Camera Angles in Horror Films

    Camera angles are extremely vital in horror films. The different camera tricks that are used within a piece such as horror tricks the bodies of people to pump adrenaline into their system and make them afraid. Trying to produce reactions out of the audience when not correctly using the techniques about to be mentioned will more often than not result in the viewer being left disappointed at the scare attempt.

Establish Shot

    As everyone already knows, the establishing shot introduces the setting of the movie and the relationship it has between the main subjects. In horror films, there is usually some sort of prominent building or thing that is focused on in the shot. This would imply that whatever is being emphasized is either the source of the evil presence or is somehow cursed.

 

Establishing shot of Halloween (2018) implies that the man is evil

Close-Up Shot

    In close-up shots, the shot is framed tightly on a specific subject, usually the face of a character in the story. When a character's face is focused on a close-up shot, the main purpose is to emphasize the reaction that they make. In horror movies, the close-up is either made to show the scared reaction from the main subject, with the purpose being to make the fear transition to the people watching. It can also be used to show the close-up of the monster or antagonist in the film to scare the audience.

Psycho (1960), showing the reaction of the subject as she is about to be stabbed

Point of View Shot

    In the point of view shot, the scene is put into the perspective of the character so that the audience can experience whatever the subject is going through. In horror movies, the POV shot is often done when a character goes into a dark room or is alone in a forest at night, unable to properly see anything.  Because of this, the audience is put into a position where they can be scared at any moment, because they are looking around the area to see if something will suddenly appear out of nowhere and scare them.

In Cloverfield (2008), multiple POV shots are effectively used here to portray the brutal attack

Pan Shots

    Panning, or pan shots, is when the camera is moved horizontally from a set point to create a panorama. The intended effect is to make the audience feel like they are standing in one spot and looking from side to side. In horror, the pan shot allows the viewer to see the antagonist chase the victim or show someone being followed. Sometimes, the pan shot and close up are used together to reduce what the audience sees, and then when the camera pans to the left, they are surprised by the evil entity. 

It Follows (2014) uses the panning shot in the opening scene to create a tone of suspense and fear

    Based on this research, I want to incorporate at least 3 of the 4 shots mentioned above in order to scare my audience in the opening.