Conventions of horror of films

An element involving death e.g. a murder, a ghost presence, living dead (Vampires and Zombies).

The setting is usually isolated.

There is a monster/evil that the main character has to face/defeat e.g. 28 Days Later.

Blood is a common feature.

They are designed to frighten or unsettle the audience in some way.

The setting is somewhere with a dark past. These can be hospitals, old houses etc. which are abandoned.

There is usually a a hero or protagonist who has a mission to kill or solve the problem.

Uses dark colors to create a sinister feeling, this is usually black and red which are related to blood, evil and anger.

There is usually a villain e.g. in Saw

Props can be associated with a specific villain or character e.g. knife, chainsaw.

Lighting helps to give a dark/sinister atmosphere. Low key lighting is mainly used to create shadows etc.

Costumes are kept dark to represent the evil characters.

Some costumes are linked with particular characters e.g. a mummy is wrapped in layers of cloth.

Masks and weapons are usually found.