Codes and Conventions of horror

Codes and conventions are the things expected to be a part of horror films. Examples include:

• The soundtrack is typically eerie and slow.
• Long shots are often used to create a creepy, isolated atmosphere.
• Dark lighting to add to the "scare factor".
• The weather, usually during action scenes, is gloomy and stormy. This is pathetic fallacy because it reflects the feelings of the characters on screen.
• Females are usually the vulnerable ones.
• Screaming is another major convention
• Knives are usually the weapon of choice, never guns
• Blood.
• Masks are usually worn by the antagonist in the film.
• Chase sequences.

Famous horror villains, their masks and their signature weapons

Left to right: Jason Voorhees and his machete, Ghostface and his knife, Michael Myers and his kitchen knife, Patrick Bateman and his axe, Freddy Krueger and his claw glove, Chucky and his knife, Leatherface and his chainsaw.