so called 'little girl' is actually a fully grown woman with the intentions of killing his family. He chose not to believe his beloved wife that he has known for a lot longer. Another typical convention in horror films that Orphan displays is the idea that the female is crazy and delusion when she has ideas that something isn't right about something or someone. The husband in this film was in total disbelief of every word his wife was saying to him. This convention also features in films such as The exorcist there is elements of disbelief as a woman's daughter gets possessed by the supernatural and her mother is convinced that she can be cured by medical help as she believes it's just serious mental issues her daughter has developed.

Weapons - The most conventional uses of weapons in horror films include guns, knives and axes as well as house hold items such such as kitchen utensils, garden equipment for example chainsaws or garden knives. In some films, weapons are created specifically to be used on a victim, for instance torture machines that feature in 'saw'.

Picture from Teen Slasher, Sorority Row

Another typical media convention features the 'stupid girl' usually this role is played by a blonde girl 'the dumb blonde'. In teen slashers there's usually a blonde victim that is only interested in partying, getting drunk and having sex. This type of character is typically vulnerable and prone to danger, therefore they are almost guaranteed to die although they're usually last as crazy as it sounds!