The Horror Genre - Film Language

Different genres use film language differently, with audiences having clear expectations about what the cinematography, editing, mise-en-scene (covered in my post about iconography) and music/sound will be like, depending on the genre. 

The aesthetic of the horror genre is hugely influenced by decisions filmmakers take regarding film language, and it is often the music, camerawork, lighting and editing that create the unsettling atmosphere in horror films which makes the viewer scared.

The film language for horror films is very recognisable and usually follows a specific set of rules. In the next few posts I will be covering each of the following areas of film language.

Cinematography

Editing

Music/Sound