Researching Codes and Conventions of Mystery - Horror

 

As part of my research and planning, I researched the Mystery - Horror genre to understand its codes and conventions. It was useful for me to know these things as I was creating an opening sequence based on this genre for my final project.

What is Mystery-Horror?

This combination blends the elements of mystery with an eerie, unsettling atmosphere of horror. The protagonist often uncovers a terrifying truth, leading to psychological or supernatural horrors.

                                                                            

Source - Pinterest

Characters 

The characters in this genre type often have archetypes that enhance suspense, fear and intrigue. The films give importance to both male and female characters, but their roles have evolved over time. There are many different archetypes, such as:

A woman who uncovers dark family secrets: Annie Graham from Hereditary (2018)

                                         

                                                                  Source - Google Images 

A woman who fought for her life: Cecilia Kass from The Invisible Man (2020)

                                          

                                                                 Source - Google Images   

A woman who was haunted by shocking visions of murders: Madison Mitchell from Malignant (2021)

                                                        

                                                                        Source - Google Images 

A man who struggled with repressed memories of their past experiences: Josh Lambert from Insidious: The Red Door (2023)

                                                             

                                                                    Source - Google Images

Mis- En- Scene of Mystery - Horror

Locations

• Abandoned places like old mansions, decaying hospitals or deserted towns create an eerie atmosphere and a sense of isolation.
• Forests or roads shrouded in mist add suspense and unpredictability, making characters feel lost or haunted.

Costumes and Makeup

• Dark clothing, like how the characters often wear muted or aged outfits, symbolizing decay or danger. Antagonists may have torn, bloodstained or vintage clothing to enhance the fear.
• Pale skin like ghostly white faces, deep eye shadows, and scars create a haunting, unsettling presence.

Cinematography

• Close-ups emphasize fear in characters' expressions, while high and low-angle shots create discomfort and tension.

 

Lighting and Editing

• Low-key lighting with deep shadows hides details, making the audience uneasy and uncertain about what is hidden in the dark.
• Quick jump cuts and sudden transitions between scenes, combined with sound design, create shock and enhance fear.

Learning Outcome

After doing this research and analysis, I developed a better understanding of mystery-horror codes and conventions of the genre and found it really useful for my own film opening task.