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1. There are many conventions to the horror genre which most horror directors follow - this has
resulted in the horror genre being criticised for being "too predictable and repetitive".
Setting
The majority of horror movies are set in suburban neighbourhoods. This adds to the fear of the
film as it means the terror of the film could happen to anyone… even the ‘average’ person living
in a ‘typical’ neighbourhood.
Amityville Horror Story (2005) and Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
However many other horror movies are set in isolated locations - disconnected from the rest of
society. This manipulates the fear of solitude and being separated from all help that runs
through us all.
The Shining (1980) and Blair Witch Project (1999)
Iconography
Horror movies use a range of icons to explore different themes and narratives, some examples
of icons used are..
Weapons: these can be used to distinguish the ‘villain’ character from other horror films and
make the movie more unique.
The Shining (1980) and Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

2. Religion: religious symbols are heavily used in horror movies particularly supernatural ones to
convey the struggle between Heaven and Hell/Good vs Evil.
The Exorcist (1973) and American Horror Story: Asylum (2012)
Characters:
Horror movies often use archetypal characters to convey the narrative.
One of the most widely used is the family - this is effective as directors can then use the family
as a tool to explore loyalty between family and vulnerability in what is supposed to be ‘the
strongest bond’ (family).
The dad is often meant to represent the protector of the family, because of this horror films use
this a lot to make the dad the most vulnerable/clueless to the evil threatening the family.
Examples of this include:
Amityville Horror Story: the dad in Amityville Horror Story is possessed by the house and tries to
kill his family. While being the strongest physically, he is the easiest one to be posessed.
The Shining:
The Orphan: the dad is exploited by Esther into thinking his wife is insane and puts her in a
mental hospital which leaves Esther to try and kill the rest of the family.

3. Children are often used in horror movies including ghosts to represent the tainting of innocence.
This can be shown through children getting possessed by the ghost or children being shown as
creepy icons to make the film seem creepier.
The Poltergeist (1982), The Shining (1980), The Omen (1976) and Sixth Sense (1999)