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/