Horror Theories

Steven Prince

Theorist Stephen Princes states that "like other genre movies, any given horror film will convey synchronic association, ideological and social messages that are a part of a certain period or historical moment. One can analyse films in terms of these moments, much like they can do with gangster movies. But unlike this genre, horror also goes deeper, to explore more fundamental questions about the nature of human existence, and other questions that, in some profound ways, go beyond culture and society as these are organised in any given form or period". From this, we are able to identify that Prince feels that the horror genre is a particularly important genre within the world and industry of film, as it is the most realistic, and some ideas and beliefs placed into films in the genre, show similarities to that of 'real life".

Tzvetan Todorov

Todorov is a Bulgarian literacy theorist who suggest that most, if not all fictional narratives, begin with a state of 'equilibrium' in which life is considered to be normal and undisturbed, with protagonists seen as happy. However this state of normality becomes disturbed by and outside force, which must be then defeated in order to return to either the previous, or a new state of equilibrium. This theory can be applied to a wide range of films, more specifically, those within the horror genre, that have a seemingly content and happy state of living becoming altered by an entity or being, set out to cause both destruction and death to the protagonist and those who surround them. However, where horror films stand out from other genres, is whether the state of normality or 'equilibrium' is restored at the end, on some occasions, this can either mean the entity being destroyed or the main protagonist being killed.

Steve Neal

It is simple to dismiss the alterations within a genre. Steve Neale states that 'genres are examples of repetition and difference' (1980). He adds that 'difference is absolutely essential to the economy of genre': just repetition would not appeal to any audience, be that abstract or mainstream. Texts often display the conventions of multiple genres. John Harltey adds that 'the same text can belong to different genres', this can be applied and used when looking at many horror films, especially those with elements of comedy in it, like my previous post on A Haunted House, or another franchise like Scream that sort of makes fun of itself and the genre, whilst being an entertaining and good slasher movie, by following simple and pre-used conventions. It plays on how we perceive the horror genre and brings that into real life, for an interesting outlook onto both the film itself, and the genre as a whole.

Horror Audiences

Different films have different target audiences, however to make a film sell successfully the film makers must be aware of the target audience and must aim to make a film that would please them.

Primary Target - The primary target is mostly identified through demographic variables such as age, gender and level of education.

Secondary Target -The secondary target audiences can be of two types. On one hand, it can be a larger group than the primary target. However, on the other hand it could mean aiming the film at an audience with a specific interest in one aspect of the film and these groups are usually not defined demographically.

Producers need to aim the film at the target audience well in order to get a good response to their film Have a good income and attract the correct audience to watch the film

The usual age for the target audience of a horror film is 15- 25. The most common reason for this is that young adults and teenagers enjoy thrills. These thrills are more likely to excite a younger audience rather than an older one. Many young audiences are not put off by graphic images also, but are actually drawn towards them. For example, The Human Centipede (2009) is well known and viewed specifically because of the graphic images and themes it contains. However, many older audiences will be put off by the use of such graphic violence.

Horror films are generally aimed more at males than females. This is because stereotypically males enjoy the violence more than females. The thrill seeking attitude is also associated with males more so than females. Also young males are stereotypically seen as immature, meaning that they are more susceptible to the blood, guts and gore in the horror films. However, many young females enjoy horror films just as much as males although most commonly horror films are not be aimed at their gender.

Horror films are generally aimed at the middle class. This is due to the fact that they can acquire a good thrill at a reasonably low cost. The upper class may be less likely to watch horror films as they can acquire thrills if they need to do so in other ways, whereas for a member of the working class it may be a way of escaping their more less exciting lives.

Generally, the target interests of a horror film are blood and intense violence. Also, targeted at individuals that have an interest in the supernatural and the unexplained. They may also be aimed at individuals that enjoy a sense of mystery and illusion, as many horror films withhold information from the audience. Horror films may also be targeted at groups of people. For example horror films are aimed at groups of teenagers, as it is almost a social event to watch a horror film and be scarred together. Groups of teenagers are also attracted to these films as it gives a group something to talk and think about.

Paranormal Activity is aimed primarily at a younger audience of around 15-25. The main characters are of a younger age and this makes the film feel more realistic to that age group as teens can relate to the experiences easier, making the film scarier in the process. However, the film series carry on one story throughout, meaning that older fans of the first films will be drawn in as they may have an interest or curiosity about the story aspect of the film.

The Blair Witch Project has a target audience that is aimed at young adults also aged around 15-25. The film is appealing to this age group as, once again, the characters are of around the same age, meaning that the audience can relate better to the experiences seen on screen. However, it will also appeal to an audience interested in sci-fi and government conspiracy theories as the film is based around a restricted government zone. The film will also appeal to audiences that have a liking towards low budget small independent films and those interested in the supernatural.