Editing styles in Horror Films --

Editing styles in horror films are very important within the movie. It is important because it helps to identify the genre as well as adding to the fear and tension of the film.



Transitions-

Transitions are popularly used in horror films. The most common used in the openings of horror films are fade to black screen and straight cuts. The fade to black screens are used to add to the tension and create a mysterious atmosphere at the start of the film to scare the audience straight away. Its also to make the audience feel on edge and a sense of unease. They suggest the fear of the unknown and lets the audience know that something is not right. Straight cuts are used for fast paced cuts and sometimes jump scares. They are basic styled editing but they are very affected. Examples of this are 'Annabelle', 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' and 'Sinister 2'.




Fast and slow paced shots-

These shots are usually seen in an opening of a horror film to trigger the feeling of fear for the audience that are watching. This will cause the audience to feel uneasy not knowing what is going to happen next. Shots are slowed down to create the sense of a character's life flashing before their eyes as well as to add to the suspense that is created. Both slow and fast paced editing shots make the audience feel a lot more involved in the film because when both are happening the audience will need to concentrate on what is happening in the film to try to avoid being scared why whats happening in the film. Examples of films that relate to this editing is 'Orphan', and 'The Conjuring'.



Filters-

Filters are used to suggest certain moods or feelings and for the audience to determine the genre of the horror film. So the moods are stereotypically dark and incomprehensible. A blue filter on a film could be to suggest coldness, loneliness and isolation. A red filter can usually associate with death, danger and violence. White filters can suggest innocence and purity. Examples of this type of editing are the films, 'The Woman in Black', 'You're Next' and "The Cabin In The Woods'.



Splicing-

This is usually carried out at the end of the horror film where several scary parts of the film are rapidly edited together to cause disorientation of the audience due to the fact that everything is happening at once. Examples of films where this is shown are 'Poligeist', 'Friday the 13th' and 'Evil Dead'.