props
A portable object other than furniture or costumes used on the set of a play or film.
Face masks |
One of this famous is known in the movie "The Strangers". The mask is worn to induce fear amongst the audience. It is scientifically proven that if a person looks at the mask long enough (Hence watch the mask pop up every now and again in a horror movie) then 99.9% of the time the brain will remember the mask and even turn up in the persons dreams. The purpose of masks in horror movies is that the fact that there is an evil person behind the mask, which makes the movie more believable; than apparitions or mysterious and unexplainable things happening. Props also identify the type of genre their watching e.g. The Purge mask is stereotyped to be in a slasher. Face masks are essential to a horror, in order to keep the audience to question who is behind the mask keeping them enagaged.
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Another popular prop are weapons. Weapons are not only seen in horror movies but action, adventure, documentaries and even comedy movies 'Hangover' 'Shaun of the Dead' and much more. These weapons can be knives, guns, chainsaws, axe etc. The reason for weapons being highly used in many horror movies is because they build tension in the audience, not only that but especially for viewers who like gory- movies would love to see a chainsaw rip a person in half. Also, weapons do add more action into the movie which keeps the audience engaged.
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weapons |
fake blood |
Fake blood is also another very famous prop that simply all horror movies include. Weather large amount or small, blood is defiantly in every horror movie. However, other genres include this prop too which are documentaries, action, adventure, Sci-Fi and plenty more. Sometimes this prop is used in show (in a fight seen) or other shows like 'The Walking Dead'. No other good reason for fake blood being used in a horror movie is that, blood is the realistic part of a horror movie. As everyone has it. So this reason alone would probably be a good one to attract the audience into watching a horror movie.
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In most horror movies these objects would be found in the sub-genre paranormal. The reason behind this is because paranormal simply means apparitions and mysterious things happening. So since Christians were taught God is 'Omnipresent' (Everywhere) and no-one can see him. If you put together the Christian beliefs and demonic spirits taking over peoples body (Possession) or evil things happening in a certain location. All together you can create a movie that toys with Christian beliefs and keep the audience engaged. Likewise, you ultimately get a scene which the good versus the evil. A good example in a scene of where the good versus the evil is 'The Exorcism of Emily Rose'. Where the Pastor performs an exorcism on Emily Rose using a cross, hold water, bible and lots more. Not only do these objects make the movie engaging, but these objects are linked to reality, and most people would be amazed as to how Christian and holy objects could fight with the evil right before their eyes. As many years ago no-one would even dare to mix God with the Devil in movies until the generation became older.
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holy/christian objects |
from me to you props
MR