Horror Conventions

• Unsettling films designed to frighten and panic the audience
• The cause dread and alarm
• Usually provoke our hidden fears
• The conclusion of the film usually draws up a 'shocking finale'
• Entertaining through its use of scaring
• The usually centre at the 'dark side of life', highlighting forbidden or strange or alarming events
• They aim to intoxicate the audience through terror of the unknown, our vulnerability, nightmares, loss of identity, etc...
• Can often be combined with the science fiction and the fantasy genre (as reflected through technology, the supernatural and monsters, for example) Also, aspects of the thriller genre can usually be found, as seen with revolting and bloody acts (such as slasher scenes and madmen attacking individuals)
• Horror films can also be seen as chillers, scary movies, spookfests and the macabre
• Characters - as noted from the earlier 'Gothic' film styles - can usually include 'unknown' individuals, supernatural creatures, grotesque mutants, vampires, demented killers, devils, unfriendly ghosts, mad scientists, monsters, demons, zombies, evil spirits, arch fiends, Satanic villains, werewolves, freaks and those who are 'possessed'