Icons of Horror

Within horror films, there are 12 icons of horror which are represented through either mise-en-scene, symbolism or iconography. All three of these are interlinked in some way. Light and colours are two icons of horror which are symbolic of certain themes, feelings etc. For example the colour red is often associated with things such as blood, and normally light can represent hope.  Other icons of horror which are symbolic include mirrors such as broken mirrors which can connote shattered personalities. In addition, doors and windows can mean entrapment or freedom. Moreover, tunnels and corridors can often represent the passage to other life, death or resurrection. Religious symbols are another icon of horror which can be associated with psychological horror films of possession and man fighting inner and outer demons. Symbols of death are a common occurrence in many horror films such as coffins, graveyards etc. Weapons and masks are both mise-en-scene icons of horror which are mainly associated with the sub-genre of slashers. Weapons have a phallic symbolism that indicates masculine power and the women then outsmarting the villain essentially castrating him. Masks hide the evil and disguise the killer, we often only see their eyes which makes them unnerving and almost doll like. Dolls are another icon of horror, they can be representative of death, a lack of control, sexuality etc. They are often used in story telling and although are a child’s toy, the use of their eerie looks can make them appear frightening and not so innocent. Keys and locks as an icon of horror are representative of secrets and confinements, unlocking doors can lead to secrets and becoming trapped in knowing those secrets. Locks can be a way of confining yourself from the horrors and dangers of the outside world too.