From Shadows to Silence: Tracing the evolution of Visual Storytelling Techniques in the Horror genre

Films chosen to review: Nosferatu (1922), The Shining (1980), A Quiet Place (2018)

Introduction

Horror films and the chills they give their viewers have evolved with time, even taking form in different sub-genres, such as Psychological Horror, body horror, etc. The highlight of this genre, or rather why it is so beloved by its audience of millions, is heavily due to the unique ways the genre has employed the technique of visual storytelling. Using an endless array of storytelling techniques such as eerie lighting, tight framing, POV shots, and strategically placed lighting at certain moments, further builds up the horrifying nature of the ensuing scenes. 

There has been a clear shift in approach, from the early days of “Nosferatu” and its utility of shadows and silhouettes and distorted sets to create a creepy atmosphere; this is where the “less is more” approach also started taking more root, as seen in the second film, “The Shining,” which employed long corridors and lighting to give rise to a chilling sense of dread and induced claustrophobia in its viewer community. As sound technology also emerged from this period, the filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock perfectly mastered the art of suspense by relying on suggestion rather than shock and explicit gore. This method further crystallized the Horror genre’s visual identity and how it relied heavily on dark, atmospheric sets, aggressive lighting, etc. 

Modern-day Horror genre films fell under the radar of the development of CGI (Computer Generated Images). It also heavily emphasized amplifying the horrifying effects in a movie like “A Quiet Place” with sound design, leveraging the power of silence, and using sophisticated special effects. In short, the evolution of the capabilities of visual storytelling techniques in the Horror genre has been going with the flow, constantly adapting to the technological advancements of the time and further pushing the boundaries of how the emotions of fear and suspense can be evoked among its audience. 

REVIEWS

Nosferatu (1922) 

This film, directed by F.W. Murnau and released in 1922, is considered to be a timeless classic in the genre of horror. Due to its intense visual storytelling techniques, this silent film is also considered to be an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, with the characters’ names being switched up due to copyright problems. To put it quite simply, the story follows the protagonist Hutter, who journeys to Transylvania, where he seals a deal to sell a house to a vampire named Count Orlok, whose haunting presence was a true highlight of the film. 

This film is a pioneer of the abilities of visual storytelling due to the film’s Expressionist aesthetic, making it impossible not to be entrapped in the haunting atmosphere of the film. The iconic scene where Count Orlok is seen to loom over Hutter is to be taken as a masterclass in the usage of visual elements such as stark visual contrasts and Shadows to create a lurking sense of fear and dread without there being any explicit violence.

 Nosferatu has truly succeeded in showcasing the power of visual storytelling in horror; its influence on the horror film industry is undeniable, thereby turning this iconic film into a must-watch for those who are intrigued by the evolution of visual storytelling in horror. Furthermore, this film is recommended to those who would consider themselves horror film enthusiasts, as despite the age of this film, its eerie atmosphere and groundbreaking visual techniques are continuing to induce fear into those who choose to watch this masterpiece. 

The Shining (1980)

Through its innovative usage of cinematography and sound design, Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining revolutionized the still-evolving horror genre. The story is an adaptation of Stephen King’s novel with the same title, which follows the main character, Jack Torrance, a writer who slowly loses his sanity at the hands of supernatural causes when he becomes the sole caretaker of a severely isolated hotel called the Overlook Hotel. Kubrick’s smart usage of the Steadicam camera stabilizers led him to create fluid and almost disorienting shots, which made the film such an iconic work.

 These shots only worked to further amplify the psychological tensions within the film; furthermore, the unique additions of sound, being the bone-chilling background score and the ambient noises in each frame, all the more immersed the audience in the film’s non-linear narrative. The Shining is one of the multitude of masterpieces in horror cinema. This film is highly recommended for future filmmaking amateurs, as it is a perfect blueprint for them to follow, and the film’s atmospheric tensions and complex themes also make it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts and even research scholars in the field of film studies. 

A Quiet Place (2018)

Picture this: a post-apocalyptic world taken over by creatures with a raw hunger that are masters at hunting by method of sound. This is the premise of John Krasinski’s film in 2018 titled “A Quiet Place.” It follows the Abbott family, and the audience bears witness to how they navigate the world, which has been forced to be engulfed in pure silence, and how non-verbal communication is their only way to communicate. 

This film exemplifies the evolution of visual storytelling in horror by perfectly leveraging the power of silence and non-verbal cues to create a dreadfully tense atmosphere. The film’s internal sound design is also highly meticulous and well placed; furthermore, with the use of visual cues such as sign language, the narrative has a much more significant and intense emotional impact on its audience. The film A Quiet Place is a solid symbol of the powers of visual storytelling in modern Horror. Owing to its innovative approach with regards to sound design, visual cues, and silence, this film is a sure-shot compelling watch for those who wish to remain on the edge of their seats and feel the strength of visual storytelling. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, these three films have truly shaped the pathway of the development of visual storytelling and have succeeded in harnessing it to deliver true masterpieces that, to this day, are the blueprint for amateur horror film directors. They are the perfect companion for those who wish to relax with popcorn at the witching hour and feel the thrills and chills of these genre-defining horror films. From the additions of bone-chilling background scores to looming shadow work with aggressive lighting and, with the advent of CGI and its development, more sophisticated visual effects and so much more, Visual Storytelling and the Horror film industry have a plethora of eagerly awaited works for enthusiasts and scholars to watch and trace.  WRITTEN BY, R. MAHIMA RAM

Writer's Note: This is something different I wrote and decided to post here. Do let me know in the form below if you all want more comparative reviews, book reviews, film reviews, etc. Hope you enjoyed reading!!!