Genre Conventions: Cinematography

Horror Cinematography

Lots of different types of shots are used in horror in order to add suspense and tension and create an eerie atmosphere.

Extreme Close Up

An extreme close up is used to show and emphasize emotion on a character's face. A extreme close-up can be used to make the audience feel uneasy. This would be useful in a horror film as the feeling of being uncomfortable will help to build up tension within the audience . It helps to make the next scene unpredictable as the close-up fills the whole screen and the audience are not able to see the background. Extreme close-ups could also be used to show importance of certain objects or people. The extreme close-up can create a tense atmosphere and will indulge the audience within a scene making them have a heightened sense of fear.

Long Shot/ Wide Shot

A long or wide shot can be used to emphasise the isolation of a certain character which could provoke feelings such as sympathy or fear from the audience. Usually long/ wide shots are shot down corridors or through windows which gives an eerie atmosphere and has connotations that somebody is watching the characters and exaggerates the size of the setting which they are in. These shot types are useful for letting the audience observe what's in the background of the scene, this keeps the audience interested and on the edge of their seat as they feel the need to warn the character if there is something strange and scary in the back of the frame.

High Angle/ Birds Eye View Shot

One of the main reasons these kinds of shots are used in horror movies is to make the characters look weak and vulnerable. The camera looking down on the character gives a sense of power and dominance. The angle could be used to show a killer looking down at their victim right before a tragedy is about to occur. This type of shot can have connotations of violence and death as the audience may believe this is the end for the character. Feelings of sympathy and pity can be shown in the audience as the character is powerless in their situation. A birds eye view shot could also emphasise isolation as it may just show a character from above in the middle of nowhere.

Hand Held/ Point Of View Shot

These types of shots are usually very shaky, and do not look very professional, however

this gives the film a more realistic atmosphere. They are usually used in  fake documentary style films, which are made to look life-like. Because it gives a sense of reality, it makes the audience more frightened as it looks as if it could happen in real life. The shaking/ trembling effect that this shot gives off is perfect for horror and creating a tense atmosphere. These shots can be used to disorientate the audience, which helps to build up tension and the audience will start to feel disorientated. The shots allow the audience to become emotionally invested within the movie and helps them to be more immersed in the jump scares.

Tracking Shot

These shots follow the characters movements. A tracking shot can be used to indicate that someone
may be watching or following a certain character in the film. This is useful in a horror film as it creates mystery and suspense due to the audience wanting to know who, or what is following the character; also evoking feelings of fear as they are scared for the individual.