Genre Conventions: Editing

Horror Editing Conventions

A horror film relies heavily on the audience's anticipation to build up the suspense and tension. The use of editing in horror films is beneficial as it helps to maintain that anticipation. To achieve the scares of a horror film, editing had to be done effectively. By switching from fast pace to slow pace, it disorientates the audience and builds confusion. Suspense throughout the film keeps the audience elevated and leaves them with a sense of exhilaration. The use of editing keeps the audience entertained and it is key way to create a sense of suspension.

Pace

Slow paced editing:
Extended uncut clips that are slow paced can build tension. When a shot is held on screen for a long amount of time, the audience starts to feel uncomfortable and prepares themselves for a sudden scare or change. This is useful as the discomfort that builds up during the uncut clip helps to exaggerate the jump scare, or climax of the scene. Although this can be useful, holding onto a shot can be difficult for the editor as they want to keep the audience's curiosity whilst not losing their interest in the prolonged scene at the same time.

Fast paced editing:
A sequence of fast paced cuts between short-clips will disorientate the audience, causing them to feel confused and be on-edge. The quick transitions between clips creates a pace in which the audience will start to feel a sense of urgency and will realise how frantic the situation is.
It's effective to use quick pace in a horror film as it keeps up the apprehension of the scene and also allows the viewer to keep track of everything going if it is an action packed scene.
The fast pace connotes feelings of panic and anxiety as the shots may be tangled and put together very messily.