Media Studies

A2 Genre Study

SESSION 1
An introduction to the
Horror genre study
 What Is HORROR ?
 Fear?
 Revulsion?
 Terror?
 A Nightmare?
 Paranoia?
 Death?
 The Unknown?
 All of them??
The Industry Definition
Of HORROR…..
 “The primary
unifying focus for
horror films is
the fear of death
by something, or
someone,
unknown.”
Kate Domaille – “The
Horror Genre” (2001)
How Do I Study “GENRE” ?

Consider…..
 Themes

 Narrative

 Iconography

 Production &
Style
 Representation
 What Format Will The
Study Take ?
The study will be
divided into two
key areas:

i. Chronological
development of
the Genre
ii. Comparison of
historic and
contemporary
texts
Why Look At The Chronology Of
Horror?
 Examine the
development of
themes
 Look at the question
of violence and
censorship
 Consider which
approach to the
genre is more
effective
 Think about the
representation of
gender
What Is Pastiche And Parody ?
For the horror study, you
must examine how some film
makers use genre
conventions and audience
expectations to parody, or
poke fun, at the genre.
What Will Be Required
In The Comparison?
 Examination of
marketing and
audience
 Consideration of
narrative
 Deconstruction
of editing and
shot techniques
 Assessment of
which version is
more effective
 So, what can I expect from this
introduction to the horror genre?