Certificate Ratings

The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range.

PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. A PG film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content might upset younger or more sensitive children.

12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied. The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'. Children younger than 12 may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult (eg someone over the age of 18), who must watch the film with them.

No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a ‘15’ rated DVD. 15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age.

Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy/rent an 18 rated DVD. No 18 rated works are suitable for children.

(All information taken from  http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/18 )

Iconic Sounds

Whilst being in the proccess of creating our storyline for our 2 minute opening we are deciding with genre it fits into. As part of my research I looked at different sounds which contain typical sound effects These sterotypical sounds add to build tension and create suspense whilst watching a horror or thriller movie.

The majority of horror films all use iconic sounds which help to create an unusual atmosphere. The main function of the sounds are to build up suspense which therefore make the film seem a lot more scary than if there was to be no sound at all. Some films only use diegetic sound, which therefore creates a more realistic feel to the film, and others use non-diegetic sound, which builds up fear. For example they may play a piece of creepy music or have instruments make a big ‘clashing’ sound, usually when an evil character appears.

Typical Sound Effects Found in Horror Films

 

Thunder

This is a typical non-diegetic sound effect because most horror films are filmed when it its dark and by using thunder, it makes the atmosphere eerie and scary.

Screaming

This adds tension and makes the audience aware of the fact that the actor is in despair and needs help. It can also make the audience jump out of their seats if they are not expecting it.

Creaking

This gives an un-easy atmosphere and makes you as the audience feel like someone else is in the same building. This is often used when an actor is in an isolated building by him/herself.

Silence

This builds up the suspense of what’s about to happen. You often have silences before a loud scream or before a shooting scene takes place as you audience are in a state of harmony and they are least expecting it.

Footsteps

This builds tension and makes the audience think about who could be coming round the corner. You can also emphasise this sound by adding on no-diegetic sound which will make the footsteps louder.

Sub Genres of Horror

Supernatural: This includes ghosts, demons and other fictional characters which are created and almost seem real. These films tend to be suspenseful. this also tends to rely heavily on lighting, special effects and deserted settings.

 

 

 

Psychological: this includes playing with the characters fears hence using the human psyche. a lot of violence and torture takes place, using the audiences sensitivity as their weakness. Tension is usually built up quite cleverly through the use of sound and disturbing scences.

 

Teen horror: this relates to teenagers and there lives in which disaster tends to strike. Teen horror tends to emphasise on teen interests to capture the audience and their fears.  themes such as rebellion, CRude forms of humour and love are protrayed.

Audience Expectations

For our audience expectations task as a group we questioned our friends and teachers to what they expect from a horror film.

Nine Frame Analysis - Hannibal

Frame 1

 

The first frame was of black screen while the a voiceover of a conversation between characters was being placed. (30-32 seconds)

Frame 2

The second frame quoted 'Univeral Pictures' written in red, contrasting with the black background. (33-34 seconds)

 

Frame 3

 

The third frame switched back to a black screen. (At 35 seconds)

 

Frame 4

 

The fourth frame againg showed a black screen with red writing giving credit to 'Dino De Laurentiis'.  (36-37 seconds)

 

Frame 5

 

 

The fifth frame had the black screen with writing appearing however on the right hand side and shot expanded as time passed and showed the location of the voiceover. (38-39 seconds)

 

Frame 6 

 

 

The 6th frame shows the frame slowly expanding. (39-44 seconds)

 

Frame 7

 

The 7th frame finally showed the establishing shot of the location. (44-1.28 seconds)

 

Frame 8

 

The 8th frame disfigured face which stunned the viewers as it was extremely quick. (1.28-1.36)

 

Frame 9

 



The ninth frame, showed shot reverse shot as it became clear to the audience who the disfurgured person was talking to. (1.36-1.40)

 

 







Nine Frame Analysis - Eden Lake

Frame 1

 

The was of a black screen with light red writing appearing saying 'Rollarcoaster films' . (1-9 seconds.)

 

Frame 2

 

The second shot was a quick flash of a forest like environment, leaving the audience questioning whether this would be a key location. (At 9 seconds)

 

Frame 3

 

The third frame was of a black screen leaving the audience suspicious as to what was going to appear next... (10-14 seconds)

 

Frame 4

 

The fourth frame was of a river which was emphasised through the lighting reflection onto it.  (14-17 seconds)

 

Frame 5

 

 Frame 6

 

The fifth frame showed a woman who looks traumatised as shes crying for help, covered in blood. (At 18 seconds)

Frame 7

 

The 6th frame switches back to a black screen with 'Aramid entertainment' faintly appearing. (19-22 seconds)

 

 
Frame 8

 



 The 7th frame shows bloody hands tied up, symbolising someone being trapped. (At 23 seconds)

 

The 8th shot is another shot of faint writing appearing. (24-26 seconds)

 

 

 



The 9th shot... to be revealed!!

 



 



 

 

 

 



History of the horror genre

Horror Is a very popular and fascinating genre of film. It creates an impact on the audience which is said to ‘play with your fears’ and also interlinks themes such as fantasy, supernatural and thriller.

Horror first began in the late 1890’s with the first film being Le Manor du Diable, which was made in silence.

Over the years horror has become increasingly popular and reached the top of the box offices. Films such as Nosferuta, is an example of early day hits.

Around the 1970’s the horror genre began to become more popular than before, especially after the film ‘The exorcist’ was released. More people began to like the genre due to the fascination from watching this!

The 1980’s was the most prominent year for the horror genre as this is where everyone was wanting to go and see horror movies and therefore later in this decade, the films became available on television as well!  Films such as ‘Nightmare on elm street’ were released.

In the 1990’s The Blair Witch project attracted a wider audience as a result of the fear and mental disturbance from this film.

Horror is now one the most captivating and highest gross film genre around. Many films made now are remakes of old film which are made scarier through the use of more technology such as CGI.