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In the realm of cinema, genres serve as a fundamental categorization tool that allows audiences to navigate through the diverse world of films more comfortably. Genres provide viewers with expectations, helping them anticipate the tone, themes, and experiences a particular movie might offer. However, the flexibility of genres sometimes leads to their fusion, giving rise to hybrid genres that challenge conventional expectations. Among these genres, horror stands as one of the oldest and most enduring, continuously captivating audiences with its ability to evoke fear and suspense.
In this essay, we will explore how genre conventions are employed to heighten audience expectations in horror movie trailers, focusing on three films: "Paranormal Activity," "Insidious," and "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark."
Before delving into the specifics of how genre conventions function in horror movie trailers, it's essential to understand the essence of the horror genre itself. Horror, as a cinematic genre, aims to elicit intense emotional responses from viewers, primarily fear, shock, revulsion, or horror itself.
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“ She followed all my directions. It was really easy to contact her and respond very fast as well. ”
As Cherry (2009) aptly notes, the core function of horror is to disturb and terrify the audience. To achieve this, horror films typically rely on a set of recurring conventions, including fast-paced editing, heart-pounding music, flashing images, the presence of unknown creatures, and dark, foreboding settings.
Despite the evolving landscape of cinema, the fundamental elements of the horror genre have remained relatively consistent over the years. Iconic symbols like haunted houses, enigmatic creatures, eerie darkness, and disconcerting imagery continue to be staples in modern horror films.
However, while these conventions persist, the genre continually adapts to contemporary sensibilities and fears to maintain its resonance with audiences.
Genres are not static; they evolve over time to adapt to changing cultural contexts and audience preferences. What may have terrified audiences a decade ago may not have the same impact today. In the modern horror genre, audiences are particularly drawn to paranormal and ghostly experiences. The following analysis of three horror movie trailers – "Paranormal Activity," "Insidious," and "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" – demonstrates how each film employs genre conventions to cater to these contemporary preferences while eliciting fear and curiosity.
"Paranormal Activity" represents a significant departure from traditional horror film production methods. This independent film, directed by Oren Peli with a modest budget of $11,000, revolutionized the horror genre by breaking away from blockbuster conventions. The movie's trailer challenged audience expectations in several ways:
A. Authenticity and Unconventional Filming: Unlike the polished, big-budget horror films typically associated with the genre, "Paranormal Activity" adopts an unconventional, documentary-style approach. The trailer features footage shot in an average home with shaky, unprofessional camera angles, creating an atmosphere of authenticity. The use of unknown actors adds to the feeling that the events depicted could be real, making viewers question the line between fiction and reality.
B. Audience Reactions: Uniquely, the trailer for "Paranormal Activity" not only showcases clips from the movie but also includes snippets of audience reactions. This innovation piques the audience's curiosity about why these viewers are so frightened, compelling them to seek answers by watching the film. This meta-narrative approach effectively blurs the boundaries between the horror genre and the real-world audience's emotions.
Directed by James Wan, the same creative mind behind "Paranormal Activity," "Insidious" maintains a focus on the paranormal theme. Despite being another independent production, "Insidious" features a higher budget of $1,500,000, allowing for a more polished presentation. This film, like its predecessor, leverages genre conventions to evoke fear and curiosity in the audience:
A. Relatable Setting: "Insidious" unfolds within a seemingly normal family home, emphasizing the relatability of the setting. The film taps into universal experiences, such as moving to a new house, to create an initial sense of comfort and familiarity before disturbing it with paranormal elements. This approach ensures that the audience can connect emotionally with the characters and their plight.
B. Use of Children: Much like "Paranormal Activity," "Insidious" uses children to heighten vulnerability and fear. Children, being innocent and defenseless, evoke strong emotions from viewers, especially parents who can easily empathize with the characters' parental concerns. This emotional connection amplifies the impact of the horror elements in the film.
In contrast to "Paranormal Activity" and "Insidious," "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" follows a more traditional approach to horror filmmaking. With a budget of $25,000,000, the film relies on established genre conventions to create suspense and fear:
A. Stereotypical Elements: The trailer for "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" adheres to classic horror conventions, featuring multiple flashing images, heart-pounding music, scenes set in darkness, and the presence of unknown creatures. These elements are instantly recognizable to fans of the horror genre, and their inclusion sets clear expectations for the film.
B. Speed and Atmosphere: The trailer employs fast-paced non-diegetic music, generating a sense of urgency and unease. Combined with diegetic sounds like loud bangs and creaky floorboards, it creates tension and an uncomfortable atmosphere. The trailer's pacing builds up anticipation and ultimately shocks the audience, aligning with established horror conventions.
One notable aspect shared by all three films is the use of relatively unknown actors. While prominent actors often draw audiences to films, the horror genre tends to favor lesser-known performers. This decision aligns with the genre's goal of creating a more immersive and realistic experience. Familiar actors can sometimes hinder this goal, as audiences may struggle to disassociate them from their previous roles. The presence of unknown actors enhances the suspension of disbelief, making it easier for viewers to immerse themselves in the frightening narrative.
In conclusion, horror movie trailers effectively utilize genre conventions to raise audience expectations and provoke emotional responses. The horror genre, an ancient art form, continues to captivate audiences by evolving its conventions to match contemporary fears and preferences. While films like "Paranormal Activity" challenge traditional conventions by embracing authenticity and audience reactions, others like "Insidious" maintain a focus on relatable settings and vulnerable characters. In contrast, "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" embraces stereotypical horror elements to create suspense and fear.
The horror genre's ability to adapt while preserving its core elements is a testament to its enduring appeal. By carefully manipulating genre conventions, horror movie trailers successfully entice audiences, leaving them eager to experience the thrill, suspense, and terror that the genre promises. As genres continue to evolve, horror remains a compelling and powerful force in the world of cinema, ready to elicit primal emotions and keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Genre Conventions and Audience Expectations in Horror Movie Trailers. (2016, Sep 10). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/conventions-in-the-horror-genre-essay
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