Supernatural Horror

SUPERNATURAL HORROR

Supernatural horror is a sub-genre that is based among extra-terrestrial elements in society, for example, ghosts, gods, the devil and miracles. The sub-genre often creates apprehension among the audience as it consistently focuses and plays on the fear of the unknown, therefore often includes and exaggerates on the theme of religion and the undead. A few of the many examples of supernatural horror consist of Paranormal Activity, the Conjuring and the Amityville Horror.

As mentioned previously, one of the main themes that occur in the supernatural sub-genre is religion. This is because it is something that cannot be proven or explained, which creates fear among many. It is also something that many people turn to for answers and reassurance when feeling uneasy or worried, so therefore by incorporating that into horror it establishes a trepidity among a concept that so many people trust. 

We decided to research and consider a supernatural horror as it would allow us to play around with lighting (mainly using low-key), as well as subtle props and strong mise-en-scene. Some of the main codes and conventions are as follows:

• A setting close to the protagonist (usually their home)
• Simple costumes and subtle props
• Story line is usually based around a death or a "sign" from the unknown
• Slow, deep music to build suspense.
• Loud noises to scare the audience.
• Usually based in a suburban area, separated from society.
• Dark and low lighting.
• Many high angle shots to show setting and create a feeling of the audience being watched. 
• Many things such as curtains and doors moving on their own to symbolise the entering of the dead. 

Pros and cons of creating a supernatural horror:

The Pros:

• Experiment and play with lighting and music 
• Really focus on mise-en-scene
• Conventions are simple to follow
• You can use a range of shots which are not typically used (high angle)
• Simple costuming

The Cons:

• May struggle to make it seem authentic
• Easy to be similar to many other supernatural horrors
• Not able to experiment with props
• Difficult to create supernatural occurrences, such as doors opening on their own etc.

-Caera Mendez