Horrors

Horror films are unsettling films designed to frighten and panic. They invoke our hidden worst fears through terrifying and shocking scenes. Horror films aren't just about horrific special effects, the best horrors get into your mind and play on your deepest, darkest fears.

Characters in horror films have ranged from human evil to aliens. Here are some main characters; human, supernatural or grotesque creatures, vampires, demented madmen, devils, monsters, ghosts, zombies, evil spirits, the "possessed", werewolves and "Frankensteins".

Horror films let us enter a scary world where death or torture is just around the corner but without being in any danger. As we would all admit this danger and images of death or horrific injuries gives us all a real thrill.

The earliest horror films were in gothic style, meaning they were set in castles or spooky mansions with gargoyle design.

The top 10 nail biting, edge of the seat films according to a poll published on horrorfanzine.com are;

1. The shining (1980)
2. Videodrome (1983)
3. The thing (1982)
4. Halloween (1978)
5. Alien (1979)
6. The texas chainsaw massacre (1974)
7. A nightmare on elm street (1984)
8. Dawn of the dead (1978)
9. The evil deed (1981)
10. Hellraiser (1987)



Michael Myers from the Halloween movies.









Hannibel Lector

Lighting in horror movies is very dark and gloomy. Lots of action is set at night but even in day time shots the lighting casts a darkness over the set. Sometimes fog can also be used to show an uneasy setting.

Point of view shots are extremly effective in horror films, whether it be the point of view of the killer or the victim. If it is the victims point of view shot we feel their terror and fright and think we are being approached by the killer. Also tracking shots are excellent if we are following the killer in his search for a victim or tracking the victim who is hiding from the killer. This creates suspense and long takes are particularly suspenseful.

Information used can be found at;
www.filmsite.org/horrorfilms
http://www.horrorfanzine.com/

Task 2: Research into Existing Products

Romantic Comedies

A romantic comedy was a hybrid which has now been turned into a genre, based on the two genres romance and comedy. Romantic comedies usually begin with what is known as the "meet cute" situation. This involves the two protagonists; a man and a woman who meet due to an awkward, humerous situation or are involved in a disagreement of some sort due to a personality clash. They are usually hesitant to become romantically involved with each other because they believe that they do not like one and other. The ending of a romantic comedy is the most important part of the film, it is where either the man or the woman usually goes running after the other to declare their love for one and other.

The top 10 most successful romantic comedies according to boxofficemojo.com are;

1. My big fat Greek wedding



2. What women want



3. Hitch



4. Pretty woman



5. There's something about Mary



6. The proposal



7. Sex and the city



8. Runaway bride



9. Knocked up



10. As good as it gets

Romantic comedies are made to look like an everyday life situation. They are set in suburbia but it is always a nice, clean location. It is usually in a big city where work is everyone's motivation and a hectic lifestyle is normal.

The weather is sunny and the lighting is bright to give off a sense of happiness. The only occasions a dark or rainy atmosphere will be created is if the two lovers experience a stumbling block in them realising their love for each other.

A lot of close up shots are used in romantic comedies to show characters feelings and emotions. The films are mainly based on conversation so shot reverse shot is a common feature.

The making of a romantic comedy is not as easy as it sounds though, because the ending is a cliche and the audience are expecting it, the other areas of the film have to be excellent to keep audiences watching. For example the factors that get in the way of the two potential lovers being together have to get more extreme and exciting. Every new romantic comedy made has to be a touch better than the last one made or people won't watch it due to the fact it is too similar and predictable.

Bridget Jone's diary

I found out my information using these sources;

www.filmbug.com/romanticcomedies

www.boxofficemojo.com/romanticcomedies