Today my group and I researched many different genres. All of these genres were very interesting, but we narrowed it down to two of our favorites. Our top genre choices would be horror and comedy. I am going to begin by going in-depth on the research my group and I did on the horror genre first.
Horror is such a great and fun film to analyze due to the hard work and skillful talent that goes into producing a film in this genre. Firstly we are going to analyze the camera angles that are most common in a horror film. Many horror films often use a bird's eye view/ high angles to create a mood of suspense or show terror/fear. This is done by showing the subject or object being looked down on as if they are trapped or stuck. The second commonly used camera angle used is a close-up. This shot is used to allow the audience to see the emotion that the character is showing. It also used to capture important details that would contribute to the audience's understanding of what is being feared. The third commonly used camera angle is tracking or panning shots. These shots show movement and are very effective in horror films to show that the character is being watched or followed. This also creates suspense because you are unable to clearly tell what is happening once the camera moves. The fourth camera angle commonly used is a long shot. Long shots show perspective and show where the horror will be occurring. Essentially, long shots establish the main filming setting used throughout the film. The fifth commonly used camera angle is a low angle. Low angles are used to make the subject seem more intimidating or powerful. By doing this, the person being looked down upon is seen as more weak and insignificant. The sixth and final commonly used camera angle is a tilted angle. Tilted angles add drama and tension to the scene by implying that something supernatural may be occurring. Additionally, this angle can be used to show the victim on the floor and the audience sees what they are seeing.
Now we are going to look into the common mis-en-scene of a horror film which includes: costume, lighting, actors, makeup, props, and setting. First, we will be looking at what the costume consists of in a horror film. In a horror film, the producers want you to be able to distinguish the difference between the protagonist and the antagonist. In most horror films the protagonist will have a costume that consists of normal clothes to show that they are just normal, regular people. However, the antagonist's costume will be very obviously scary to show that this is the character that will be causing fear/horror to the protagonist. The costume of the antagonist usually includes a mask or something that signifies danger or horror such as all black or all white clothes. The costume is so important because it signifies to the audience who is good and who is bad. This also allows the audience to form a generalization of what that character is like based on what they are wearing. The second thing I am going to analyze is the lighting. Most of the time horror films use low-key lighting, which is usually dimmed or dark. This creates a more terrifying effect because it is difficult for the audience to see what is going to happen. When the lighting in a horror film is bright it is used to show a happy or normal time. This will usually fade into the low-key lighting to show that is about to become more horrific. This creates tension due to the mysteriousness of the dark atmosphere. The third thing being analyzed is the actors used. The actors being used is relatively simple. The actor for the protagonist is usually someone who is peppy and appears to be normal. The actor for the antagonist must be able to give off a scary and creepy vibe. This actor must also be very good at portraying different emotions. The fourth thing being analyzed is makeup. Makeup is so essential to a horror film. It allows for special effects to be created to extenuate the horror or a subject. Using makeup creates a scarier look for the antagonist that is important in creating fear throughout the scene. The fifth thing being analyzed is the props used. Props are very important because they add detail to what is happening or what is about to happen in that scene. In horror films, the props are mostly scary or used to terrify the audience. The final thing I will be analyzing is the setting. The setting is also important because it shows where the horror is taking place. It sets up the scene usually somewhere dark and old to create a mood of mystery. The setting helps the audience identify where the protagonist and antagonist are and what is about to happen. Now we are going to move on to how horror films are commonly edited. Editing is very important because it allows for special effects to be added in to add to the horror effect. Timing is so essential when editing because the music playing in the back must match up to the actions on the screen. The editors must be careful to match everything up to fully create the thrilling and terrifying effect throughout the film.
There are many amazing horror films that have been made. Some of the most popular films in the horror genre include Jaws, It, Get out, The Conjuring, Psycho, In the Tall Grass, Eli, Halloween, Poltergeist, The Others, Us, Meet the Blacks, Friday the 13th. All of these films are great examples of films that have been successful in the horror film genre. Sounds used in horror films are usually very suspenseful and creepy. These sounds are used to extenuate the scene and make it become more thrilling. Without these sounds, the audience would not be able to identify when something is going to be happening.
There are many advantages and disadvantages to horror films. Some things we enjoy about horror films is the thrill and all of the emotion and excitement that goes into them. While watching horror films the audience always feels a sense of anxiousness although they are protected by their safe environment. This allows them to enjoy the film rather than being scared. When watching horror films it's always a ride of emotions which is what makes us like these films the most. However, there are a few things that we do not enjoy about horror films. Although these factors are all great there are some downsides to horror films. This includes the fact that some of these films can really traumatize a person and scar them for life. Some of these films can actually introduce a new fear and terror into someone's life. Moving on from horror, now we are going to be researching on the comedy genre as well. This is also a great film genre to analyze because it also has many great factors to it. We are first going to look at common camera angles used in a comedy film. The first commonly used camera angle is a long shot. Long shots are used to show the dialog within the scene and also is usually intended to place it in some relation to its surroundings. Additionally, zoom shots are also used a lot to show what the intended emotion is supposed to be. For example when something funny is about to be said the camera might zoom in so that the audience can clearly identify a change in the emotion of the scene. Now we are going to look into the common mis-en-scene of a horror film which includes: costumes, lighting, actors, makeup, props, and setting. First, we will be looking at what the costume consists of in a comedy film. The costume is usually normal everyday apparel. Occasionally, a clown costume may be worn to signify a comedic scene, but most of the time it is just normal everyday clothes. Secondly, we are going to talk about common lighting. Soft lighting and candlelight are usually used. Lighting is used to fill light and backlight used to soften shadows from the key light and completely illuminate all of the actor's faces. Lighting is essential to determine the emotion in each scene. Thirdly, we are going to discuss the actors that are used. The actors being used must have some sense of comedy. Without a sense of humor, the scene will not flow as well and appeal to the audience in a comedic way. Fourthly, we are going to discuss the make-up used. Most of the time no makeup is used because the actors are just in what a normal person would be in. Occasionally, as a comedic effect, a clown may be used which usually has very heavy and funny makeup. Fifthly, we are going to discuss the props that are used. Usually, in comedy, minimal props are used. The focus is supposed to be on the actor, but occasionally there will be a chair that they will sit on but that's usually it. Lastly, we are going to look at the setting. The common setting of a comedy is usually with lots of people at a place such as a restaurant or a house. There is also more than one person in the scene. Moving on to how comedies are edited. It is important that when editing the timing matched with what is being said. Most of the time the editors add funny sounds such as people laughing. This needs to match up with what is being said so that the audience can infer that something funny will be coming. There are many comedy films have been produced. These films include: Booksmart, Zombieland, Long shot, Parasite, Game night, and Shazam. These are all great examples of comedy films that have been very successful in the comedy genre.
Moving on to the sounds used in comedies. In most comedies, there is a laughing sound in the background. This is added in by the producers to create a comedic effect and show that what was said was interpreted in a funny way. There are many advantages and disadvantages of comedies. Some advantages include that they are very funny and lively. When watching comedies there is usually a good atmosphere and feeling of excitement. Comedies give off a very happy and calm vibe and it is always enjoyable to watch them. However, there are some disadvantages. Comedies aren’t meant for everyone. Some people may not find the jokes funny which end up making the whole film unenjoyable. If what is being done is not funny the film will most likely appear to be boring for them to watch.
