I will support the aspects with examples from well-known Gothic related films such as 'Dracula', 'Vincent', 'Nosferatu', 'Frankenstein' and 'Sleepy Hollow'.

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In this essay I will discuss the generic features of the Gothic Tradition.  I will describe all of the aspects of the tradition and I  will support the aspects with examples from well-known Gothic related films such as ‘Dracula’, ‘Vincent’, ‘Nosferatu’, ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Sleepy Hollow’.

           There are many common features in the Gothic Tradition; one of those features involves the use of a sense of atmosphere.  In most Gothic films the weather usually is terrible.  The weather tends to consist of either a storm or some is lightning.  Also the atmosphere would be very dramatic.  There wouldn’t be very much daylight, so it would be dark.  A full moon would be out as an extra to give a bigger feel for the atmosphere.

        An example of this type of atmosphere is well shown in ‘Frankenstein.’  In the film ‘Frankenstein’ a storm takes place.  It is very dramatic because the scientist was in need for his creation to come to life. It was very dark and there was a full moon out, which gave the atmosphere a more frightening feel.  There was also suspense to whether the creation was going to come to life.  Also the film ‘Dracula’ distinguishes a good atmosphere.  In that film it was very dark and dingy.

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        The setting is also another common factor.  Most Gothic films set the scene in a castle, a haunted mansion, in an isolated forest or and old area.  The features in a scene would include statues such as gargoyles. The area of these buildings would be uninhabited and isolated.  If the scene were set in a castle there would be a laboratory and many secret passages.

        A good example that perceives a good setting is the film Sleepy Hollow.  The scene was set in an isolated forest.  There was the mystical tree, which separated the 2 worlds.  Also another good ...

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