Symbolism within Horror

The Use of Symbolism within Horror Films

There has always been a ubiquitous link between religion and horror, stemming from many fictional pieces of Gothic Literature. The horror genre essentially introduces the viewer to their underlying fears and questions related to religion and spirituality, particularly as a result of the spiritual enlightenment in 18th Century Europe.

However, the relationship between religious and horror is frequently ambiguous - and this is particularly prominent in the fact that very few horror films explicitly tackle religious narratives or issues.

The codes and conventions of horror films often include symbols - these can be used for an eerie effect, and to give subliminal messages to the viewer. Popular symbols are often stemmed from medieval rituals and religions, as these are items that are regarded as mysterious and somewhat fascinating.

Many films include religious symbolism of some kind - more than we might imagine. Some might use more subliminal links to Biblical Tales, however some may explicitly use religious symbols.

Religious Allegories within the Horror Genre

One example of a film that uses a biblical allegory rather than explicit symbols could include The Truman Show, which is perhaps representative of the spiritual journey of the soul. The various images of light falling from the sky mimics the religious idea of light falling from heaven. Furthermore, the part where Truman has to cross a vast sea to reach the 'promise land' is similar to the story of Moses.

In our own opening sequence we could reference particular Biblical stories. Due to the fact that we live in a predominantly Christian society, these features would be fairly recognisable.

Religious Symbols within the Horror Genre

The Cross

The Cross is a religious symbol belonging to Christianity or Catholicism. It is used religiously to represent the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, however in horror films it can be used as a force against evil.

This symbol works well within supernatural horror films as it ties in with themes of exorcism and religious healing. The symbol of the cross is frequently turned upside down as a symbol of religious or spiritual unrest within a family or household, for example within The Conjuring 2 in the scene where the cross on the walls rotate upside down before falling off the walls.


Using the symbol of a cross in this way in our own horror sequence would be fairly easy to do, as the mise en scene required is fairly easily accessible.

The cross can also be used as a symbol of death, as it is commonly associated with gravestones and cemeteries. These types of locations are frequently used throughout the horror genre (especially Gothic horror) as the fear of death amongst the audience is artfully played upon. During our location scouting process we will consider locations like this as they often have a very eerie effect on the overall mise en scene of the sequence, whilst conforming to the common conventions of horror.

A Typically Eerie Cemetery

Stigmata

Stigmata is the term used to describe wounds or sensations of pain on the body that inhabit similar locations to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus Christ. The most common forms of stigmata occur on the hands, wrists and feet.

As a group, we discussed the topic of stigmata, and upon conversation we decided that we didn't have an equal understanding of how stigmata appears, and what it symbolises or means. To answer our queries, I did some further research and collated and summarised it below:

General Points to Note

• Stigmata is thought to be a 'mystical grace given by God'
• There sometimes appears an injury on the chest to represent Jesus' heart wound from the lance of the Roman soldiers
• There has been reported cases of a shoulder wound, from where Jesus carried the cross
• Injuries from a crown of thorns can also occur
• The injuries can appear individually or simultaneously
• Stigmata can be invisible, where one simply feels pain or discomfort in those areas
• In many reported cases of stigmata, a floral scent is released with the blood
• 90% of reported cases of stigmata have occurred within women

Where are the wounds situated?

• Hands or wrists (there has been some dispute as to whether the hands can actually support one's weight, so some believe Jesus was nailed through the wrists)
• Forehead
• Chest
• Shoulders
• Feet

What is the purpose of the wounds?

• Some argue that the wounds are placed to unite one with Jesus
• To understand Jesus' suffering 
• To make reparation for sins

-Anna Humphreys