Research into Ideas, Mise-en-scene, Shooting and Editing Style

Having looked at a wide range of horror films, we have found that many use similar techniques and conventions which are effective in clearly expressing the genre and creating interesting final products.  This can be done through certain methods in terms of mise-en-scene, shooting and editing.

Mise-en-scene

• It is clear that one of the main aspects of horror films in terms of mise-en-scene is dark colour schemes and lighting. The majority of horror films use blacks and reds for titles and other wording, as these colours connote danger. This is seen in 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' and many more. 

• It is also common for the lighting in scenes of horror films to be dark and mysterious as this creates a more unsettling experience for the viewer. I found this in many films for example 'Shutter Island' which uses a slightly dull blueish filter over scenes. Another notable convention seen in this film is the use of an isolated location. This is extremely effective as it make you worry for the victims as it seems like there is nobody around to help them.

• Objects such as knives and axes and other sharp/dangerous things as something which is seen often as again they are very unsettling and scary for the audience. It also reinforced the idea of it being a horror. This is evident in numerous horror production, for example the 'Saw' films.

Shooting

• I have found that some very effective camera shots can be used in order to create intensity in a horror film. Extreme close ups are a particularly good way of making something seem more scary and make the audience feel fear. For example, in the iconic shower scene in 'Psycho', lots of close ups are used in order to make the viewer feel on edge as she is being killer. This adds to the intensity of the scene as oppose to if it were just one basic medium shot of her. A range of different shots is also uses to break the scene up and make it more flashy which adds extra thrill.

Editing

• Fast paced editing is one of the most commonly used editing techniques used by editors in the horror genre. It creates intensity and excitement when building up to a main event during the film. This again is seen in the 'Psycho' shower scene.