Typical lighting in horror movies

Horror movies typically use low key lighting. This might be because people tend to fear the unknown and by using low key lighting the distance is difficult or impossible to see, therefore are unsure if there is someone lurking in the darkness. This creates tension and fear amongst the audience, which is what you expect from a horror. Low key lighting also creates strong shadows, therefore adding to the tension as it makes it feel like there is an unsure presence.

Haunted in Connecticut still

This is a still from the horror movie Haunted in Connecticut. This shot uses low key lighting with a spotlight aimed at the man framed on the left hand side, leaving the right hand side of the shot to be unclearly seen. This creates suspense and tension as the audience is unsure if something will jump out or at least wonder what will happen to him.



All horror films use low-key lighting at some stage, as it helps the narrative to create a more effective and thrilling movie, as you cannot see everything that is occuring and it draws your eyes to the lit up section of the frame therefore creating more of a thrill when something from the dark happens. A good horror movie tends to give the audience goosebumps or have nightmares.