A convention is almost a rule, it is a method or practice established by usage. The horror Genre has several conventions, some key conventions for this genre are:
- One anonymous killer (usually a repetitive killer, usually male)
- Isolated setting (As thought the person is trapped, unable to seek help)
- Link to reality (based on a true story, filmed in a documentary style)
- Iconography (blood, hand held weapon, dark night)
- Music and Sound (Use of silence, heartbeats, psycho strings
There are many key conventions used within horror, but it is crucial that these conventions are always adapting in order to keep up the social and psychological growth withing horror. for example the setting in a grave yard would have been enough to frighten an audience in 30 years ago, but now it seems to frighten us more if a horrific event happens in a more familiar setting. This id used in Insidious and Paranormal Activity where the films are predominantly shot in the house. It is thought to be more effective as it is more relatable to the viewer.
'The elements and conventions of genre are always in play rather than being replayed' - Stephan
This quote highlights that the conventions of horror are always in use, but they are always slightly adapted.
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