Research: Codes and Conventions In Horror Films

Codes:

Codes are system of signs which create different meanings. codes can/ are usually divided in two categories which are technical and symbolic.

Technical codes are all the different ways in which the equipment is used to tell the story in the media text. Such as; The camera work when filming, The editing process and the use of sound (diegetic and non-diegetic)

Symbolic codes show what is beneath the surface of what we see. These are usually shown through mise-en-scene. the characters actions when filming sows you how the character is feeling inn that scene. A characters costume can decoded to help us understand what type of person third character is. Different props having different connotations which can be de-coded by an audience.

Conventions:

Conventions are accepted ways of doing something. There are general conventions in any media, such as the use of interviewees quotes in a print article. Conventions also show what specific genre it is. In horror movies the conventions which are mainly used is lighting to create and mysterious effect but to also create suspense.

In horror films the expected codes and convention which in most teen horror films are;

-Secluded location (woods, old house), so when something does happen it turns out their is no one around to help them out.
-Power is cut, phone lines get cut off so no body can help when hey are lost or in trouble.
-No signal, in the middle of nowhere with no phone signal which leads to them fighting on their own.
-Someone runs upstairs instead of outside, this is for them to find 'safety' even though they ran past a door to get out.
-Vehicle won't start, when danger is coming their way out won't start.
-The fake scare, this is to make the audience scared, such as a phone ringing, or a knock at the door.