Camera Angles/movements in Horror Films

Close Up

A close up is when the camera zooms in on a specific object or person. This is usually on an important iconography and to show the details of the facial expressions. This is commonly used in horror films because it shows the emotions (typically seemingly terrified or worried) which can provoke fear, sympathy etc. for the audience.

Hand Held Camera Shot

A hand held camera shot is when a tripod is not used and is shot whilst being held. This normally gives off a rather shaky and unstable effect. It is effective in horror films because it gives a sense of reality which makes it more frightening for the audience-it makes it seem like they are there in the scene with the characters, almost like it's from a characters point of view.

Low Angle Shots

Low angle shots are when the view of the camera is titled upwards from a low point of view. This emphasises the fear of the main character and the intimidation of the more superior one. The characters which are higher up suggests that they have more power whilst the other character seems weaker.

Point Of View Shot

This is when the scene is filmed as if it was through a characters eyes. It is generally used a lot in horror films because it allows us to understand the characters emotions in that particular situation. This makes it scarier for the audience because it's like it is happening to them which makes them emotionally attached.

Over the Shoulder Shot

The over the shoulder shot is very effective for creating tension and fear. It is used a lot to create suspense and allows the audience to see what is happening before the character does. This type of shot is commonly done where a reflection can be seen so the audience can see the figure behind the character.

Birds Eye/High Angle Shot

This type of shot is when it is filmed from a high angle to down below. In horror films, this is usually to portray the character as weak and vulnerable. It emphasises their helplessness and how powerless they are. Alternatively, it can show the action from a higher view so that the audience can clearly identify the situation. It can link in to the current action such as when, the characters look up towards the ceiling which can cause suspense to find out what it is.

Tracking Shot

A tracking shot is used a lot in horror films because it can often gives the feeling as if a character is being watched. It creates suspense because it is following the action and the audience can not see whats going to happen ahead.

Tilted Angle

This sometimes create a supernatural kind of atmosphere as if a supernatural being has control of the camera. This is quite dramatic and adds to the tension. Occasionally, it can make the scene seem quite disorientating which makes the audience relate to the characters emotional mental state.

Main Brief

For the main brief, we plan to try out a variety of the different shots to emphasise the horror genre. The shots we definitely will use will be the tracking shots because it will give the sense that someone is following the protagonist. I also think that POV shots would be quite effective as it only limits the audience to see what they see which creates suspense.