So now, this post will be looking at some of the recent releases of horror films. Whilst there are many older horror films that are absolutely brilliant, and have remained so, by looking at more recent films, we can find out more about our target audience (which is, of course, the people living in the present).
By investigating the elements of these films, we gain a better understanding as to what actually scares people these days, and therefore gain more knowledge about what we should consider including in our opening.
THE CONJURING
A very good, and interesting film. The movie begins with a kind of interview about a very scary-looking doll. In fact, the doll is the very first thing we see, however it is not the focal point of the film. This use of dolls is very effective, especially as the movie centres around a family with 5 children, and the children are the first to experience the horror of the spirit.
Throughout the film are many close ups, or shots where not all is shown. This creates fear as it allows the mind to form a most likely exaggerated image of what is hidden from view, and this can create far more fear than actually seeing the whole object or being - "Fear of the unknown."
The ending was surprisingly happy, which certainly went against the usual codes and conventions of a film from the horror genre. I expected either a dark ending where not many survived, or a nice ending leading to a jumpscare. However, I was intrigued by the fact that there was something that suggested a jumpscare was about to happen, but was an anticlimax, and so was instead very eerie.
Common themes: Children, Dolls, Demonic spirits, Motherhood
THE LAST EXORCISM
I found this movie rather good, and very effective. It was in a mockumentary filming style, using handheld camerawork, and seemed to be quite everyday/not scary. There were talks of exorcisms, and for most of it there was little to no actual horror footage, mainly just showing how exorcisms can be faked. This led to the audience being more convinced of the realistic aspects and therefore made the horrific ending quite a shock.
Common Themes: Exorcism, Children (Teenage Girl), Demonic Possession
THE PURGE
Completely different to what was expected, this movie was more action-based than horror-based. Common codes and conventions of the horror genre include knives, swords or other handheld, close range weaponry. This is because it makes the death or crime more personal for the audience. This is different to other genres, such as action and crime, as they often use guns and explosives instead, as it is louder, and therefore more exciting.
The Purge is an Action-Horror, as it contains many aspects such as low-key lighting, close ups, silences, tension etc. however, guns are used and there are also high tech gadgets and security systems, which are again more common in Action than Horror.
This movie is a very brilliant, yet disturbing film. It challenges the idea of peace and civility, and is actually unnerving to watch, as it delves far deeper into the negative and savage side of human nature than we would normally go.
Common Themes: Violence, Savagery, Children (Being Threatened/Innocent), Peace
HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS
A veryaction-packed film, with various horror codes and conventions. Low key lighting, mysterious, mythical creatures such as witches, being among some of the features.
It puts a very unconventional twist on the usual tale of Hansel and Gretel, and so captures the audience through the use of a widely known and traditional tale, which often engages audiences due to the familiarity, and the curiosity of how this version will differ from others.
Common Themes: Children, Witches, Hunting, Magic
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