Horror movies are a beloved genre of cinema, providing audiences with thrills, chills, and suspense. While each horror movie is unique, there are some common rules that are often followed to create the desired effect of fear and anxiety in the viewer.
The first rule of a horror movie is to create a sense of isolation and vulnerability. Whether it’s a group of teenagers alone in a remote cabin, a family stranded in the woods, or a lone protagonist in a haunted house, the characters in a horror movie are often cut off from the outside world, leaving them vulnerable to the terrors that lurk within.
The second rule is to establish a sense of mystery and uncertainty. Horror movies often play with the audience’s expectations, leaving them unsure of what will happen next. This can be achieved through the use of jump scares, unexpected plot twists, and a general sense of unease that pervades throughout the movie.
The third rule is to use music and sound effects to create tension and atmosphere. From the iconic theme from Jaws to the screeching violins in Psycho, horror movies are known for their use of music and sound to create a sense of impending danger.
Despite the best efforts of filmmakers, horror movie characters are often at risk of meeting a gruesome fate. However, there are some general rules that characters can follow to increase their chances of survival.
The first rule is to stay calm and collected. Panicking and making impulsive decisions can often lead to dire consequences in horror movies. By keeping a level head and thinking logically, characters can increase their chances of survival.
The second rule is to avoid splitting up. Horror movies often use the trope of characters separating to investigate strange noises or explore dark corners. However, this almost always leads to disaster, as the characters are more vulnerable when they are alone.
The third rule is to arm yourself with whatever is available. Whether it’s a baseball bat, a kitchen knife, or a can of hairspray, characters in horror movies are often forced to defend themselves with whatever they can find. By being resourceful and creative, characters can increase their chances of survival.
In conclusion, horror movies are governed by a set of rules that help to create a sense of fear and anxiety in the viewer. These rules include creating a sense of isolation and vulnerability, establishing mystery and uncertainty, and using music and sound effects to create atmosphere. While the characters in horror movies are often at risk of meeting a gruesome fate, there are some general rules that can be followed to increase their chances of survival. By staying calm and collected, avoiding splitting up, and being resourceful, characters can fight back against the terrors that lurk in the darkness.