Levi-Strauss' Binary Opposition Theory

This theory looks at understanding terms. For example we only know life is good when something bad happens. Levi-Strauss' theory indicates that terms we use that have binary opposites are understood by differentiating them from there opposite.

Todorov's Basic Narrative Theory

Todorov's theory identifies the pattern found in films that causes a chain of events. The theory causes the film to progress due to the fight to reinstall the state of equilibrium.
Todorov's Theory by Slidely Slideshow

Propp's Character Theory

In this post,  I have shown a theory that is related to the horror genre. Vladimir Propp's theory identifies 8 main characters that forces the narrative forward. Initially,Propp's theory was for folk tales however this theory can be applied to Propp's theory as these 8 main characters are somewhat used in the horror genre.

Propp's Character Theory from niaraine

Horror Timeline

Here I have created a timeline from 1800s when horror films began to the 2000s. The timeline shows how horror has developed as well as recycled common motifs.

Conventions within horror

Within this post, I have included conventions shown in horror films, specific elements that affect the audience and the common angles used in horror genre. 

Horror Poster Deconstruction

DELIVERY:THE BEAST WITHIN

The film Delivery: The Beast within was directed by Brian Netto released in 2013. The film poster contrasts with the beliefs that pregnancy is usually shown as a beautiful time in a woman life. The fact that the light is shining on the woman stomach shows that  the pregnancy is a highlight. However the build up of the shadow shows that it is not all that it seems in this case. Below the spotlighted area the poster features and dark had that looks supernatural as it does not match the belly of the woman.The hand on the woman’s belly suggests that it is nurturing the child inside as it is placed over the stomach. The hand is spread out over the stomach shows that it is in control and possessive over the stomach.The gold nails on the hand shows power this also shows the supernatural state of the hand as the hand  looks grimy and dirty. The fact that the woman in naked also shows her vulnerability and shows that she is over powered by the hand on top of her.

 The font used for the title of the movie uses and clear yet ancient type of font. this is one of the main conventions of horror film posters.The colour of the font is white this is a common colour to use for horror film posters. White has connotations of innocence and purity. This contrasts with the other elements of the poster.The layout of the poster leaves an empty space to the right of the hand. This suggests that there could be something lurking within the background.The anchor is in a off white/yellow this can connote that the film is not innocence. Also the fact that a child is meant to be a blessing is shown to be not true in this instance. The anchor entices the viewer to want to find out what is going to happen. 

SINISTER 2 

The film Sinister 2 by the producers of : The Purge, Paranormal activity and insidious entices the audience as these films are highly popular and well known in the horror genre scene and charts. The poster uses children this suggests that the film features the corruption of innocence. The fact that the child on the left is dragging blood to create the clown like image shows that the children are acting out of the norm. Also the blurred out faces shows that they are being controlled. It also makes the viewer question what is happening to the children for them to be acting like this. Also the blood drawn image of the male is in the center of the poster which shows its the main focus of the film. The fact that the image has been drawn using blood and the colour red can connote danger. Also the drawing itself looks like an angry clown with demonic eyes . The eyes are staring directly at the viewer this causes fear. The image is shown above the children which shows its power of the children and shows that it could be somewhat controlling them.The children in the poster are wearing causal clothing relevant to the 21st century this shows that the film is modern and makes it come across a lot scarier and more realistic. The background of the poster is cracked and is an off white colour from this can infer that damage and strong forces could be within the film. The off white colour of the background can suggest that innocence has been corrupted.The two children are a convention used in horror movies as twos are said to be more compatible. Also towards the bottom of the page next to the title there is a drwaing of two figures hung by a rope this connotes death and the death of the innocent due to the fact of the white colour used. The bold title of the film is in glowing white which entices the viewer as it stands out from the page. The children faces are also blurred out which makes it hard for the viewer to sympathise with children but makes he viewer feel weary. Also the anchor at the bottom of that page says ''Be careful.Children at play'' The poster uses the imperative ''Be careful'' which commands the viewer to do something.The anchor also says Children at play which can suggest that children have no boundaries and are getting up to no good.  

INFERNAL 

''Infernal''directed by Bryan Coyne and released in 2015. This film is a new to the horror charts. The title of the movie ''Infernal'' is in a an edgy font where the letters are different sizes. Also the letter ''R'' is resting on the cross. The symbolism of the cross normally means deterring evil spirits and forces however the cross is used in the horror genre as a common convention and can portray good vs. evil. The hand on the child is decaying and pale which shows its connection with the underworld. The hand also looks as if it causing the child to look around and face the viewer directly. The child is placed directly in the middle and at the foreground of the poster which makes her seem close to the viewer. The child is wearing dirty and unkept clothing. Also her eyes are all white which can suggest that she is being possessed. The fact that she is facing the viewer directly makes her come across fearless. The use of the child in this poster shows that she is powerful and the connotation of a child are that they are weak. On the other hand the fact that the decaying arm is touching her shows that she is vulnerable  she is being controlled by the hand. The anchor says ''Evil has been chosen'' the fact that the words ''Evil'' and ''Chosen'' shows that she has been taken over by a stronger force. children are meant to also symbolise innocence and the anchor proves that the child's innocence has been corrupted. Also on the child's forehead  is a cross in red. the use of the colour depicts danger and blood. The child hunched over position shows that she is hiding something and is showing her innocence. At the background of the poster it shows and open door that has lots of light coming out this looks as if it is inviting the child in to the light as she is currently sitting in the dark.

Introduction

This is my A2 blog which will be where I present my work for the course. Each post that i upload will include all decisions made for the course. I am looking forward to the course as I will learn a lot about different filming techniques as well as editing. 

Horror is a genre that I am not too keen on! When I was child, I watched a film called ''Monster House 2006'' considered apart of the animation, comedy and family genre. The story line of the movie featured three teens that lived in a neighbourhood which featured a house that used to come alive. Within this house, lives an elderly man and his wife is the house who come to life. She intrigues the characters by luring them using inanimate object such as kits, balls etc. The film traumatized me and has been one of the reasons why I do not watch horror. Horror as a genre is one that is meant to thrill and cause fear. I also have a fear of horror films, that have a realistic story line such as ‘The Conjuring. It features paranormal activities within a new family home. The fact that the family have moved into a house believing that it would be a fresh start for them is something that scares me the most. I hate the fear of the unknown and i don't enjoy being unable to sleep at night after having watched a film.

However through doing this course, it will enable me to gain awareness of the genre itself and also find out why horror is a genre that so many of us love and adore. The course will also help entail the conventions that make a good horror movie as well as the theory behind horror and how it has impacted our generations and the times before us. I am looking forward to analysing horror movies from the present and the past even though I am completely petrified. I hope you enjoy my blog and I will keep it updated.