jemima: Research-Horror conventions which arrise in the opening scene of Jaws

The codes and conventions are based on those included on this slide share;

http://www.slideshare.net/kbamediastudies/codes-and-conventions-in-horror-films

This opening clip to Jaws displays many examples of codes and conventions within the genre horror. Firstly the setting of the scene is a beach, which is a secluded location away from the public eye, this means that if danger does strike, the victims are unlikely to be able to seek help. This puts them in a highly vulnerable position which could make the audience feel on edge. From the outset the chilling atmosphere is alluded due to the fact that it is night time, because vision is limited possible dangers may be unseen. The low lighting of the scene and the cloud filled sky create uncertainty which is similar to the code of 'the stormy night' which could indicates that something bad is going to happen. The fence that the teenagers are running beside is acting as a barrier to the unknown, despite this the characters manage to gain entry which shows they are ignoring he warning. The fact that the teenagers are drunk in itself acts as a hazard as they are less likely to make sensible decisions or react to danger in a rational way, this adds to their defenselessness. The way they remove items of their clothing on their way supports this as it implies that their behavior is far from rational. Just as the boy approaches the beach the code named 'the fall' is incorporated, this is could act as a wake up call encouraging them to stop and think. It is also used as a 'fake scare' as the audience may be concerned for his well being. The female then goes of into the ocean which is clearly an even more secluded and dangerous location and the fact that shes on her own and a weak defenseless female makes the whole situation seem a lot more uneasy. That is also another code 'a character goes astray'. We then see the male struggling to even take his clothes of which clearly shows that if anything was to happen to his friend, he is in not fit state to save her, this shot is used to make us anticipate the girls where about even more. The worms eye view of the females legs from the predators perspective confirms that the worst is yet to come. We see her smiling into the distance, when suddenly something jolts her head. Through a combination of dietetic, non-dietetic and dragging motions the convention 'a character dies in the first 5 minutes" is successfully completed.

Secluded location