Horror Film Aesthetics: Creating the Visual Language of Fear

by Thomas M. Sipos

Overview

This richly informed study analyzes how various cinematic tools and techniques have been used to create horror on screen--the aesthetic elements, sometimes not consciously noticed, that help to unnerve, frighten, shock or entertain an audience. The first two chapters define the genre and describe the use of pragmatic aesthetics (when filmmakers put technical and budgetary compromises to artistic effect). Subsequent chapters cover mise-en-scene, framing, photography, lighting, editing and sound, and a final chapter is devoted to the aesthetic appeals of horror cinema.

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786449729
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	05/31/2010
Series:	Genre/Horror
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Thomas M. Sipos is the founder/manager of the Tabloid Witch Awards and a past film judge for the World Horror Convention. He has worked as a script reader, actor or extra on more than 70 productions and has contributed to Filmfax, Midnight Marquee and other magazines.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments      
Preface    

1. Defining the Genre     
2. Pragmatic Aesthetics     
3. Mise- en- Scène     
4. Framing the Image     
5. Photographing the Image     
6. Lighting the Image     
7. Editing the Image     
8. Putting Sound to the Image     
9. The Appeals of Horror     

Chapter Notes     
Bibliography     
Index     

Editorial Reviews

very highly recommended”—Midwest Book Review; “this isn’t some guy speaking from a pulpit of theory; he’s someone who actually uses this specialized knowledge in his work. The knowledge herein would therefore be most beneficial to those who actually hope to work in the horror field, or anyone wishing to be more conscious of the pleasures they take in the craft of the genre”—Video Watchdog.

From the Publisher

"this isn't some guy speaking from a pulpit of theory; he's someone who actually uses this specialized knowledge in his work. The knowledge herein would therefore be most beneficial to those who actually hope to work in the horror field, or anyone wishing to be more conscious of the pleasures they take in the craft of the genre"

Video Watchdog

very highly recommended

Midwest Book Review