Camera angles and movement in horror/thriller films

Point of view shot - This is when the audience can see through the eyes of the character and can see what they see. This can make the audience feel more involved and scared. For example, if the antagonist was pointing a directly gun at them.





Close up - Used to emphasis the characters facial expressions and emotions to what is occurring. it is also used to capture and make sure that the audience does not miss something important in the scene. For example, in 'Scream' the important prop is the phone.

Zoom - This adds to the dramatic effect and creates elements of suspense and gear as you don't know what you are going to see next. It could also be used to zoom into something gory. One other use could be that you zoom into see something you wouldn't off spotted before like a supernatural being.

Bird eye/ high angle - These are used in a horror in order to make the figure or object that is being looked down on appear vulnerable and powerless.






Low angles - These shots emphasis how intimidating and frightening the villain is. This can make the audience themselves feel weak and insignificant.







Hand held camera shot - This is used often to add a sense of reality as it can make the audience feel involved and adds to the horror of the scene as you feel like you are there.



Tilted angle - Tilt shots add a lot of dramatic tension to shots, and could simplify a supernatural being. It is also a great way to get a different shot of an incident across to the audience. Another great use for a tilt shot is to act as though the camera is a victim on the floor, and you are seeing what they are seeing.





Panning/Tracking shot - These shots connote movement. This is used a lot in horror films as it can give the audience the idea that the character is being followed, watched and in chase scene. It can also be used to show the audience the characters surroundings.

Over the shoulder shot - This is one of the best shots to build tension. This is used a lot in horrors and thrillers to add suspense, and is used around mirrors and reflections so the audience can see what is happening as soon as the character does. This is used a lot to show a figure stood behind a victim.



Reverse - Can be effective in horrors as it can show the consequences if they were to go back in time and change their decisions. It is a great way of showing flashbacks also and captures the characters undergoing realisation about something.