Genre Research

Steve Neale suggests that a genre is useful because it allows the audience to form a 'set of expectations'. This is because it allows the audience to identify themes that a film could have and therefore what they like. Sometimes repetition may become tedious however Steve Neale argues that repetition is good for film audiences because it allows them to feel secure and familiar to the style of film. He describes this as 'pleasure is derived from repetition and difference'. 

A film can draw on a repertoire of generic elements-
1.      Iconography and style  
2.      Setting 
3.      Narrative 
4.      Characters 
5.      Theme 

 Above is my moodboard showing the repetitiore of elements of my chosen genre, horror. I feel like the audience gain an understanding about her genre through mise-en-scene this is through things such as make up and costume because this can create certain looks on humans like cuts and bruises and make people look scary in some way. Props are also used a lot in horror for example rocking chairs are commonly used in paranormal horrors to show there is something there (because it rocks). Another important element is the lighting particularly low key this is used to help create the atmosphere of horrors being gloomy and ominous, shadows are also created using this type of lighting which adds to the tension. Special effects is another very important part of horror, many parts of horror films are things that put physical boundaries on the line such as dead people, monsters and injuries to the actors playing the role. Special effects therefore help horror films be possible. Some of the representations presented in horrors are that women are commonly seen as the 'victims' this is something that is continued throughout horror films as they are seen as more vulnerable then the 'powerful' men. 







There are some directors associated with horrors whose films will draw attention to viewers, one being Wes Craven who has created many horror films such as the 'Scream' sequels and many other well-known horrors, he was famous for genre bending and innovative horror, challenging audiences with his bold vision. He also found the unknown Jonny Dept, which featured in one of his films 'Nightmare on Elm Street.'













John Carpenter is another famous Horror director, his horror films commonly include what he calls a "cheap scare", where something comes into view very fast and leaves just as quickly, intensified by musical cues. Carpenter makes open compositions that allow the villain, monster or object to pop into frame from the background, the immediate foreground or from either side of the frame. This was used effectively in one of his films 'Halloween.' He uses underlying sense of paranoia in horror stories and Graphic visual effects and body transformations.