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.

Idea Brainstorm

Mark Scheme

Level 4 - Excellent (32-40 marks)

• Shooting material - Sophisticated idea which works; shows an excellent understanding of the genre; every shot and angle has been planned; artistic framing; variety of shot, movement and angles.
• Mise - En - Scene - A well selected location(s); use of signifiers which are apparent to the viewer.
• Editing - Excellent & professional techniques applied; a wide variety used but these are always purposeful. The narrative is clear to the viewer - it may be ambiguous but it is clear this is the case.
• Sound - Appropriate; well planned and may even help tell the story. Possibly experiemental in some way.

Level 3 - Proficient (24-31 marks)

• Shooting material - Good, simple idea which works; good understanding of genre; a variety of shots and angles; some purposeful framing
• Mise - En - Scene - Location appropriate for film, costume, colours & props work well.
• Editing - Meaning and narrative is clear to the viewer. A variety of techniques used appropriately and seccessfully.
• Sound - Edited well and works for the film.

Level 2 - Basic (15-23 marks)

• Shooting material - Basic story line or idea - or a complex idea which is unclear and unsuccessful; a basic understanding of the genre; only basics shots, angles and movement used - not well thought out or planned
• Editing - Not many techniques used; techniques used haphazardly or in a way which is incompetent. May hinder meaning.
• Sound - Opportunities missed or just basic sound effects used. 

Level 1 - Unfinished (0-14 marks)

• Shooting material - Likely to be unfinished or under the advised 5 minutes.
• Editing - Minimal techniques used possibly incorrectly.
• Sound - Minimal techniques used.

Evolution of Zombie Films

The first zombie film White Zombie (1932) dealt with the traditional Haitian zombie from a western perspective. Unfortunately, it’s generally considered an over-the-top melodrama with terrible acting. Not a good start for zombie’s first big screen outing. George A Romero rescued the zombie from this terrible screen debut. In 1968 he created the fully formed modern zombie is his feature-length horror Night of the Living Dead. Critics were shocked, claiming it went from “delightfully scary to absolutely terrifying”, in fact, one critic witnessed a nine-year-old child burst into tears.

Romero took a blend of undead and vampire lore and the zombie evolved from a passive mind controller into murderous and relentless. It wasn’t just their unpredictable nature that was terrifying, it was their blood thirst—there was suddenly a lot more at stake if one of these mindless zombies got their teeth into you, you would become one of them, and their disease would spread across the world in epidemic proportions. Romero’s films were not only terrifying because of the monsters but as a critique real world problems: government ineptitude, bioengineering, greed, exploitation, and human nature. Its sequel Dawn of the Dead was released ten years later, set in a mall—its critique of greed and capitalism very apparent. In those days the zombies were slow movers and painted blue.

Danny Boyle’s 2002 film 28 Days Later not only produced vicious, souped up zombies (thanks to advanced special effects and incredible makeup, today's zombies are much faster and grotesque) but made us fearful of human nature. Safe havens would be occupied by men who had themselves turned into monsters driven by their primal urges in this apocalyptic environment. This is a theme further explored by AMCs smash series The Walking Dead (an adaptation of Image Comics’ The Walking Dead)—after all, a TV show with seven seasons can’t last that long if the only story line involves running from the undead.

Sub Genre - Comedy Horror

For a short research project I was given the task of wacthing a film that fits a certain sub genre of horror that I was given at random, the genre I was given was comedy horror.

"Comedy horror is a literary and film genre that combines elements of comedy and horror fiction. Comedy horror has been described as able to be categorized under three types: "black comedy, parody and spoof." The genre almost inevitably crosses over with the black comedy genre."

The comedy horror films I chose to study was the 2014 release of A Haunted House 2.

It follows on as a sequal to A Haunted House, and tells the story of a man name Malcolm moving into a new house with his new girlfriend and her two kids, trying to escape his past horrors of what occured in the previous movie. He begins to realise that his new house has some horrors of its own, and Malcolm is once again plagued by bizarre paranormal events.

This fits in with the comedy horror sub genre because it parodies alot of popular modern horror movies and gives them a funny twist, add that along with its crude and overacted scares, it proves to audiences that comedy and horror and go hand in hand when portrayed on the big screen.

History of Horror

1896 - The world’s first ‘true’ horror movie was made - The Devil’s Castle. The film was made by an illusionist, and the entire film lasted only 3 minutes!

1898 - George Albert Smith, an Englishman patented his ‘special photographic contrivance.’ His device allowed ‘ghosts’ to be shown on film.

1910 - The first version of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is made.

1911 - Notre Dame de Paris is released, filmed by Pathe, it was the first full length movie with a monster in it.

1912 - The Vengeance of Egypt was released by Gaumont, it was the first full length pure horror movie.

1913 - Chaney, ‘The Man of a Thousand Faces’ created make up that stunned the world.

1928 - The Man Who Laughs becomes the first horror movie with sound, even the credits where read out!

1935 - The Bride of Frankenstein boasts a musical score by Frank Waxman, many of the musical norms of horror music where established in this film.

1937 - The ‘H’ (Horrific) certificate was introduced by the BBFC to replace the old ‘A’ (Adult) rating. The BBFC introduces it’s new ’H’ certificate. The ’H’ stands for Horrific and replaces the old ’A’ (Adult) rating.

1946 - Bedlam a film about the infamous St Mary’s of Bethlehem; a Victorian Institution for the insane was banned in Britain.

1952 - The first 3D film is made, despite being a cheap movie, it stills makes a fortune at the box office.

1970 - Hammer is encouraged by a more permissive society to make The Vampire Lovers- an erotic exploitation with nudity and lesbian vampires.

1976 - The Video Home System (VHS) is launched by JVC.

1980 - Paramount release Friday the 13th after the success of Halloween in order to cash in.

1982 - Mary Whitehouse begins a campaign against ‘Video Nasties’.

1994 - Anne Rice’s gothic classic Interview with The Vampire is made into a film, in which Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt appeared.

1996 - The tongue and cheek approach to horror film is taken by Wes Craven, in his new slasher Scream.

2008 - I Spit on Your Grave, Last House on the Left, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scanners, Friday the 13th, Child’s Play, The Birds and Hell Raiser, are all films that have undergone the “revamp” treatment.