Horror Genre Film

A Horror Genre Film is a fiction genre film that is a horror fiction (which aims to evoke feelings of fear, dread, and terror through its narrative, visual elements, and atmosphere).

• Context:
  • It can (typically) employ Horror Conventions and Scare Techniques to evoke fear.
  • It can (typically) build Atmospheric Tension and Psychological Suspense.
  • It can (often) explore Deep-Seated Fears and Primal Terrors.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Supernatural Horror Film to being a Psychological Horror Film, depending on horror source.
  • It can range from being a Gore Horror Film to being a Subtle Horror Film, depending on visual approach.
  • It can range from being a Jump Scare Horror to being a Slow Burn Horror, depending on fear pacing.
  • ...
  • It can utilize Horror Sound Design and Horror Music to enhance tension.
  • It can incorporate Horror Cinematography techniques for unsettling effects.
  • It can feature Horror Archetypes and Monster Characters.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • Supernatural Horror Films, such as:
    • "The Exorcist" (1973), dealing with demonic possession.
    • "The Ring" (2002), featuring supernatural curses.
    • "A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984), blending supernatural and slasher elements.
  • Psychological Horror Films, such as:
    • "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991), exploring human psychological terror.
    • "Rosemary's Baby" (1968), building paranoia and dread.
    • "Get Out" (2017), combining psychological horror with social commentary.
  • Body Horror Films, such as:
    • "The Fly" (1986), focusing on physical transformation horror.
    • "The Thing" (1982), featuring biological horror and paranoia.
  • Folk Horror Films, such as:
    • "The Wicker Man" (1973), incorporating cultural and ritual horror.
    • "Midsommar" (2019), exploring daylight horror in folk settings.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Comedy Films, which aim to amuse rather than frighten.
  • Drama Films, which focus on emotional conflicts without horror elements.
  • Thriller Films, which emphasize suspense over horror.
  • Action Films, which prioritize excitement over fear.
• See: Horror Fiction, Horror Convention, Monster Movie, Slasher Film, Gothic Horror, Horror Sound, Jump Scare, Horror Atmosphere, Horror Trope.

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References

2024

• (Perplexity, 2024) ⇒ Analysis of horror film techniques and elements
  • Technical Components include:
    • Horror Cinematography elements:
      • Use of Dark Spaces and Dim Lighting to create uncertainty
      • Wide Shots for Character Isolation
      • Close-Up Shots for Fear Connection
      • Point-of-View Shots for Prey Perspective
      • Creative Camera Angles and Shadow Play for unease
    • Horror Sound Design elements:
      • Orchestral Scores with Dissonant Chords
      • Strategic Silence for Tension Building
      • Diegetic Sounds like Ambient Noise
      • Jarring Sounds for Jump Scares
  • Narrative Elements include:
    • Horror Character Development:
      • Character Backstory creation
      • Emotional Depth building
      • Character Empathy generation
    • Psychological Components:
      • Societal Anxiety exploration
      • Isolation Theme development
      • Existential Dread examination
  • Modern Horror Innovations include:
    • Genre Evolution:
      • Horror Trope Subversion
      • Genre Blending
      • Social Commentary
      • Psychological Threat focus
    • Technical Advancements:
      • Interactive Narratives
      • Advanced Visual Effects
      • Innovative Sound
      • Experimental Storytelling
  • Fear Creation through:
    • Atmosphere Building:
      • Tension Pacing
      • Strategic Sound Use
      • Environmental Isolation
    • Emotional Manipulation:
      • Expectation Subversion
      • Isolation Perception
      • Primal Fear triggers
  • Core Horror Elements:
    • Engaging Characters
    • Effective Settings
    • Compelling Antagonists
    • Strong Atmosphere
  • Citations:

[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/horror/comments/1bz9eik/what_are_key_elements_needed_to_create_the/
[2] https://glcoverage.com/2024/10/21/modern-horror-movie-rules/
[3] https://news.web.baylor.edu/news/story/2017/what-makes-horror-movies-scary-we-do-says-baylor-film-expert
[4] https://fourscytheshaunt.com/blog-details/how-horror-movies-manipulate-our-minds-and-emotions
[5] https://lwks.com/blog/the-many-faces-of-horror-how-horror-films-are-crafted
[6] https://media-studies.com/horror-genre/
[7] https://reporter.rit.edu/culture/modern-horror-how-genre-gets-elevated

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