Iconography and Conventions of Horror movies
Iconography: the visual images and symbols used in a work of art or the study or interpretation of these.
In the genre of horror, a plethora of conventions are used time and time again, to construct this ideal ambience of horror. For example, dark or night-time settings are frequently used to craft a sense of mystery, tension, unknown, and an aura of misery; many villain's costumes commonly have rips in the fabric, or look worn/used, and sometimes looking from the 19/20th century, to give it that creepy vibe . This creates a sense of distress in the audience. Furthermore, many costumes are usually the colours red, black, sometimes skin coloured, or even white. Black elicits gloom, red builds this idea of blood or anger; skin colour reminds us of human flesh and connotes gore and violence, and white juxtaposes this idea of innocence and purity.
Additionally, in a horror film poster, a lot of directors display a character's face on the front, as a person's eyes are very expressive, and sometimes can be quite fearful, for example, The Shining poster has this sense of chaotic bloodlust and violence. The character's eyes are almost all white, which gives this sense of inhumanity or insanity.
Horror Film:A horror film is a film that seeks to elicit fear for entertainment purposes.
Horror may also overlap with the fantasy, supernatural fiction, and thriller genres. Horror films often aim to evoke viewers' nightmares, fears, revulsions and terror of the unknown
In the genre of horror, a plethora of conventions are used time and time again, to construct this ideal ambience of horror. For example, dark or night-time settings are frequently used to craft a sense of mystery, tension, unknown, and an aura of misery; many villain's costumes commonly have rips in the fabric, or look worn/used, and sometimes looking from the 19/20th century, to give it that creepy vibe . This creates a sense of distress in the audience. Furthermore, many costumes are usually the colours red, black, sometimes skin coloured, or even white. Black elicits gloom, red builds this idea of blood or anger; skin colour reminds us of human flesh and connotes gore and violence, and white juxtaposes this idea of innocence and purity.
Additionally, in a horror film poster, a lot of directors display a character's face on the front, as a person's eyes are very expressive, and sometimes can be quite fearful, for example, The Shining poster has this sense of chaotic bloodlust and violence. The character's eyes are almost all white, which gives this sense of inhumanity or insanity.
Iconography of horror movies can be the symbols that are shown throughout the movie, for example, old dolls, a haunted house, masks or a disfigured face, death symbols drawn with blood or nail scratches, knives. The common binary in a traditional horror film is Good vs. Evil.
An example of a successful horror film with an old doll is the Annabelle sequel. The Annabelle doll is scary because her face is sharp, angular, with a sinister smile and large eyes, and she appears as if she sees everything.What makes a good Antagonist?
A good antagonist should probably have an ultimate goal, otherwise, what is the point of all the horror? However, it could be argued by some that many good villains, such as Chucky from the Child's Play sequel, or Patrick Bateman, an elaborate banker by day - and clandestine serial killer by night - from the American Psycho films, just like killing. Chucky is diabolical purely because he is witty and enjoys murder.
Furthermore, Patrick Bateman is a more complex character, as he can be considered a relatable character in the real world, rather than the supernatural.
Bateman is afflicted by feelings of insecurity, which usually stimulates his need to murder people who make him feel insufficient. He often expresses his doubts about his sanity, and he frequently claims that he is lacking emotion, however there must be something there, right? Because viewers are exposed to moments of vulnerability from him, such as rage, grief, panic, upset. In the middle of dismembering one of his many victims, Bateman has a mental breakdown, and ends up sobbing that he "just wants to be loved."
On another note, Patrick Bateman also holds the strong belief that many significant aspects of life, such as morals, ethics, principles, choices, etc., are all utterly meaningless.
He remains an enigma for the audience to interpret as they please.
The rollercoaster of emotions and complete lack of empathy, mirth and warmth convey to viewers that Patrick Bateman's still waters run very deep. Or is he just shallow?
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