Genre Analysis

 

Genre, in film theory refers to the method based on similarities in the narrative elements from which films are constructed. They are then classified into files or genres. Some popular genres in Hollywood include Comedy, Chick flick, Horror, Teen, Musicals, Drama etc. 
 

Films are also be subdivided by their characteristics and the content shown in the film. For example: Family movies, children’s film , cult films and silent films. Genres are basically used by film makers to appeal to different audiences classified by either Age, ethical background, region etc.

My film has the genre of “Horror” with a slight sub-genre of “supernatural - horror”. Below is a slideshare presentation of horror sub-genres and how i came to the conclusion about my subgenre.
 

 

 

Conventions of the genre are vital when making my trailer. The conventions of a horror genres specifically are particularly obvious however can be difficult to do and put across well. If I want to make a sucessful trailer I would have to be sure to include as many conventions as I can as well as doing plently of research so that it look as proffesional as possible.

Cinematography
Dark scenes are very typical of horrors. The lighting and filtering can make a scene or even photograph look entirelly different and make the horror aspects very effective. Eerie visuals is always important to set the scene.

Location
Location is vital to a horror film. Isolation is key, making the audience feel like the character or characters are on their own making them more helpless or vulnerable. for example, cellars, old houses, asylums.

Camera Work

High and low angles can suggest nightmares of the characters or surrealness.

POV shots make the film more intimate by giving the audience a sense of what the character is going through and allowing them to see through their eyes.

Depth of field allows things to approach the camera slowly therefore causing suspense.

Handheld shots can help disorientate the audience and again make them feel like they are in the character shoes.


Sound

With a horror film, audio is arguably the most important aspect when editing. The sound can almost make something visually terrifying funny, or the other way round - something visually not ovely impressive terrifying.

 

• Exaggerated diegetic sound will allow tension to build (such as cellars slamming, footsteps or creaking floorboards)

• Fast and loud non diegetic sound can add to making the audience jump or feel scared I.e. the music in the shower scene in Psycho.