Hey blog, welcome back! Now that I know a little more about who enjoys horror films and what they’re intended to do, I want to study the technical elements that make them the way they are. In this post, I’m hoping to learn more about how to create a horror film by researching multiple articles and taking notes. I will be letting you guys know my key take aways, and what popular films used these elements.
Research
Horror films depend a lot more on technical elements to create the feeling of fear and uneasiness rather than depending on a story line alone. One of the most important technical aspects I took away was cinematography, especially the lighting and the camera angles within it. For example, horror films usually use low-key lighting to create shadows that limit what the audience can see. This forces the audience to imagine what these figures could possibly be. An example of camera shots could be tracking shots. Films like The Shining use slow tracking shots and wide framing to make the empty area appear abandoned and threatening making the setting itself create a sense of fear.
Another component of technical elements that are prominent in horror are sound designs which are often more important than even the visuals. Films within the horror genre use eerie background music amd ambient noises are use to build fear. Also, random moments of loud sounds are prominent to create jump scares, while random silence is the build up of suspense for them. In the film Psycho, a sound of a rusty violin echos during a shower scene which built up panic alone by just using music. Sound often plays a major role in horror films because it warns the audience of danger before anything visually appears on screen.
Additionally, the use of special effects practical techniques help create a more realistic and uncomfortable setting. Most filmmakers often prefer practical effects like prosthetic makeup and physical blood effects because it makes the movie seem more believable and realistic. The film, The Thing, has creatures turning into things in a more graphical way making it uneasy. Using these techniques make the threats seem real and evoke the emotional fear from the audience. It also makes the fear more real and almost believable.
Lastly, The use of editing and pacing plays a major role in creating the horror experience. Most horror films use a slower pace and longer takes to make the audience uncomfortable while waiting for something to happen. When some type of scare occurs, fast cuts and sudden edits are used, so that the viewer builds up a sense of fear and discomfort. The mix of slow buildup and quick action makes the fear more intense. Horror films like It Follows, rely on extended shots to keep building up the plot and making the threats clear.
Reflection
By researching, I learned the horror films use a very specific use of technical elements to evoke the fear out of the audience. Rather than just telling a story, the technical elements are the real foundation. Cinematography, sound, editing and special effects work hand in hand to create specific emotions from the audience at specific moments. This research helped me have a better understanding on horror as a genre and that it requires enhanced technical skills to create the real psychological tension and fear.
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