Camera angles and movement in horror films

Birds eye view-

The birds eye view is used throghout a horror film for a very significant reason. By using this shot it creates a sense of the victim of the person that is in the shot is powerless and vulnarable. This is a key feature in a horror film as it will imply to the audience watching that that person is in danger and could be at risk of harm.

Close up shot-

Close up shots are generally used to create a sense of reaction form the character. By the camera zooming into the character's face it shows their reaction and emotion. These shots are also used to capture key details of the scene that it is in. This is imprtant in a horror film as the audience need to be updated with what the character is feelingand this can have an impact on the audience themselves.

 

Tracking or Panning shot-

The tracking shot and panning shots are used in ahorror film to portray the movement throughout the film. This is used very productively in horror films because it can connote a character being followed or watched in a scene. It al;so can be used to create a sense of location in a film as the audience is able to see where everything is happening and they have a full view of the surroundings of the characters. Suspence and tension is building throughout the movement of the character because of the way that the audience is unable to know what is going to happen next.

Reverse shot-

A reverse shot that is used in ahorror film is mainly used to show the audince a consequence of an action and what would of happened if a character done something differently. It helps the audience to identify the realization of the character and their actions in the film. This can then  add to the suspence that is built up in the scene. Reverse shots are also used to connote potential flashbacks in the film fo ther characters. This is highly significant in a horror film because most events in a horror film are based on regret and hwo the character shouldnt have done something.

Tilted angle shot-

Tilted angle shots are used particually to create a sense of disorientation for the audience. This shot could simplify a supernatural being present as well as giving th audince a different shot of an incident across to the audience. Another way a tilt shot can be used is to create a sense of point a view for a character that could be on the floor looking up. This can reval to the audience that the character is in danger.

Extreme long shot-

This shot can be used in a horror film to establish the location and surroudnings of where the film is taking place. This shot can put into perspective how deserted a town can be in a horror film. This is done in ahorror film to add to the suspence and creat the tension for the audince straight away at the start of the film. This automatically tells the audince what the film is going to be like as well as what kind of epople will be in it.

Low angles-

Low angles are very important in horror films as this shot can connote to the audince how scray and intimidating the villain is in the film. This could make the audince feel like the victim in the film may feel insignicant and powerless. The weakening of the character will then build the tension for the audince as they dont no what is gonna happen next with the antagonist.

Hand held camera shot-

This type of sot is used in a horror film to give the film a sense of reality. By using this kind of shot it draws the audience in and makes them feel as if they were more involved.

Point of view shot- 

This shot is used to help the audience see the point of view in the eyes of the character in the film. This is popular in horror films because it helps the audience feel more involved in what is happening in the film at the time. For example in the scene the character could be going down into a dark room therefore the audience will feel a lot tension as they will feel as if it is them that is in the action. There could also be a scene where the character in the film is being held at gunpoint therefore the audience will feel threatened by what is happening. 

Embedded video of an opening that shows a very specific camera shot- a head shot;