How to fix horror films...

A very interesting piece in Slate about how the horror genre should reinvent itself. Have a read, it's thought provoking! And you could use it for your essays on genre! Here's the link. And if you are VERY BRAVE (and old enough), look at the slideshow of the most gory scenes from horror film.

Powerpoint about horror films

There isn't a lot new in this powerpoint that I found on Slideshare, but it does have some good points and awesome backgrounds. Check it out:

An Introduction to Horror Films

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Thinking about GENRE!

So we have seen a lot of movies. They have a lot in common, but they are also significantly different. I would like you think a bit more deeply about the conventions in at least two of the films we have watched and comment on their significance. This is what you will be writing on in the end of the year exam. So, figure out how to get back on your blog and write a post that includes:

1. Describe

Choose ONE convention across at least TWO movies. Describe how this convention is used in this film. Use specific examples (textual evidence: techniques, details) and refer to your notes as necessary.

2. Explain

Discuss why this convention was used in this way in these two films. How does it link to the film as a whole? How does it develop an idea within the film? How does it reveal an attitude or point of view of the director? What was the audience response to the way this convention was used? What was the audience's expectations? Why? How did the way this convention was used conform or depart from tradition?

3. Analyse

Discuss the impact, change and implications of the way this convention was used in these films. How effective was this convention? How did it add to the commercial success of the film (or not)? What happened after and before this film was made that is relevant to the way this convention was used? How does the director's use of the convention reflect current events of the time? Why has the convention changed (or not) in the two (or more) films you are discussing? What are the possible effects on society of watching these films-- why? What do experts say about the way this convention is used in these films?

How to make a horror movie...

Some of you came up with awesome ideas for films: Cowboy Zombie face-offs, submarine love stories, accounting love stories (?). But now that you have your concept, what's next? Here's a handy flow chart that makes the whole process simple! (it is an advertisement for a French TV channel).

Here's a bigger version so you can read the words.

There are also similar flow charts for action and animation.