AA: Generic Convetions

Horror

Scream 4 (Wes Craven, 2011)

• Low key lighting is used to create moods and suspense as well as create a sense of isolation.
• Often considered "cheesy" the slasher horror model is adopted a lot with the conventions of a lone serial killer and a group of people being picked off one by one.
• Unlike usual conventions scream 4 is not set in an isolated area. But many parts have dark streets and alleys perfect for the slasher horror genre.
• Hand held camera shots are used to make it harder for the audience to see whats going on and to promote terror and panic.
• Slow paced editing is used to create suspense and sped up to create a frantic situation. 
• Non-diegetic music is used to create similar effects to the editing and diegetic sound of breathing or footsteps create suspense and anticipation. 
• Iconography is highly influential in promoting evil with colors such as red or black and mixed with the use of low key lighting or light emitting props such as touches or flares 

Thriller

The Silence of the Lambs (Jonathan Demme, 1991) 

• Set in busy urban and suburban areas to create realism.
• The narrative often involves a hero or protagonist who is the only person who can solve the puzzle laid out by the serial killer or antagonist. Such is shown by the young agent who is the only one who can stop Lecter.  The solution is never or rarely supernatural and adds to the realism that creates the fear.
• Much like horror low key lighting is used to create moods and suspense.
• Psychopathic protagonists are often and used to get into the minds of the audience.
• Film noir style lighting is used to create the dark and un-know aspects of the genre.
• Large amounts of violence occurs in the genre and blood and body dismemberment, stabbing weapons are used as they are more close and personal.