Horror movies

Here are a list of some classic 80's horror/slasher films. As these films were created in the 80's new forms of Media have been created since and new technology and software that can create a much sharper, clearer image and quicker cuts which have a big impact in a trailer. By researching these it will show us how they were filmed and the angles that were used to make them seem really thrilling and enticing enough to make them classic slasher films.

A nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

A nightmare on Elm Street is the first franchise of the films. It was written and directed by Wes Craven. The plot consists of a group of teenagers who are stalked and murdered in their nightmares by a character known as Freddie Krueger in which Wes Craven got inspiration from an old man that stared at him whilst walking past his home. I like the plot of this film, I think that it’s a unique concept and something that’s quite twisted and has a reflective aspect that will stay in the readers mind and make them think about it in the night which is the intention of a horror film. I like the idea of a slasher movie however I feel it’s too original with the villain stereotypically being a strong male and the female would be a victim represented as weak and less powerful than the villain, therefore if we were to create a slasher movie trailer, we would have to create some kind of twist or think outside the box to make it the most effective.

Scream (1996)

In the 90's slasher film scream a mysterious murderer wearing a mask known as Ghostface begins killing teenagers. As more and more teens die a group of friends find themselves following the rules of a horror film and living a real life one. It is based partly on the real life case of the Gainsville Ripper, which I feel makes it more scary and slightly more realistic. The film was considered unique at the time of it's release and openly discussed the cliche that
scream tried to subvert. Once again with this film I think that the storyline is well thought out and for it's time, it re-established the horror genre into the 90's. However it is thought that this film inspired more violent crimes and murders. The main character is played by Courteney Cox who not so stereotypically portrays a powerful woman which changes the cliches and conventions of typical slasher films. The actors in this film could also have made this film successful as they were already well known from previous films and were recognisable to the audience and if there was one specific character that the audience liked, that may have persuaded them to watch this film simply to see that actor take on a different role.
 

Paranormal Activity (2007)

Paranormal Activity is a low budget supernatural horror film. In the film the two main characters try to document the supernatural force that is haunting them by setting up cameras around their home to film the experience. I like the idea that within the film the characters are also filming what is going on in their house which makes it all the more realistic and makes the audience think that they're a part of the film in a way. Once again this film has been 'loosely based' on actual events, which on hearing this may reel the audience in. They could use this to manipulate the audience and make them believe that it is based on more of a true story than it actually is. The idea that it's film by the characters themselves make it more thrilling, as well as the fact it's filmed in their house and this is occuring in the place that they should be safest. It's something that would stay in people's minds once they left the cinema. It's also bending the rules of the codes and conventions of a typical horror film by making you see that the characters are filming throughout. I like the idea as it makes you feel like it's a real life document.