What Defines Horror?

Horror is a vast spectrum, often disregarded as 'disgusting' or 'stupid'. However, there's a beauty to horror that is often overlooked. It is not simply jump scares and gore but rather compelling, intricate stories.

Genre Content

1. Emotions

The main, most obvious part of any horror film is fear. The definition of horror itself is synonymous to fear. However, all sorts of emotions are important in horror. Emotions ranging from happiness to guilt can be manipulated by the director to twist the empathetic audience's perception or views of the story.

2. A surplus of characters

Although not present in all horror films, there are generally several, expendable characters. Most, if not all, are used as kindling for the fire of death that surrounds horror. The main character is usually spared, but not always. As more and more movies are churned out directors try to surprise the audience by killing off the main character/s.

3. Conflict

There is no horror without some sort of conflict. It may not necessarily be good vs. evil, but there has to be conflict for a story to be told. This applies to all genres but is more intense in terms of horror because the conflict leads the entire story.

Production Techniques

1. Jumpscares

Jumpscares are possibly the most generic techniques of horror. The purpose is to keep the audience on their toes, snapping their attention towards the screen. They are easily applicable to any story and effective, although overused sometimes. Despite this, they are arguably the easiest way to convey horror through technique.

2. Over Extended Scenes

The use of over extended scenes is a thin line. It can seem clever or sloppy depending on how well executed the scene is. The most common purpose of it is to tell the audience that they’re missing something important within the frame. This is used to draw the audience’s attention closer and ensure they’re focusing on the story.

3. Irregular Movement

Irregular movement is used to startle and unsettle the viewer. It is most commonly used when showing an evil entity moving. This creates fear in the viewer because they don’t know where to look or what to expect. It is a simple but effective technique.

Marketing

1. Social Media

Social media is the easiest way to market, quite frankly, anything. Through Instagram accounts and YouTube ads it's easier than ever to market products. Horror films are particularly easy to market through social media, as teasers and posters are generally ominous and vague.

2. Merchandise

Horror merchandise, especially costumes, is a booming business. People love to dress up as their favorite characters and stand out, especially on Halloween. Horror movie monsters not only make easily recognizable costumes but amazing opportunities for creativity.

Samples

The Ring

The Ring perfectly embodies horror as a classic with all content and techniques mentioned previously. The jumpscares within the film are widely known and the main character is easily cosplayed, making this movie a cookie cutter example of horror.

The Silence of the Lambs

This is an undeniably amazing embodiment of the horror genre. It is subtle and doesn't fit into the general boxes of horror, but builds suspense in its own original way and goes at its own space.