Cameron Elliott A2 Media Blog

"Repetition of these signs become horror genre convention, however, overuse results in taking away the signified meaning." In horror, it's been argued many times by many different theorists that conventions are formed by repetition in the genre. For example, a 'dumb blonde' is a typical convention of a horror movie because it's a method that's been used so many times in so many different horror texts that it's become associated and grown an attachment with the genre. This idea was first really wrapped up into a theory by Daniel Chandler, who argued that genres and sub-genres were identified by the tropes and conventions they possessed. However, many argue that overuse, over time, has de-valued these conventions and signs, making them redundant and actually damaged them. I will be discussing this argument throughout this essay. The first convention that I will be analysing is the 'Scream Queen' trope, that is very (in)famously associa...

AUDIENCE THEORIES ESSAY  There are numerous narrative theories relating to audience throughout media and film. These help determine a target audience, among other things for a film. They also help segregate horror films into different sub-categories, to show and exemplify the differences between them. The theories that I'm going to speak about today relate specifically to the audience and how they react to films.  Firstly, and perhaps the most effective and empowering theory utilised in horror is the 'Catharsis' theory, penned by Greek philosopher Aristotle. Generally, the Catharsis theory involves the idea that people will watch depressing or horror-inducing media when they feel down because it stimulates a 'better' feeling in them. My trailer does very loosely make use of the catharsis theory. The constant fast cuts and worried facial expressions increase the intensity and looming danger of the film, making a viewing audience perhaps thankful that...