1. This leads on from the last handout
you were given
HORROR NARRATIVES
If you have lost it look on the blog, YOU WILL
NEED IT AND YOUR NOTES TO MAKE SENSE OF
THIS HANDOUT
Make sure you read through the slides we
didn’t get to

2. EXAM PRACTICE
this hand out along with the last will
help you to prepare to answer the
following question...
How far are the storytelling methods
used in the films you have studied
for this topic typical of their genre?

3. MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT
THE QUESTION IS ASKING!
• It can help if you write it out in a way that you
understand, but make sure you still reference the
original question in you answer
Discuss the devices (methods/tools) that are used
to communicate the story to you, are these
devices typical to the horror genre or not?
Look back at the exam question does it make
sense now?

4. WHAT DEVICES ARE USED IN THE
FILMS WE HAVE WATCHED?
METHOD/DEVICE/TOOL POSSIBLE DISCUSSION POINTS
Narrative Structures
Narrative Theory
Narrative Themes
Use of characters
Use of settings
Micro features (typical visual and sound
techniques)

5. WHAT DEVICES ARE USED IN THE FILMS WE HAVE WATCHED?
METHODS/DEVICES/TOOLS POSSIBLE DISCUSSION POINTS
(think about the extent to which they are used in a
typical or not so typical way)
Narrative Structures • 3 Act Structure
Consider why narrative structure important in genre films? • Noel Carroll
And how it’s used as a tool to communicate to you • Kristen Thompson
• Also see slide 13 on Horror Narratives hand-out
Narrative Theory • Todorov
Can narrative theory be used as tool to explain how the story • Propp
is communicated? • Levi-Strauss
Be aware that the discussion points for Narrative Structures are
• Also see slide 22 on Horror Narratives hand-out
relevant here too.
Narrative Themes • You will be able to cover themes by discussing
Binary Oppositions – consider how the use of this
tool communicated messages
Use of characters • Could reference Propp
• Definitely discuss the role of the ‘monster’ and
‘the final girl’
• Also see slides 28-31 on Horror Narratives hand-
out
Use of settings Setting can be linked to themes, for examples most
settings bring about themes of isolation and
entrapment
Micro features visual and sound techniques

6. REMINDER OF THE EXAM QUESTION
How far are the storytelling methods used in the
films you have studied for this topic typical of
their genre?
REWORDED
Discuss the devices (methods/tools) that are
used to communicate the story to you, are these
devices typical to the horror genre or not?

7. APPLY THE METHODS TO THE TEXTS
• Go through each film and make notes on:
1. How each method/tool/device is used in the film (I would stick
with The Descent, Creep and Dracula)
2. To what extent it has been used in a typical/ not so typical way
3. Remember to always consider the meanings and messages that
are being communicated
ALSO REMEMBER THAT YOU MAY HAVE SOME OF THESE NOTES
FROM THE LAST HANDOUT
E.G. Different groups wrote down notes for different films, share your
notes! And if you want to look at your display work you prepared
last term it on top of the filing cabinet at the front of class

8. HOMEWORK
Finish notes in
preparation for timed
(50mins) essay on
Monday