Tiago:
Horror is a cinematographic genre to cause fear and negative emotions. The first animation
with this theme appears in 1896 by George Méliès, a French illusionist and filmmaker, with "Le
manoir du diable". The main purpose of this sort of film was to entertain the audience but it
ended up scaring them. This particular genre of film only won the interest of the public in 1920
with the film "Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari". A few years later the genre became even more
popular when the famous studio "Universal Studios" released two of the most iconic names in
this world: "Dracula" and "Frankenstein" in 1931. The popularity of this genre only increased
over the years and to date has revealed lots of classic films such as "It", "Shinning", "Scream"
etc, winners of multiples awards.
Oscar:
The special effects used to simulate death in a horror movie can vary depending on the level of
realism and the artistic vision of the director. However, here are some common elements that
can be used to create this simulation:
Special effects makeup: The makeup department is responsible for creating wounds, injuries,
and blood effects. They use prosthetics, latex, paints, and other materials to create the realistic
appearance of cuts, mutilations, and other bodily damage. They may also use air chambers,
tubes, and blood pumps to simulate the spurting of blood during a violent death scene.
Dummies and mannequins: In some death scenes, especially those involving extreme
mutilation or destruction of the body, realistic dummies or mannequins are used. These
objects can be sculpted or molded to resemble the actor, allowing them to be manipulated
more safely during the most dangerous scenes.
Stunt performers and acrobatics: For death scenes involving falls, jumps, or risky movements,
specialized stunt performers are used. These professionals are trained to safely perform these
scenes using acrobatic techniques and specific tricks to create the illusion of a realistic death.
Visual effects (VFX): Visual effects can be used to enhance the simulation of death by adding
digital elements to the scene. This may include creating computer-generated wounds,
manipulating the environment around the character, or adding digital blood to intensify the
visual impact.
Editing and post-production: Editing plays a crucial role in creating an effective death scene. By
assembling different camera angles, using soundtracks, editing sound, and adding sound
effects, it is possible to increase the tension and emotional impact of the scene.
Zé:
The use of light, or its absence, is a key factor in the success of a horror movie. In old horror
movies directors would use cast shadows to make scenes more dramatic. In the bathroom
scene in Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock used light to expose the woman, making the viewers focus
their attention on her, and at the same time he uses it to create a silhouette of the murderer,
making the scene more dramatic. The use of color is important too. Using bluish light makes a
scene lonelier, on the other hand using warmer colors can make a space feel tighter or give a
false sense of security.
The perspective of the footage is another component of horror movies. Close-up shots are
used to make the scene more claustrophobic, making the viewer uncomfortable because he
can´t see the surrounding. This technique is commonly used before a jump scare. On the other
hand, the use of open angles can make any place scarier. This is related to the concept of
liminal spaces. An example of this is the photography of Todd Hido, he uses a wide-angle lens
to create photos that make the viewer uncomfortable because the space they are seeing is
familiar, however, it looks odd because there is no one there.
Tópicos:
Tiago:
-This genre has the purpose of causing negative emotions;
-The creator of the horror genre was George Méliès;
-The first short movie was "Le manoir du diable" and its main purpose was to entertain;
-This genre gained interest some years later;
-"Universal Studios" released the first big names of this genre. (Dracula/Frankenstein);
-Nowadays, this is one of the most popular genres of films.
Oscar:
-Special makeup effects: Creating realistic wounds and blood effects.
-Props and mannequins: Using objects to represent the body in dangerous scenes.
-Stunt performers: Skilled professionals who execute risky scenes.
-Visual effects (VFX): Adding digital elements like wounds and blood.
-Editing and post-production: Combining angles, sound, and effects for impact.
-The safety of the team is a top priority.
Zé:
-Lightning;
-Color;
-Framing.