generic features of post apocalyptic films

  
    History There have been a huge variety of post-apocalyptic horror films varying from the effect of a virus, war and failure of modern technology etc. The most highly recognised and influential post- apocalyptic horror films is George A. Romero’s ‘Dead’ series most notably ‘Dawn of the Dead’ (1978). This made the post-apocalyptic horror genre more popular to a mainstream audience. The genre also came from popular literature such as the successful Post-Apocalyptic horror film, ‘I am Legend’ (2007) which was based on the popular novel of the same name. ‘The terminator’ (1984) was also a popular post-apocalyptic horror film based on the advances of technology which was a frightening thing for people at the time.   


Conventions of the Post- Apocalyptic Horror genre 

• A tight community of protagonists/ Survivors
• Abandoned and isolated locations 
• Survival 
• Heroic
• mentally and physically male protagonist 
• Dangerous and deadly antagonists 
• Death 
• A deadly and deathly environment 
• Hopelessness 
• Constant fear 
• Contrast between slow and fast paced editing    

    Target Audience The target audience for the Post-Apocalyptic Horror genre is usually targeted to older teens and adults (18-44) as its content is seen to be more appealing to this specific demographic. This specific genre’s style of dark themes and violence also is targeted more to the male gender thus these types of films use these themes and conventions to make it more appealing. Due to scenes of violence, Post-Apocalyptic films such as 28 Days Later and Dawn Of The Dead are not intended for a younger audience but people of this demographic find it more enjoyable and entertaining to watch.
   
Influential Post-Apocalyptic Horror films  

• Dawn of the Dead (1978) 
• Day of the Dead (1985) 
•  Land of the Dead (2005) 
•  Diary of the Dead (2007) 
• Survival of the Dead (2010) 
• 28 Days Later (2002) 
•  Quiet Earth (1985) 
• I Am Legend (2007) 
•  The Terminator (1984)