FILM CRITS & CONTENT ANALYSES
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Sunday, 6 September 2015
3. Magazine Analysis (individual 1 each)
MAGAZINE FRONT COVERS
Film title: Saw III
Release date: October 2006
Director: Darren Lynn Bousman
Film Info: It’s the third part of the movie. They change the victims and scenery from each Saws also the way they harm themselves or get harmed/tortured.
Synopsis:
After eluding the cops, psychopathic killer Jigsaw turns an abandoned warehouse on the edge of town into a gruesome torture chamber in this third installment of the horror series. Jigsaw's new protégée Amanda kidnaps a doctor who's forced to keep the evil master alive. Barely clinging to life, Jigsaw begins to carry out his gruesome plans for the lady doc and another helpless victim.
Production/financing company: Twisted Pictures
Principle Cast: Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Angus Macfadyen
Sub-Genre: Thriller
Magazine: Horror Hound
Mise-en-scene
Lighting: The lighting is quite dim
NVC: The character is doing a cunning smile in the main image. This connotes they are plotting something and shows they are evil. Also could show they are sadistic, you can image this character smiling at someone who is receiving pain. The smile also denotes they are happy. The eyes are staring deeply at something which can connote something has got their attention and it is interesting. Due to the eyes bulging out and being open widely can connote they are being entertained e.g. through watching someone suffer.
Setting: The settings are dark-black which connote mystery and fear. Fear because some people are scared of the dark and anything can pop out of the dark leaving the audience off guard or anxious. Also there is a red flames look around the image as a layout maybe to connote danger.
Costume: The costume you cannot really see but by looking at the character closely they are wearing something black which can connote to them blend in with the dark and trying to be hidden.
Props: A mask is used for the characters face which denotes them hiding their identity. The prop has red circles which connote hypnotise him which can bring fear to people because that means he can control them. So basically it gives off a connotation of control. The red Lipstick looks gruesome and can connote blood.
Camera: Framing and Shots
The camera shot is a close up which zooms into the facial expression of the main image which is very interesting. By doing close up can suggest that the photographer wanted more impact and intensity to be brought to the audience. Focusing on the iconic image of a character from saw who is an antagonist (villain). Due to the iconic image people are more attracted to the magazine because it is a familiar face.
Colour
There is a colour scheme of black, red and white mainly throughout the magazine. The red connotes blood mainly which is an iconic prop in horror movies. Loss of Blood leads to death and pain so this can scare people. Also Red captures attention from a far because of it’s a vibrant colour. The white can connote a ghostly feel where the audience don’t know who the person is behind the mask and it mainly dignifies mystery. Black represents darkness which suggest a spooky feel and is iconic in horror movies because anything can take advantage by the fact of us losing our senses of sight in a dark room or a dark place in general.
Typography: Anchorage, Font type
The main cover line text that looks quite inky/bloody this links to horror movies using blood and it being splattered everywhere especially in the sub-genre-splasher. The text looks unorganised and is even done diagonally to make it standout. There is a sequence it of the text going from a large font to a small font which can show the life span of people in horror movies as the blood runs out they are closer to death. In addition there is a shadow effect behind the red writing which can connote following, that an evil person or something can be following a victim e.g. in horror movies before they make their kill this is a stock situation.
Mood and Styling
The Photo makes me feel uncomfortable because of where the eyes of the main image is staring and how unordinary the colour it is normally eye balls are white but on this mask it is red which is interesting and scary. The overall magazine looks nice because of the sequence of red, black and white which is a range and work well together; also having connotations with them. A lot of black is used in the background which makes me feel that there is going to be a lot of darkness in that movie Saw 3. I like the way the typography of saw 3 is over one of the eyes because it makes sense. The word saw meaning seen something and we use our eyes to see it.
Release date: October 2006
Director: Darren Lynn Bousman
Film Info: It’s the third part of the movie. They change the victims and scenery from each Saws also the way they harm themselves or get harmed/tortured.
Synopsis:
After eluding the cops, psychopathic killer Jigsaw turns an abandoned warehouse on the edge of town into a gruesome torture chamber in this third installment of the horror series. Jigsaw's new protégée Amanda kidnaps a doctor who's forced to keep the evil master alive. Barely clinging to life, Jigsaw begins to carry out his gruesome plans for the lady doc and another helpless victim.
Production/financing company: Twisted Pictures
Principle Cast: Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Angus Macfadyen
Sub-Genre: Thriller
Magazine: Horror Hound
Mise-en-scene
Lighting: The lighting is quite dim
NVC: The character is doing a cunning smile in the main image. This connotes they are plotting something and shows they are evil. Also could show they are sadistic, you can image this character smiling at someone who is receiving pain. The smile also denotes they are happy. The eyes are staring deeply at something which can connote something has got their attention and it is interesting. Due to the eyes bulging out and being open widely can connote they are being entertained e.g. through watching someone suffer.
Setting: The settings are dark-black which connote mystery and fear. Fear because some people are scared of the dark and anything can pop out of the dark leaving the audience off guard or anxious. Also there is a red flames look around the image as a layout maybe to connote danger.
Costume: The costume you cannot really see but by looking at the character closely they are wearing something black which can connote to them blend in with the dark and trying to be hidden.
Props: A mask is used for the characters face which denotes them hiding their identity. The prop has red circles which connote hypnotise him which can bring fear to people because that means he can control them. So basically it gives off a connotation of control. The red Lipstick looks gruesome and can connote blood.
Camera: Framing and Shots
The camera shot is a close up which zooms into the facial expression of the main image which is very interesting. By doing close up can suggest that the photographer wanted more impact and intensity to be brought to the audience. Focusing on the iconic image of a character from saw who is an antagonist (villain). Due to the iconic image people are more attracted to the magazine because it is a familiar face.
Colour
There is a colour scheme of black, red and white mainly throughout the magazine. The red connotes blood mainly which is an iconic prop in horror movies. Loss of Blood leads to death and pain so this can scare people. Also Red captures attention from a far because of it’s a vibrant colour. The white can connote a ghostly feel where the audience don’t know who the person is behind the mask and it mainly dignifies mystery. Black represents darkness which suggest a spooky feel and is iconic in horror movies because anything can take advantage by the fact of us losing our senses of sight in a dark room or a dark place in general.
Typography: Anchorage, Font type
The main cover line text that looks quite inky/bloody this links to horror movies using blood and it being splattered everywhere especially in the sub-genre-splasher. The text looks unorganised and is even done diagonally to make it standout. There is a sequence it of the text going from a large font to a small font which can show the life span of people in horror movies as the blood runs out they are closer to death. In addition there is a shadow effect behind the red writing which can connote following, that an evil person or something can be following a victim e.g. in horror movies before they make their kill this is a stock situation.
Mood and Styling
The Photo makes me feel uncomfortable because of where the eyes of the main image is staring and how unordinary the colour it is normally eye balls are white but on this mask it is red which is interesting and scary. The overall magazine looks nice because of the sequence of red, black and white which is a range and work well together; also having connotations with them. A lot of black is used in the background which makes me feel that there is going to be a lot of darkness in that movie Saw 3. I like the way the typography of saw 3 is over one of the eyes because it makes sense. The word saw meaning seen something and we use our eyes to see it.
Specific conventions
Masthead: The masthead is in a solid and sharp font. Also it looks 3D Due to the white edges. The 3D effect creates the sense of coming up to someone which links to the main image where out of the dark something gruesome can come out of nowhere to scare the audience. The text is not all in one line but it is unsteady this can connote in horror movies things go against the normal such as the way people kill or what people do to survive. The unsteadiness can also link to the audience being unsteady when watching a horror movie because they do not know what is about to happen at any time. The font is large because it is the name of the magazine so the audience can remember it if they liked reading the magazine and so that it can be seen from far away. The alliteration of the name of the masthead has an effect Horror Hound sounds spooky when being said the repetition of the ‘H’ reminds the audience it is about horror movies.
Cover lines: are in the same font and colour as the main cover line to create continuity throughout the magazine. The red colour still connotes blood, danger, alertness and many more.
Selling line: This is at the top of the page and is done in basic ‘impact’ font style and is very small. Also it is white which can connote purity to contrast with the red suggesting evil connotations. White shows the good from Good vs Evil theme which are in horror movies.
Mood and Styling: The Photo makes me feel uncomfortable because of where the eyes of the main image is staring and how unordinary the colour it is normally eye balls are white but on this mask it is red which is interesting and scary. The overall magazine looks nice because of the sequence of red, black and white which is a range and work well together. Also having connotations with them. A lot of black is used in the background which makes me feel that there is going to be a lot of darkness in that movie Saw 3. I like the way the typography of saw 3 is over one of the eyes because it makes sense. The word saw meaning seen something and we use our eyes to see it.
Masthead: The masthead is in a solid and sharp font. Also it looks 3D Due to the white edges. The 3D effect creates the sense of coming up to someone which links to the main image where out of the dark something gruesome can come out of nowhere to scare the audience. The text is not all in one line but it is unsteady this can connote in horror movies things go against the normal such as the way people kill or what people do to survive. The unsteadiness can also link to the audience being unsteady when watching a horror movie because they do not know what is about to happen at any time. The font is large because it is the name of the magazine so the audience can remember it if they liked reading the magazine and so that it can be seen from far away. The alliteration of the name of the masthead has an effect Horror Hound sounds spooky when being said the repetition of the ‘H’ reminds the audience it is about horror movies.
Cover lines: are in the same font and colour as the main cover line to create continuity throughout the magazine. The red colour still connotes blood, danger, alertness and many more.
Selling line: This is at the top of the page and is done in basic ‘impact’ font style and is very small. Also it is white which can connote purity to contrast with the red suggesting evil connotations. White shows the good from Good vs Evil theme which are in horror movies.
Mood and Styling: The Photo makes me feel uncomfortable because of where the eyes of the main image is staring and how unordinary the colour it is normally eye balls are white but on this mask it is red which is interesting and scary. The overall magazine looks nice because of the sequence of red, black and white which is a range and work well together. Also having connotations with them. A lot of black is used in the background which makes me feel that there is going to be a lot of darkness in that movie Saw 3. I like the way the typography of saw 3 is over one of the eyes because it makes sense. The word saw meaning seen something and we use our eyes to see it.
2. Poster analysis (individual 1 each)
POSTERS
Film Title: Friday the 13th
Release Date: Friday the 13th 2009
Director: Marcus Nispel
Film Info: The film is a remake of the Friday the 13th series which began in 1980 and is the twelfth instalment in the franchise. The film was originally conceived as an origin story but the project evolved into a re-imagining of the first four Friday the 13th films.
Synopsis: Wade, Ritchie, Amanda, Mike and Whitney travel to Crystal Lake to camp but Wade and Ritchie have found a plantation of weed and intend to raise money selling it. However, the group is brutally attacked by Jason Voorhees. Six weeks later, Clay is seeking out his sister Whitney in Crystal Lake, distributing a missing poster with her around the local area. In a gas station, he stumbles into the arrogant Trent that has invited his friends Jenna, Lawrence, Chewie, Nolan, Chelsea and Bree to spend the weekend in the cottage of his wealthy family. Jenna teams up with Clay in his quest and they discover that Jason is killing her friends.
Production/Financing Company: Platinum Dunes – Crystal Lake Entertainment
Sub-genre: Slasher
Principle Cast: jared Padalecki – Clay Miller
Amanda Righetti – Whitney Miller
Danielle Panabaker – Jenna
Travis Van Winkle – Trent
Derek Mears – Jason Vorhees
Mise-en-scene
Lighting: The poster has low key lighting which helps to create tension and a ‘dark’ atmosphere and also helps to add mystery and uncertainty. The low key lighting signifies that the location, Crystal Lake is an isolated area which is a common convention of a horror movie/poster. The high key lighting towards the top of the poster is used to show the mask of the antagonist connoting that he has power over all and that he plays a significant part in the horrific event to come.
NVC: Jason’s NVC is hidden as he is wearing a hockey mask. The hockey masks fails to show his facial expression so leaves the viewers ‘on edge’ as they are unaware of his true emotions. He is also standing firmly on the ground which connotes that he is aware of the power he has.
Setting: The setting shown on the poster is the forest at Crystal Lake which is depicted as a dark and isolated place to be. The forest is filled with tall trees which seem to be surrounded by thick fog connoting that there will be a lot of isolation in the movie and helplessness.
Costume: He is wearing a torn brown jacket with a plain black shirt and trousers that are torn aswell. He is also wearing dirty work boots which connotes that he has been in Crystal Lake in the woods for a very long time and life has been tough for him hence why his clothes are torn. It also shows that his own well-being has not been taken into consideration by him. Jason is seen to be wearing a mask so his identity remain unrevealed. This helps to build tension as viewers may not know what he is capable of.
Props: Jason is seen to be carrying a machete which is what he uses to kill people in the movie. This prop is seen to be very threatening as it is quite a vicious item being used so builds fear in the viewers. His power being portrayed on the poster suggests that Jason is not afraid to use it on anyone.Camera
The poster is a wide shot of Jason in the woods. This is significant as we are able to see the antagonist in his ‘hunting environment’ where he kills the majority of his victims. The wide shot allows us to see how the environment he has inhabited has had a negative influence on him as it has affected his personality and attitude which is shown by his body language. The shot and the lighting make it seem like Jason is superior to everyone else when he is in the woods as his victims are unaware of what they are about to experience. Also, the poster seems to have Jason’s photo taken at a mid-low angle which connotes that he is above everyone else, giving him even more power.
Colour
the colours that are mainly being used are black and red. The black on the poster is used to signify the terror that the protagonists are experiencing and the dark fantasies that Jason is carrying out. The red that is being used for the text connotes that there will be a lot of blood being shed on that day. Also, the grey/camouflage colours on the poster make Jason blend in with the atmosphere which suggests that he can come out and attack at any time; when you least expect it as its hard for him to be seen.
Typography
The font used throughout this poster is ‘Serif’ which connotes a sense of tradition and history especially as this film is part of the Friday the 13th franchise that began 29 years beforehand. Text such as the release date and film title is in red which signifies death and aggression; suggesting that the characters and viewers should be terrified in advance.Mood & Styling
The lighting of the poster sets a very dark atmosphere which is very iconic in horror posters. It almost creates a depressing mood for the viewers as it imposes a sense of helplessness; allowing them to empathise with the characters in the film.
Specific Conventions
Majority of horror films have the antagonist with their weapon as the main image of the poster which gives the viewers an idea of what may happen in the film and who or what they should fear. The title of the film ‘Friday the 13th’ is written in a large red serif font in capitals to emphasize that specific day where several horrific events occur. It leaves the viewers wondering what exactly lies behind that day. The tag line says ‘welcome to crystal lake’ in a bold, white serif font which makes it clear to the viewers where Jason will be carrying out his massacres. “From the producers of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre” – this is a common convention of a horror movie poster as it helps to entice the viewers especially if the featured film being mentioned (Texas Chainsaw Massacre) scared the viewers and was given good ratings. As it was very popular film, the poster can be used to attract more customers, making the film more successful. The cast of the film and production companies are also included at the bottom of the poster so that viewers know who are involved in the making of the film. It is usually of a small font so that it doesn’t interfere with the main image.
Release Date: Friday the 13th 2009
Director: Marcus Nispel
Film Info: The film is a remake of the Friday the 13th series which began in 1980 and is the twelfth instalment in the franchise. The film was originally conceived as an origin story but the project evolved into a re-imagining of the first four Friday the 13th films.
Synopsis: Wade, Ritchie, Amanda, Mike and Whitney travel to Crystal Lake to camp but Wade and Ritchie have found a plantation of weed and intend to raise money selling it. However, the group is brutally attacked by Jason Voorhees. Six weeks later, Clay is seeking out his sister Whitney in Crystal Lake, distributing a missing poster with her around the local area. In a gas station, he stumbles into the arrogant Trent that has invited his friends Jenna, Lawrence, Chewie, Nolan, Chelsea and Bree to spend the weekend in the cottage of his wealthy family. Jenna teams up with Clay in his quest and they discover that Jason is killing her friends.
Production/Financing Company: Platinum Dunes – Crystal Lake Entertainment
Sub-genre: Slasher
Principle Cast: jared Padalecki – Clay Miller
Amanda Righetti – Whitney Miller
Danielle Panabaker – Jenna
Travis Van Winkle – Trent
Derek Mears – Jason Vorhees
Mise-en-scene
Lighting: The poster has low key lighting which helps to create tension and a ‘dark’ atmosphere and also helps to add mystery and uncertainty. The low key lighting signifies that the location, Crystal Lake is an isolated area which is a common convention of a horror movie/poster. The high key lighting towards the top of the poster is used to show the mask of the antagonist connoting that he has power over all and that he plays a significant part in the horrific event to come.
NVC: Jason’s NVC is hidden as he is wearing a hockey mask. The hockey masks fails to show his facial expression so leaves the viewers ‘on edge’ as they are unaware of his true emotions. He is also standing firmly on the ground which connotes that he is aware of the power he has.
Setting: The setting shown on the poster is the forest at Crystal Lake which is depicted as a dark and isolated place to be. The forest is filled with tall trees which seem to be surrounded by thick fog connoting that there will be a lot of isolation in the movie and helplessness.
Costume: He is wearing a torn brown jacket with a plain black shirt and trousers that are torn aswell. He is also wearing dirty work boots which connotes that he has been in Crystal Lake in the woods for a very long time and life has been tough for him hence why his clothes are torn. It also shows that his own well-being has not been taken into consideration by him. Jason is seen to be wearing a mask so his identity remain unrevealed. This helps to build tension as viewers may not know what he is capable of.
Props: Jason is seen to be carrying a machete which is what he uses to kill people in the movie. This prop is seen to be very threatening as it is quite a vicious item being used so builds fear in the viewers. His power being portrayed on the poster suggests that Jason is not afraid to use it on anyone.Camera
The poster is a wide shot of Jason in the woods. This is significant as we are able to see the antagonist in his ‘hunting environment’ where he kills the majority of his victims. The wide shot allows us to see how the environment he has inhabited has had a negative influence on him as it has affected his personality and attitude which is shown by his body language. The shot and the lighting make it seem like Jason is superior to everyone else when he is in the woods as his victims are unaware of what they are about to experience. Also, the poster seems to have Jason’s photo taken at a mid-low angle which connotes that he is above everyone else, giving him even more power.
Colour
the colours that are mainly being used are black and red. The black on the poster is used to signify the terror that the protagonists are experiencing and the dark fantasies that Jason is carrying out. The red that is being used for the text connotes that there will be a lot of blood being shed on that day. Also, the grey/camouflage colours on the poster make Jason blend in with the atmosphere which suggests that he can come out and attack at any time; when you least expect it as its hard for him to be seen.
Typography
The font used throughout this poster is ‘Serif’ which connotes a sense of tradition and history especially as this film is part of the Friday the 13th franchise that began 29 years beforehand. Text such as the release date and film title is in red which signifies death and aggression; suggesting that the characters and viewers should be terrified in advance.Mood & Styling
The lighting of the poster sets a very dark atmosphere which is very iconic in horror posters. It almost creates a depressing mood for the viewers as it imposes a sense of helplessness; allowing them to empathise with the characters in the film.
Specific Conventions
Majority of horror films have the antagonist with their weapon as the main image of the poster which gives the viewers an idea of what may happen in the film and who or what they should fear. The title of the film ‘Friday the 13th’ is written in a large red serif font in capitals to emphasize that specific day where several horrific events occur. It leaves the viewers wondering what exactly lies behind that day. The tag line says ‘welcome to crystal lake’ in a bold, white serif font which makes it clear to the viewers where Jason will be carrying out his massacres. “From the producers of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre” – this is a common convention of a horror movie poster as it helps to entice the viewers especially if the featured film being mentioned (Texas Chainsaw Massacre) scared the viewers and was given good ratings. As it was very popular film, the poster can be used to attract more customers, making the film more successful. The cast of the film and production companies are also included at the bottom of the poster so that viewers know who are involved in the making of the film. It is usually of a small font so that it doesn’t interfere with the main image.
1. Example Trailer Analysis (Individual Student)
http://scratchstudios.weebly.com/film-trailers.html
Film title: My bloody Valentine (2009)
Release date: January 2009
Director: Patrick Lussier
Film Info: My Bloody Valentine 3D is a 2009 American horror film, and a remake of the 1981 slasher film of the same name. The film was directed and edited by Patrick Lussier, and stars Jensen Ackles, Jaime King and Kerr Smith
Synopsis: In the mining town of Harmony, a drilling accident is caused by the son of the owner, Tom Hanniger. The mine collapses, burying six miners alive. The rescue team finds only Harry Warden alive, but in coma, and the other miners murdered by his pickax, and they conclude that Harry killed them to save oxygen for himself. On Valentine's Day, Harry awakes from his coma in the local hospital, and he kills twenty-two people, including a group of teenagers that are partying in the mine. Harry is killed by the deputy, but the only survivors are Tom Hanniger, his girlfriend Sarah, their friend Axel Palmer and his girlfriend Irene. Ten years later, Tom returns to Harmony after the death of his father. Tom has decided to sell the Hanniger Mine, and finds that Sarah has married Axel, who is now the local sheriff, and they have a son named Noah. On Valentine's Day, Harry Warden also returns, seeking revenge against those that had escaped his pickax in the past, and Tom is accused by Axel and other locals, who in turn makes accusations against Axel.
Production/financing company: Twisted PicturesPrinciple Cast: Jensen Ackles (Tom Hanniger), Jaime King (Sarah Palmer), Kerr Smith (Axel Palmer)
Sub-Genre: Slasher
Camera
Framing, Shots and movement: There are lots of tilting shots showing buildings this could connote that everything is calm (with the clean new looking buildings) but the fact it is titled (going diagonal) shows it is not fully perfect, that there is unsteadiness within the movie. There is a close up shot showing a victim of the antagonists’ eye. They did this to show the NVC where she looked vulnerable and cautious. There was also use of a low angle shot denoting the antagonist walking on a cagey floor. This connotes he is superior and that he is on top of the victims-could be literally and mentally. An overhead shoulder shot was used denoting the antagonist behind the victim. This connotes that he can see her but she can’t see him giving him power of surprise and the NVC of the victim was that she weak and scared. A zooming out movement was done in the beginning this makes us look like someone is walking backwards away from what’s coming from the tunnel because they are scared of what’s coming out.
Sound
It starts off with like a heartbeat effect where the sound goes steady then has a sudden ‘boom’ noise to keep the audience engaged. This represents our heart that it will be beating like that but as the video goes on it gets faster this will be due to us being scared. There is a deep voice in the background near to the end the deep voice connotes something scary-manly. A voice over with A deep voice was used to make people tremble which contrasts with a high pitch voice will sound sweet and friendly less scary. At the end also there is a gas mask sound where it feels like someone is struggling to breath (breathing heavily) This connotes that someone is panicking and using a lot of energy for example a stock situation which is running away. There was an evil laugh which is a sound effect. This connotes that the antagonist is laughing at the victims that he is superior due to them being in his territory.
Editing
There were quick shots to connote how fast everything is happening and enforcing a lot of action is there to be seen in his horror movie. It makes the audience stay off their feet because they don’t know what to expect.
Colour
Mostly dark colours were used such as dark blue, black, dark red when they were in the mining or tunnel place. These dark colours connote that they are in darkness mainly and shows the victims are in a vulnerable location also the dark red connotes blood which will show how dangerous and gobsmacking scenes are.
Mood and Styling
The trailer makes me feel I’m with the victims or in their position due to the sound of heart beats going slow to fast which connotes something scary is raising it. Also a lot of point of views was from the victims so it put me in that perspective of them and in some scenes it was pitch black which can be inferred to the victims being vulnerable.
Narrative
By watching the teaser trailer the movie looks like its fast pacing and through the quick shots it makes the audience think they are moving with the victims. Also can be moving with the antagonist. Location: mining area with cages and looks isolated till the people went down there. The fact it is a mining place
Release date: January 2009
Director: Patrick Lussier
Film Info: My Bloody Valentine 3D is a 2009 American horror film, and a remake of the 1981 slasher film of the same name. The film was directed and edited by Patrick Lussier, and stars Jensen Ackles, Jaime King and Kerr Smith
Synopsis: In the mining town of Harmony, a drilling accident is caused by the son of the owner, Tom Hanniger. The mine collapses, burying six miners alive. The rescue team finds only Harry Warden alive, but in coma, and the other miners murdered by his pickax, and they conclude that Harry killed them to save oxygen for himself. On Valentine's Day, Harry awakes from his coma in the local hospital, and he kills twenty-two people, including a group of teenagers that are partying in the mine. Harry is killed by the deputy, but the only survivors are Tom Hanniger, his girlfriend Sarah, their friend Axel Palmer and his girlfriend Irene. Ten years later, Tom returns to Harmony after the death of his father. Tom has decided to sell the Hanniger Mine, and finds that Sarah has married Axel, who is now the local sheriff, and they have a son named Noah. On Valentine's Day, Harry Warden also returns, seeking revenge against those that had escaped his pickax in the past, and Tom is accused by Axel and other locals, who in turn makes accusations against Axel.
Production/financing company: Twisted PicturesPrinciple Cast: Jensen Ackles (Tom Hanniger), Jaime King (Sarah Palmer), Kerr Smith (Axel Palmer)
Sub-Genre: Slasher
Camera
Framing, Shots and movement: There are lots of tilting shots showing buildings this could connote that everything is calm (with the clean new looking buildings) but the fact it is titled (going diagonal) shows it is not fully perfect, that there is unsteadiness within the movie. There is a close up shot showing a victim of the antagonists’ eye. They did this to show the NVC where she looked vulnerable and cautious. There was also use of a low angle shot denoting the antagonist walking on a cagey floor. This connotes he is superior and that he is on top of the victims-could be literally and mentally. An overhead shoulder shot was used denoting the antagonist behind the victim. This connotes that he can see her but she can’t see him giving him power of surprise and the NVC of the victim was that she weak and scared. A zooming out movement was done in the beginning this makes us look like someone is walking backwards away from what’s coming from the tunnel because they are scared of what’s coming out.
Sound
It starts off with like a heartbeat effect where the sound goes steady then has a sudden ‘boom’ noise to keep the audience engaged. This represents our heart that it will be beating like that but as the video goes on it gets faster this will be due to us being scared. There is a deep voice in the background near to the end the deep voice connotes something scary-manly. A voice over with A deep voice was used to make people tremble which contrasts with a high pitch voice will sound sweet and friendly less scary. At the end also there is a gas mask sound where it feels like someone is struggling to breath (breathing heavily) This connotes that someone is panicking and using a lot of energy for example a stock situation which is running away. There was an evil laugh which is a sound effect. This connotes that the antagonist is laughing at the victims that he is superior due to them being in his territory.
Editing
There were quick shots to connote how fast everything is happening and enforcing a lot of action is there to be seen in his horror movie. It makes the audience stay off their feet because they don’t know what to expect.
Colour
Mostly dark colours were used such as dark blue, black, dark red when they were in the mining or tunnel place. These dark colours connote that they are in darkness mainly and shows the victims are in a vulnerable location also the dark red connotes blood which will show how dangerous and gobsmacking scenes are.
Mood and Styling
The trailer makes me feel I’m with the victims or in their position due to the sound of heart beats going slow to fast which connotes something scary is raising it. Also a lot of point of views was from the victims so it put me in that perspective of them and in some scenes it was pitch black which can be inferred to the victims being vulnerable.
Narrative
By watching the teaser trailer the movie looks like its fast pacing and through the quick shots it makes the audience think they are moving with the victims. Also can be moving with the antagonist. Location: mining area with cages and looks isolated till the people went down there. The fact it is a mining place
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Mise-en-sceneLighting: The lighting mostly came from the torches under the tunnel this was to find the antagonist. This connotes that the victims are in the dark, clueless and frightened if they walk in the dark anything can happen.
NVC: The characters NVC are sometimes showing they are trying to be aware through mid-shots they turn their heads to mainly every sound or thought of being anxious that the antagonist is around. The NVC of one lady was that her eyes looked like they were about to cry because she had fear and probably was trapped because her eyes kept looking around in fast pace. One man in the movie had a serious face showing that he could be more stronger than other characters but still he was shocked because he said ‘what is that?’. Setting: The setting is mainly in a dark tunnel which connotes one how closured it is and that it’s hard to see or do various things to get away from the antagonist. The location makes them helpless. Costume: The antagonist is wearing a mask and blacked out beneath connoting he’s hiding his identity. Props: mask that looks like a gas mask which can connote how ancient the antagonist is and that he has been around for a long time in that ancient place. There is torches for them to see where they are going and can see the antagonist before he attacks so it connotes they are prepared for the worst. |
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