Research in the horror genre

Definition of horror: Horror is a film genre seeking to elicit a negative emotional reaction from viewers by playing on the audience's primal fears.

Within the genre of media there are many sub genres, for example:

Slasher Movies: A staple of the horror genre, slasher movies centre around a killer mercilessly picking off their victims in a brutal and gory manner. For example, Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream.

Splatter Movies: Although there is not much difference between the slasher movies, this sub-genre is usually categorized by having an even greater focus on the graphic portrayals of character deaths. For example, Saw.

Psychological Horror Movies: Psychological horrors tend to rely heavily on the threat of impending doom or danger. An example would be Silence of the Lambs and The Shining.

Survival Horror: The main protagonist (leading characters) must endure and overcome a potentially threat. Like The Crazies.

Found Footage Movies: A film which is primarily or wholly portrayed with footage literally taken. For example, The Blair Witch Project.

Paranormal Horror Movies: Any horror movie whose main antagonist is a supernatural force. –Paranormal activity and Poltergeist

Monster Movies: Any horror movie in which the leading characters are pitted against a monstrous being. –Alien and The Thing

 

 

 

Target Audience of horror films

Age- usually the target audience for horror films are between 15 and 25. This is due to the fact that during adulthood you explore the world, experiment with your feelings and try new things. At this age they want to feel a certain rush and horror movies fulfil their gratifications and give them the thrill they are looking for. In addition to this horror films easily excite these ages rather than an older audience.

Gender- Males more usually show more interested in horror movies than females. Because stereotypically males are adrenaline seekers. Violence is a convention when it comes to the horror genre which is loved by males, the blood and gore appeal to the males.

Class- overall the horror genre mostly appeals to the working class because of the thrill which is achieved for a relatively cheap price.