Horror Mise en Scene

One important aspect of any film is Mise en scene. Mise en Scene includes aspects of film such as Costume, Lighting, Colour, Costume, Make-up, Location etc. The Mise en Scene in horror films is often similar and there are some typical features often seen. 

Locations chosen are primarily dark and unpopulated areas, such as woods and graveyards. These are used to create isolation and fear of the unknown.

Typically in horror films the colours used will be dark colours, reds and black, used to symbolise danger, fear and injury. 

Costumes vary in horror films. Often the Villain will be wearing dark colours, again to sybolise danger. In contrast to this the victim may be put in light coloured clothes, sometimes white, symbolising purity and emphasising the contrast between them and the villain.


Props also play a key role in horror films. Typical props used are weapons and other objects used to signify the outcome of later events.

Finally lighting is a very important aspect. In horror films expressive, non-naturalistic lighting is used a lot, this emphasises the alien situations that occur. Low-key lighting is another feature seen, used to emphasise the shadows, creating the unknown. Finally under lighting distorts features again creating tension and unknown.

We need to consider all these aspects when creating out horror film opening.