Horror clichés

Definition

Horror clichés are repetitive elements, themes, or situations commonly found in horror films and literature that often lead to predictable outcomes. These clichés can include character archetypes, plot devices, and visual tropes that audiences come to expect, which can sometimes enhance the genre but may also detract from originality and suspense.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Horror clichés can provide a familiar structure that engages audiences but can also lead to predictability in storytelling.
2. Common horror clichés include characters making poor decisions, such as splitting up when danger is present or investigating strange noises.
3. The use of dark settings, such as abandoned houses or creepy woods, is another frequent visual cliché that enhances suspense.
4. Horror films often rely on the 'killer in the shadows' trope, where the antagonist lurks unseen until the final confrontation.
5. Subverting horror clichés can be an effective way for filmmakers to create fresh experiences and surprise their audiences.

Review Questions

• How do horror clichés impact audience expectations in films?
  • Horror clichés shape audience expectations by creating familiar patterns and scenarios that viewers anticipate. For example, when characters make irrational decisions or fall into typical roles like the 'final girl', it reinforces a sense of predictability. While these clichés can heighten tension by tapping into established conventions of fear, they can also lessen suspense if viewers feel they already know the outcome.
• Discuss the role of subverting horror clichés in modern filmmaking and its effects on the genre.
  • Subverting horror clichés has become a significant trend in modern filmmaking, allowing creators to challenge traditional narratives and surprise audiences. By turning expected tropes on their heads, filmmakers can create unique stories that engage viewers in unexpected ways. This approach not only revitalizes the genre but also encourages deeper thematic exploration and character development, moving beyond mere shock value.
• Analyze how specific horror clichés contribute to the overall effectiveness of a horror film's narrative structure and emotional impact.
  • Specific horror clichés play a crucial role in establishing the narrative structure and emotional resonance of a horror film. For instance, utilizing archetypal characters like the skeptical friend or the doomed couple builds tension as audiences recognize their inevitable fates. This familiarity can elicit stronger emotional responses when these characters face danger. Moreover, visual tropes such as dark lighting and eerie sound design amplify fear and suspense, reinforcing the film's atmosphere while simultaneously adhering to genre expectations.

Related terms

Jump scare: A sudden, unexpected moment designed to startle the audience, often used as a shock tactic in horror films.

Final girl: A trope in horror where the last survivor, often a female character, confronts the antagonist and typically represents innocence or purity.

Slasher film: A subgenre of horror that involves a killer stalking and murdering a group of people, usually with graphic violence and a set of recurring tropes.