The Experimental- This is the phase of early films that horror was experimented with, films include 'The Cabinet of Dr Caligari' (1919) and 'Noferatu' (1922).
The Classic- Is when the narrative conventions are established through the horror genre. The classics are are the most successful and defining period of time. 'Dracula' (1931) and 'Frankenstein' (1931) are examples of classic films as the character is very well known.
The Parody- This is when horror films have been mimicked in a comical way. Films that are examples of parody are 'Scary Movie' (1999), 'Carry on Screaming' (1969) and 'Abbot and Costello meet Frankestein' (1948).
The Deconstruction- Films that have taken the generic elements of the horror genre and amalgamted them into varying sub genres. Many recent films are deconstruction such as 'Blair Witch Project' (1998) and 'The Sixth Sense' (1999).
As a starter task in the lessson we were given a list of films and we had to identify which had traits of horror or that were horror films. We then had to group them into the four phases.
Hammer Films was the most well known British film studio in their time, their films inspired many men to become film directors.The Film studio was created in 1934 and it was famously known for the Hammer House of Horror due to the success in thriller and horror films. Two iconic British actors that were very key to Hammer Studio were Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing.
Peter Cushing was born on 26th May, 1913 and died on 11th August, 1994. He most well known roles were in Dracula and Frankenstein appearing opposite Christopher Lee. Christopher Lee was born on the 27th May 1922 and is still living, aged 89. Lee was is most known for being Count Dracula and Saruman in Lord of the Rings. Lee and Cushing were very good friends and were in twenty films together, playing the antagonist and protagonist.
Peter Cushing
Christopher Lee
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