Camera Shots/Movement/Framing used in Horror

Camera Shots, Movement and Framing Conventionally used in the Horror Genre

Camera Movement

In regards to camera movement, there are many types that are commonly used in the horror genre, the first being a panning shot that increases in pace. This is used to build suspense, for example is a character is turning around to meet the antagonist of the film, the camera may slowly pan paired with music that climaxes when we meet him. Moreover another camera movement that is often used is  hand held camera shot, this is used less often but effectively used in films such as The Blair Witch Project in order to create the illusion that the person in the shot is holding the camera, which therefore engages the audience into experiencing what the character goes through first hand, making it a more realistic experience.

Another conventional camera movement that is used in horror films is a tracking shot. This is used in order to show that someone is being followed, also to increase the pace in a scene if a character is for example running, the camera will also so it creates fear for the audience as they experience the chase with the character, not knowing what is going to happen or appear next.

Camera Shots and Angles

There are a wide range of camera shots that are conventional of the horror genre, the first being a close up shot. This is commonly used to install fear into the audience as they are almost invading a characters privacy by being so close, making the audience feel uncomfortable and on edge. Moreover this shot also allows the audience to witness a characters facial expression in detail, which is usually a close up to show a characters fear to again make the character feel either sympathy or extremely uncomfortable. This shot shows little background and therefore magnifies the object, it can also be used in horror to focus on writing that may play an important part in a horror.

Establishing shots are also commonly used in the horror genre as this allows the audience to know where the scene is set which may install fear or dread for a characters safety as it is usually somewhere isolated which negative connotations.

Another conventional shot that is typically used in horror is a high angle shot. This is used to establish power in a scene whereby it is typical that the female protagonist is a way of impending doom. In addition, a birds eye view shot is also used in order to show that someone is being watched, this is used in horror as conventionally before someone dies they are targeted and preyed on by the killer. On the contrary, low angle shots are commonly used in conjunction with high angle shots for the same outcome of establishing that someone has mastery and intimidating control.

Arguably, one of the most common shots used in any type of horror film is an over the shoulder shot. It is used in horror to build tension and suspense as it can reveal the face of the villain so that the audience can see exactly what the protagonist can, installing fear into the viewer. A common camera angle used is a tilted angle. This is conventional in horror as they are used to create an immense amount of dramatic tension to shots as it for example can signify a supernatural being coming towards the camera, moving or pushing it. Another common use of this shot in horror is to imitate a victim lying on the floor, so that the audience can see what the victim is. An example is one of the final shots in The Blair Witch Project whereby the camera drops to the floor but continues to record, therefore the audience see through the lens of he camera while it continues to record.