Codes and Conventions of a Horror

The codes and conventions that are used in horror films are essential to creating an effective atmosphere to set the mood of the piece.

In general, horror films are usually set in middle class suburbia. This is as most people can relate to this, it also makes the film seem more realistic as the audience begin to think; if this can happen here, then it can happen anywhere. Overall, this goes towards creating a chilling atmosphere. The targets of the attacks in horror films are usually teenagers or young girls, some may argue that this is because they are most vulnerable and again, the target audience of horror films can relate to this.


Many horror films tend to involve a lot of blood and gore to show evil. Also the idea that the events that are happening are down to fate is also another idea that is widely used. Horror films are all about breaking the equilibrium and causing death to particular characters. However, there will always be at least one survivor as this enables there to be a sequel if
neccessary and this also adds many questions from the viewers. Usually, horror films will have one main villian and one / a group of main victims.

Finally, sound is needed to complete a horror movie. This is as it adds most of the ambience and creates a feeling of dread in most cases. A film such a Scream wouldn't be as scary without the sound, would it? The feeling that something is going to happen can easily be created with sound effects, for example ; the music could reach a climax just as something bad happens in a scene.