Conventions of Horror and Romance

I have researched the different conventions of both horror and romance films in order to be able to effectively manipulate the genre of my two short films using different shots, sound, colour and editing techniques specific to the genres. 

Horror

• Aims to inflict fear in the audience
• Fast editing pace used, jumping between shots in order to increase tension
• Music - mainly quiet and atmospheric, builds towards climatic moments in order to create suspense
• Sound effects - ambient and unsettling background sounds, eg. footsteps
• Colour - dark/cool colours such as blue, low-key lighting and plenty of shadows

Common Shots/Camera Movements

• Extreme close-up on the face of the 'victim' - increases discomfort, involves the audience with the character and shows their facial expressions
• Hand held shots - creates a 'trembling' effect, increases the sense of reality and consequently the fear factor
• Point of view shots - allow the audience to see the events through the eyes of the character
• Unnatural camera angles, eg. high angles/low angles/dutch tilt
• Zoom - creates a dramatic effect

Dutch Angle Shot

The Use of Shadow in 'The Sixth Sense'

Romance

• A love story in a realistic setting, aims to be 'feel-good'
• Slow editing pace used, this increases to emphasise the character's emotions
• Music - usually soft pop or classical music
• Transitions used between titles/credits to give a dreamy feel
• Colour - warm colours, low level lighting to create a romantic atmosphere

Common Shots/Camera Movements

• Mid shots/long shots - used to establish the scene and to show body language of the characters
• Close ups - allows the audience to see the facial expressions of the characters
• Slow panning
• Over the shoulder shots - give a relaxed feel, show relationships between characters

Warm Colours in 'Titanic'

Over the Shoulder Shot in 'Love Actually'