Common Conventions In Supernatural Horror Films

After watching supernatural horror films, I have noted many common conventions. The following are images I have taken which show how I have tired to conform these conventions.

After watching supernatural horrors such as 'The Conjuring' and 'The Possession', I identified how religious elements are usually portrayed.

The following are shots I have taken which denote religious symbols:

Low angle shots can be taken to express religion as a saviour, as they portray religious elements to be dominant.

Props such as toy dolls may appear in the genre. 'The Conjuring' is a good example where a toy doll is used to show demonic movement.

This doll gave me an idea as to how to create a possessed looking one. I simply used make up to give my sister's old doll a terrifying look. Here are some shots I took:

Close up shots tend to be used in order to bring out detail. To make the doll look horrific, I used eye shadow, making its eye almost look bruised. Lipstick was used to make it look rather gory, and the eye patch made the doll seem more dangerous.

Under lighting is an effective visual element in helping to create a frightening look on the doll.

Having extreme close ups is a good technique in fulfilling audience pleasures. This is because the shot allows direct addresses to be made, inviting the audience into the possessed doll's eye.



Some films reveal supernatural figures, such as 'The Grudge' and 'The Ring'. These films are known for having girls with extremely long, dark thick black hair covering their face. E.g.

Here are some shots I took to represent possession:

The high angle helps to portray a young girl, with long hair falling over her face.

Low angle shots represent supernatural characters as dominant figures. Under lighting helps represent possession, as the lighting connotes evilness and terror.

Evaluation:

To conform religious elements more conventionally, I would have to use a bible more commonly seen in supernatural horror films. I found that applying make up was useful in making the doll appear possessed. Lighting techniques turned out to be very effective in building possessed characters, especially under lighting. I must ensure in my opening, that a light is placed not too far away from our possessed character, as this can limit the eerie effect, hence causing disruptions to our mise en scene.