HORROR RESEARCH (elias chang)
horror is one of the most popular genres of films, which frighten the audiences and deal with concepts related to the feeling of fear and the unknown. People have always liked frightening tales, and the horror movie has evolved with the time to keep the audiences engaged in the film. This paper examines the target audience of horror films, content, and techniques in making horror movies, and the ways these movies are marketed to their fans.
Who Watches Horror Movies?
Horror movies appeal to all but have the largest following amongst the teens and young adults, usually between the ages 18-35. Many fans relish in the thrill of fear in a safe environment where they are sure nothing will really hurt them. People who enjoy horror movies look forward to frightening tales that allow one to face their real-life fears through super_natural procedures or intense narratives.
They also unify people because horror flicks are exciting to watch in groups where everyone shares in the tension and suspense.
What's in a Horror Film?
Horror movies, in general, tend to stick to a certain set of rules or "conventions" that let audiences recognize what's in store for them. Generally, they're based on things that people are afraid of: the supernatural, ghosts, monsters, or people doing frightening things. Normal people are the typical protagonists, put into terrifying situations, usually to face monsters or forces that are not explained. Many horror movies take place in spooky settings, such as haunted houses, isolated places, or abandoned buildings, which help make the audience feel tense and uneasy.
How Horror Movies Are Made
Horror movies make use of a few techniques to give the audience the feeling of fear. For example, using dim lighting and a lot of shadows makes scenes creepy; they focus more on sounds, like eerie music or unexpected noises, to startle the audience. It also uses camera angles that zoom in on a character's face to portray fear or shaky movements that make the scenes chaotic and disorienting.
Special effects are also used by horror movies to make their monsters, ghosts, or scary situations very realistic, so it's easier for viewers to feel like they're in the story. How Horror Movies Are Marketed
Marketing is an integral part of horror movies since it creates anticipation and curiosity. Trailers to horror films usually allow the audience to get a glimpse of a few of the chilling scenes without exposing the whole plot. Most posters manage to catch people's attention through the use of dark shades, shadows, or eerie images. Besides, there are a lot of horror movies with special marketing ideas, such as creating haunted houses or online games that allow fans to be in the scary world before the movie hits theaters. The marketing in this kind of movie makes the fans excited and connected to the movie itself.
Film Example #1: The Exorcist (1973)
The Exorcist has been a classic horror movie, scaring audiences for decades. The story is that of a young girl possessed by a demon; two priests try to save her. Horror conventions used in the movie include focusing on the supernatural story, using dark lighting, and adding creepy sound effects to build tension.
When The Exorcist was first released, it shocked audiences because it delved into areas of religious fears and supernatural themes like few movies had. It had simple yet effective marketing with mysterious posters and trailers.
Film Sample #2: Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary is a modern-day horror film that focuses on a family and their descent into the terrifying discovery of a dark family secret. Therefore, deep emotional fears, such as grief and trauma, are manifests in the movie beside the supernatural elements. It follows horror techniques such as a muted color scheme, creepy sound effects, and intense close-ups of the characters' emotions.
Hereditary was sold through its trailers by showing not so much of the plot but making people curious to see the film and uncover what it holds. That created a buzz of the film through word-of-mouth as people shared their reactions.
Here are other popular horror movies:
Smile 2 (2024)
Halloween (1978)
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
The Shining (1980)
It Follows (2014)
Get Out (2017)
The Conjuring (2013)
