Generic Codes and Conventions

The opening sequence to most horror movies follows one character in particular who is killed by the antagonist. The ominous soundtrack usually works as a warning to the audinece that the killer is nearby, like in Halloween (1978 Carpenter), the soundtrack is used continuously throughout the film to create suspense when Michael (the killer) is nearby. The characters in the opening sequence are given a brief introduction before they killed or at least put in danger. These typical characterizations help the audience relate to the characters and will then pity them when they are killed. In the opening sequence of Scream (1996 Wes Craven), the character engages in dialogue with the killer before they meet. This allows the audience to observe her character and pity her as she is tricked and tormented by the killer. The most typical murder weapon used in horror films is a knife and the killer wears a mask to hide his idenity.

Conventions Of Slasher Films

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