Research in Generic Codes And Conventions

A horror uses suspense and tension as the main elements throughout to create a response from the audience.

The main character is usually the one who is being effected and tormented by what is happening and the storyline is based around there psychological journey. Sound is also important in create response and meaning as it is stereotypical and makes a scary intimidating atmosphere which is enhanced with darkness and shadows.

• Typical storyline - involves victims who get killed without anyone being able to catch the killer out, sometimes one character survives until the end to tell of the terror.
• Typical characters - they are usually people who are in a vulnerable position and isolated from others, therefore making them an easy target and also a predictable one for the audience.
• Typical iconography - costumes for the victims are usually casual and average which creates a more scary atmosphere as the audience feel it could be anyone who is targeted including themselves. Dark settings and shadows are also key in order to allow the audience to expect the killer/stalker to be hiding and creates suspense.
• Typical cinematography - close ups enhance the emotions of the characters and creates suspense and tension if they feel unsure. Long shots leave room for people/things to be hiding which also puts the audience on edge. Establishing shots illustrate how the character is isolated and makes them a good potential victim. POV shots from bushes and things around the victim put the audience in the killer/stalkers shoes and gives them extra knowledge than the victim which creates tension.
• Typical sound - loud but mysterious non-diegetic sound is used to indicate something bad happening but this is sharply cut into by loud intimidating sounds when the victim is closer or being harmed.

We are going to focus on the group of teenagers and how they are going to be scared for their life.  The characters will be casually dressed to show they are normal and makes the audience feel endangered as it could be them. Camera shots from the teenagers will give the audience a heads up for all situations and make them feel more involved but also create more suspense as they know what may happen. This is used in Final Destination (2000) where the director (James Wong) focuses on the victims and there deaths are centralised throughout. This creates tension within the audience and puts them in suspense as they are waiting for something to do but not sure who, what, where or when it will happen.