SCHOOL PROJECT
Frenetic Aesthetics - Horror Case Study
About the case study
The chosen publication is the Frenetic aesthetics: Observational horror and spectatorship by Matthew J. Raimondo from York University. This piece of work is about a contemporary subgenre of horror movie that the author suggest to called ‘observational horror’. It was propose as a new subgenre of horror movie, as subgenres are important that provide a clear reflection of the culture they are producing. The term ‘observational horror’ is given to the subgenre as an alternative to ‘mockumentary’, which is a style of film that stands in contrast to it. Observational horror films are those that appropriate the aesthetics of observational documentary cinema’s handheld camerawork. The article focuses on the unique nature of viewing experience these films promote. It argues that spectators are confronted with instability, a paradox in regards to what is promised by these films, what and how this is delivered, and how and why this makes them feel and react in particular ways.
The aim of this project is to develop a representative, imaginative, creative, innovative and expressive publication with the use of typography and photography. To indicate the content, an engaging visual concept of horror genre and related compelling typography choices are carefully conduct and research. As it is too common to illustrate just horror, I go with a more approachable execution by deliver the dark mood with a little touch of digitalisation. So that everyone (including those who scare of horror movies) can flick over the book without being obsessed. The publication aims for film-makers, designers, students and researchers in film major, and people who generally interests in horror film.
Concept direction
The moodboard is in B&W combine with chaotic motions indicate the definition of frenetic. There are various types of motions as the images show, and it is not only for photographic features, it is also applied to typography elements. Combine the RGB glitches with the visual concept illustrates the human’s experience of the dark with the sense of contemporary.
I use the photography approach with some manipulations and RGB glitches. By using Photoshop, I manage to generate more graphical visuals for the chosen concept as well as the direction. Initially, I tend to apply the effect for typography only, after some tutorial sessions and discussions with my tutor, I decided to apply it to photography as well. Making it more novel and interesting. Besides me, other students chose this book as well, and I want my design to be different so I created the linear scratches across the publication indicate the darkness and fracture.
Here are some pages from my publication
Here is the full layout of the publication!
Thank you for your attention!
