Research the codes and conventions found in horror/thriller films.

1. Codes and Conventions of a
Horror/Thriller Film

2. Technical Conventions
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Canted angles to create confusion and disorientation.
Long tracking shots to create tension.
POV shots to show what the protagonist or antagonist sees.
Depth of field to focus on protagonist, blurring the
background and making the audience panic when there is
movement they cannot see clearly.
• Extreme close-ups of protagonist’s face to show their fear.
• Quiet scenes with sudden sounds to create tension; for
example rustling of trees, loud bangs, non-diegetic
heartbeat.
• Slow editing can create suspense and an unsettling feeling;
the audience senses because nothing has been a fast pace
for a while then something bad is going to happen.

3. Symbolic Conventions
• Colours such as black and red to connote death,
evil, danger and blood.
• Props such as weapons show there is violence,
danger and characters will need to fight off evil.
• Props such as a Bible, suggesting religious themes.

4. Characters
• The main protagonist, the hero/victim of the film.
• The antagonist, a villain – tends to be a monster,
demons, ghosts, zombies, mutated freak or serial
killer/psychopath.
• The careless teenagers who often get killed first.
• Creepy children.
• Authority figures, such as police.

5. Themes
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Good vs Evil
Revenge
Supernatural
Religion
Living dead – zombies/vampires
Scientific experiments gone wrong
Insanity
Nightmares
Lust