Camera Angles and Movements in Horror Films

Birds Eye View/High Angle

These kinds of shots are used mainly in horror and thriller films to make the subject that is being looked down on appear completely powerless and/or vunerable.

Close-Up Shots

Close-up shots are used to emphasise and exaggerate the characters emotions, to show the importance of particular objects or characters, to create an atmosphere and to make the audience feel closer to the film and therefore give them a heightened factor of fear.

Tracking/Panning Shots

These shots are use to connotate movement. These are used most effectively in chase scenes or in the action horror sub-genre to make out that a character is being followed or watched. It could also establish a scene so that the audience can see the full or a wider view of the location/scene. This shot can also be used to create suspense as the audience dont kow what could be shown next.

Tilted Angle Shots

Tilted shots add a lot of dramatic tension to shots and could signify a supernatural or paranormal being pushing or moving the camera in found footage horror films such as The Blair Witch Project or Paranormal Activity. This shot can also be used to demonstrate what a victim is seeing as they lay on the ground.

Extreme/Long Shots

These shots can be used to establish a horror setting and demonstrate the scale of the setting of the film. It can also be used to give the audience a sense of isolation and to demonstrate a deserted area.

Low Angle Shots

Low angle shots can be used to demonstrate the power and/or authority of a character as the audience will feel as though they are looking up to the subject. These shots can also be used to make the audience feel intimidated or frightened by a character by making them feel small, weak and insignificant.

Hand-Held Camera Shots

These shots are most commonly found in found-footage horror films to add a sense of reality to the film. If the film is shot by an ameatuer it makes it feel much more realistic and adds to the horror of the film as the audience feel as though they are there with the characters.

Point of View Shots

This shot is taken from the point of view of a character which allows the audience to see from the perspective of one of the characters. In horror films, this shot is commonly used to show what the killer/villain can see in order to keep their identity a secret but demonstrate the horror of their actions.

 

Over the Shoulder Shots

These shots can be used to build tension. These shots are used a lot in horror films in order to add suspense. They are used especially around mirrors and doorways so that the audience can see what is happening around the character.