Week 1:Research
Horror
-The common conventions of horror movies are typically set in a secluded area with a low number of people in a dark or dim setting. The reason minimal characters are used for horror movies is because it allows the main character or characters to be tormented and harmed by the killer with no interruption. The plot of horror movies typically starts with the killer entering the survivors location and making a noise that the survivors will investigate which will then lead to a discovery. A convention of horror movies is featuring specific common fears such as nightmares, vulnerability, death etc. This will often relate to the main characters personality that is shown to us throughout the film. All horror movies will have a death in them which means there will need to be a killer which can vary from either a person or even the dead as we see in numerous zombie movies. We have the horror common stereotypes which are, if there is a black character they tend to die first. Also it is quite common that the final character is typically a female. The camera angles used will be close ups, tracking and zooming as it captures all the emotions that the characters will be experiencing.
-The common conventions of horror movies are typically set in a secluded area with a low number of people in a dark or dim setting. The reason minimal characters are used for horror movies is because it allows the main character or characters to be tormented and harmed by the killer with no interruption. The plot of horror movies typically starts with the killer entering the survivors location and making a noise that the survivors will investigate which will then lead to a discovery. A convention of horror movies is featuring specific common fears such as nightmares, vulnerability, death etc. This will often relate to the main characters personality that is shown to us throughout the film. All horror movies will have a death in them which means there will need to be a killer which can vary from either a person or even the dead as we see in numerous zombie movies. We have the horror common stereotypes which are, if there is a black character they tend to die first. Also it is quite common that the final character is typically a female. The camera angles used will be close ups, tracking and zooming as it captures all the emotions that the characters will be experiencing.
Action
-Characters Hard looking man with big muscles, stocky with a serious look about him. The hero would be a likeable character who would make comical comments giving the film some humour. (connotations) strong, brave and protective
-The woman would usually be attractive and playing a damsel in distress (connotations) vulnerable and beautiful
-Then you have the villain who has a similar build to the hero. He/her is meant to be disliked by the audience usually by his/hers actions/comments. (connotations) evil and nasty
-mise-en-scene (costume) In action films the damsel in distress dresses nicely. The hero has a range of costumes sometimes dressing smart in suits and some other scenes will have the hero in more casual clothing for fight scenes. The villain would be similar to the hero in what he wears but it would be darker.
-Lighting in an action movie the lighting is mostly natural as the setting is mostly outside. However if a character like the villain is shown indoors then low-key lighting will be used.
-Actors The hero's body language will be powerful and dominating, they will communicate with other people in a captivating way but towards the villain will be aggressive. The damsel will be attractive and her facial expressions would range from a sexy seductive look which would usually get the hero and the damsel together in the end, then worried and scared when the hero is being beaten by the villain. The villains facial expression will have an evil, menacing look they will communicate with others in an aggressive manor unless its to trick a good character into getting into a position where they have the advantage.
-Props guns, knives, fast cars and jewellery.
-Setting big busy cities for car chases and fight scenes in dark alleyways.
-Themes violence, big gun fights, chase scenes, fast editing and quick scenes.
-sounds gunshots, cars drifting, screams, and explosions
-The woman would usually be attractive and playing a damsel in distress (connotations) vulnerable and beautiful
-Then you have the villain who has a similar build to the hero. He/her is meant to be disliked by the audience usually by his/hers actions/comments. (connotations) evil and nasty
-mise-en-scene (costume) In action films the damsel in distress dresses nicely. The hero has a range of costumes sometimes dressing smart in suits and some other scenes will have the hero in more casual clothing for fight scenes. The villain would be similar to the hero in what he wears but it would be darker.
-Lighting in an action movie the lighting is mostly natural as the setting is mostly outside. However if a character like the villain is shown indoors then low-key lighting will be used.
-Actors The hero's body language will be powerful and dominating, they will communicate with other people in a captivating way but towards the villain will be aggressive. The damsel will be attractive and her facial expressions would range from a sexy seductive look which would usually get the hero and the damsel together in the end, then worried and scared when the hero is being beaten by the villain. The villains facial expression will have an evil, menacing look they will communicate with others in an aggressive manor unless its to trick a good character into getting into a position where they have the advantage.
-Props guns, knives, fast cars and jewellery.
-Setting big busy cities for car chases and fight scenes in dark alleyways.
-Themes violence, big gun fights, chase scenes, fast editing and quick scenes.
-sounds gunshots, cars drifting, screams, and explosions
romance
-Characters it is quite stereotypical in a romance film that the main characters are the first people we see. These characters are the two main protagonists usually a male and a female (gender representation). The film will usually show the male first then change to the female which leaves the audience to interpret who they are.
-Setting in most romance films begins with and establishing shot and a wide shot of the main protagonists with much of the setting behind them. Depending on where they are situated, this can sometimes can help the audience connote what they think is going to happen in the film.
-Sound is very important within romance films as it sets the scene and atmosphere. If the film us quite sad this may be established using instrumental such as violin. Romances usually start with a guitar, piano or violin instrumental, which can be used effectively through diegetic and non diegetic sound editing. In a stereotypical romance opening, music in the background will be quiet as the characters are usually narrating and speaking. The two sounds must be balanced for the film opening to be effective, it must also establish a feeling in order for the for the opening to connect with the audience for example for a happy atmosphere the non diegetic sound should be upbeat (drums).
-Camera angles/shots A romance film opening can consist of many angles shots and types of movement. A mid shot can be used effectively to set the scene and introduce characters high shots are used frequently. Panning shots and tracking movements can be used often in romance to connote a stalker element or to show attachment through two people following each other.
-Setting in most romance films begins with and establishing shot and a wide shot of the main protagonists with much of the setting behind them. Depending on where they are situated, this can sometimes can help the audience connote what they think is going to happen in the film.
-Sound is very important within romance films as it sets the scene and atmosphere. If the film us quite sad this may be established using instrumental such as violin. Romances usually start with a guitar, piano or violin instrumental, which can be used effectively through diegetic and non diegetic sound editing. In a stereotypical romance opening, music in the background will be quiet as the characters are usually narrating and speaking. The two sounds must be balanced for the film opening to be effective, it must also establish a feeling in order for the for the opening to connect with the audience for example for a happy atmosphere the non diegetic sound should be upbeat (drums).
-Camera angles/shots A romance film opening can consist of many angles shots and types of movement. A mid shot can be used effectively to set the scene and introduce characters high shots are used frequently. Panning shots and tracking movements can be used often in romance to connote a stalker element or to show attachment through two people following each other.
Comedy
-Setting comedy films can be set almost anywhere, however the most common for comedy films is suburban areas in places such as high schools and bars. The areas that they are set in are usually happy, sunny towns or neighbourhoods. These areas could also be slightly more rural and have nice and large houses.
-Camera There tends to be a lot of establishing shots to show changed locations, characters and new themes. Scenes are usually well lit using natural lighting from the sun when filming outside. There is a mix of close ups, mid shots and long shots, these work well with the use of establishing shots, this range of shots is effective as they can be used with conversation, but also to show the characters full bodies.
-Themes good against bad, idiocy, drugs, drinking, violence, friendship, conflict
mise-en-scene is often exaggerated in order to create comedic effect. Costume is vital in creating a preferred reading of a laughable character.
-Themes comedies cover a wide range of themes and narratives. Due to the typical use of this genre within a hybrid as a sub genre, narratives commonly involve action, romance or horror. The genre can also take many forms, such as black comedy, used in over dramatic films which tends to include dark humour and forced comedic scenes.
-Camera There tends to be a lot of establishing shots to show changed locations, characters and new themes. Scenes are usually well lit using natural lighting from the sun when filming outside. There is a mix of close ups, mid shots and long shots, these work well with the use of establishing shots, this range of shots is effective as they can be used with conversation, but also to show the characters full bodies.
-Themes good against bad, idiocy, drugs, drinking, violence, friendship, conflict
mise-en-scene is often exaggerated in order to create comedic effect. Costume is vital in creating a preferred reading of a laughable character.
-Themes comedies cover a wide range of themes and narratives. Due to the typical use of this genre within a hybrid as a sub genre, narratives commonly involve action, romance or horror. The genre can also take many forms, such as black comedy, used in over dramatic films which tends to include dark humour and forced comedic scenes.
drama
conventions- Exhibits real life situations with realistic characters, settings, and stories. Portrays journeys of character development and growth, intense socials interaction and a purpose of a dramatic story line to move the audience emotionally.
mise-en-scene- dull lighting (portrays gritty nature), close ups of characters, low angle and high angle shots- to portray strength and weakness amongst characters. The props typically used in dramas are alcohol, drugs, guns, knives and phones.
codes- A drama film is a drama film because of the way it makes the audience relate and sympathise with the characters. this is done through a high level of tension and good editing. The film will be structured in a way in order to keep the audiences attention, and make them become emotionally attached to the action and storyline. To do this the producer tends to add an anti-climax somewhere in the film so that there are peaks in the tension. This keeps the audience interested and stops their mind being deterred from the storyline and plot of the film.
mise-en-scene- dull lighting (portrays gritty nature), close ups of characters, low angle and high angle shots- to portray strength and weakness amongst characters. The props typically used in dramas are alcohol, drugs, guns, knives and phones.
codes- A drama film is a drama film because of the way it makes the audience relate and sympathise with the characters. this is done through a high level of tension and good editing. The film will be structured in a way in order to keep the audiences attention, and make them become emotionally attached to the action and storyline. To do this the producer tends to add an anti-climax somewhere in the film so that there are peaks in the tension. This keeps the audience interested and stops their mind being deterred from the storyline and plot of the film.
Sci-fi
The genre incorporates science based themes into the plot of the film. The genre often includes futuristic elements and technology. In many cases the film itself is set in the future, either on earth or in space. The generic plot or sci-fi movies incorporates heroes, villains, quest, advanced technology and unfamiliar locations e.g. different planets. character types- Aliens, Robots, Androids, Humanoids, Humans, and Mutants.
Themes- Binary opposition (Levi strauss) good/evil, life/death, control/panic, Human/Aliens
Time travel, space travel, fear of the unknown.
Narrative- Alien invasion: In this narrative aliens invade Earth with the intent to replace human life. or take control of it. e.g. 'Independence day'. Similarly there are many sci-fi films where robots rebel against humans e.g. 'I Robot' these narratives are commonly used seen in sci-fi films which make the film more interesting and unique. This is because the situations that occur in sci-fi movies can be realistic and could relate to some of the fears that people have about real life and alien encountering
Themes- Binary opposition (Levi strauss) good/evil, life/death, control/panic, Human/Aliens
Time travel, space travel, fear of the unknown.
Narrative- Alien invasion: In this narrative aliens invade Earth with the intent to replace human life. or take control of it. e.g. 'Independence day'. Similarly there are many sci-fi films where robots rebel against humans e.g. 'I Robot' these narratives are commonly used seen in sci-fi films which make the film more interesting and unique. This is because the situations that occur in sci-fi movies can be realistic and could relate to some of the fears that people have about real life and alien encountering
fantasy
Fantasy films tend to have a positive outcome at the end something perhaps where they all live happily ever after e.g. the harry potter movies usually end up happy and smiling at the end. They tend to have a rather simple narrative.
Setting- in fantasy movies the setting tends to vary from make-believe realms to the real world and sometimes a mix of the two. Fantasy films tend to link with the sci-fi genre thats why so many sci-fi films come under the fantasy genre. Most fantasy films tend to use a lot of fairy tale settings. These films are used more by Disney than anyone else. These films may include characters such as princes/princesses.
Characters- In many fantasy films there tends to be a hero going on a long quest. They will encounter a villain type character who they will need to defeat in order to succeed in their quest.
mise-en-scene- (props) Weapons are a common feature in many fantasy films these usually depend on the setting. for example if the characters were wizards then they would use wands as weapons. If the films was in a medieval setting the we would expect the characters to be using swords, axes, shields etc.
costumes- Costumes are usually light and bright for the good characters and for the villainous characters they will usually have dark clothing usually black and red.
Themes- Magic, reality, good vs evil, Enchantment, heroism, freindship, fiction
Setting- in fantasy movies the setting tends to vary from make-believe realms to the real world and sometimes a mix of the two. Fantasy films tend to link with the sci-fi genre thats why so many sci-fi films come under the fantasy genre. Most fantasy films tend to use a lot of fairy tale settings. These films are used more by Disney than anyone else. These films may include characters such as princes/princesses.
Characters- In many fantasy films there tends to be a hero going on a long quest. They will encounter a villain type character who they will need to defeat in order to succeed in their quest.
mise-en-scene- (props) Weapons are a common feature in many fantasy films these usually depend on the setting. for example if the characters were wizards then they would use wands as weapons. If the films was in a medieval setting the we would expect the characters to be using swords, axes, shields etc.
costumes- Costumes are usually light and bright for the good characters and for the villainous characters they will usually have dark clothing usually black and red.
Themes- Magic, reality, good vs evil, Enchantment, heroism, freindship, fiction
WEEK 2:NARRATIVE
semiotics in horror movies
The semiotics in horror movies include: Loss of belief, use of music, assuming roles and symbolism
Loss of belief- When normal things in reality are broken/disrupted the protagonists reach a sense of doubt and disbelief which can lead them to doing stupid things and making bad choices.
Use of music- The use of music in horror movies is used alongside the acting to build suspense. This builds suspense for the audience because if used right it can be timed at the moment of a jump scare making the jump scare more effective.
Symbolism/role-assuming- In horror movies when the characters are put in that state of doubt, certain stereotypical roles start to come out. You have the hero who will try and think of the resolution for the rest of the group. you have the bimbo who is the girl who makes stupid choices but is liked by the audience. You have the Fool who is always making stupid decisions and trying to drag the other survivors down. Lastly you have the smart one who is meant to work alongside the hero but usually ends up dying early on in the movie or being captured.
Loss of belief- When normal things in reality are broken/disrupted the protagonists reach a sense of doubt and disbelief which can lead them to doing stupid things and making bad choices.
Use of music- The use of music in horror movies is used alongside the acting to build suspense. This builds suspense for the audience because if used right it can be timed at the moment of a jump scare making the jump scare more effective.
Symbolism/role-assuming- In horror movies when the characters are put in that state of doubt, certain stereotypical roles start to come out. You have the hero who will try and think of the resolution for the rest of the group. you have the bimbo who is the girl who makes stupid choices but is liked by the audience. You have the Fool who is always making stupid decisions and trying to drag the other survivors down. Lastly you have the smart one who is meant to work alongside the hero but usually ends up dying early on in the movie or being captured.
Narratology in horror movies
When we think of horror narratives, we think about what is used to communicate a story to us. People agree that for narrators it is easier to tell the story in chronological order rather than including multiple flashbacks and side tracking. Narrative is important for horror movies because as well as directing the audience through the story, it also gives us a structure in which we can now expect when watching horror movies. This structure is 1. The 'Onset Phase' in which a 'monster' or 'disorder' is created. 2. Next is the discovery phase where the characters discover the creation of the monster/disorder. 3. The last phase is the disruption phase where the characters destroy the monster and restore normality. Todorov's theory was the idea that every movie has 5 steps within its plot. These steps consist of Equilbrium (the first part of the story which will display a happy start where the characters are content and as it should be. Next is a disruption. This is the second part of the story which will feature a problem or something to disrupt the happiness. Next is realisation this is the part of the plot where everyone realises the problem and it causes chaos. The next is Restored order and this is the part of the plot when the characters attempt to repair the damage and restore the problem and finally the last step is equilibrium again, This is when the problem is resolved and normality can resume again.
Action
Semiotics: In action films Weapons, death and fighting are examples of semiotics used.
They are used within an action movie to make the film more interesting giving the audience a thrill while watching it.
The use of consistent fights and altercations within action movies retains the audiences attention keeping them interested from start to finish.
The use of weapons in action movies gives the scenes an unpredictable feel as anything can happen at any time depending on the characters behaviour.
Narratology: In actions film most tend to share the same plot/build up which would be the main character (good) fighting against the criminal or killer (bad) in a huge fight at the end or multiple fights during the movie which 9/10 times ends up with the good character coming out of the fight victorious. Narratology is a keep part of films because it helps the audience to understand and track the storyline. The story will be in chronological order sometimes using flashbacks which gives the audience a better understanding of what is going on.
Binary opposition: This is when the film has a good and an evil character. We as the audience are expected to be on the side of the good character and the film should make us hate the bad character.
Genre: Most actions movies include the same elements and plot which results in the defeat of the villain. In action films happiness, death and grief are used in the majority of them. Happiness is seen when the villain is defeated. death is seen when the bad guy is usually killed at then end and pain is seen when the good guy usually used something close to him. for example in dead-pool the workers of the villain kill his wife to be but in the end he gets his revenge by killing the man who ordered the hit on her.
They are used within an action movie to make the film more interesting giving the audience a thrill while watching it.
The use of consistent fights and altercations within action movies retains the audiences attention keeping them interested from start to finish.
The use of weapons in action movies gives the scenes an unpredictable feel as anything can happen at any time depending on the characters behaviour.
Narratology: In actions film most tend to share the same plot/build up which would be the main character (good) fighting against the criminal or killer (bad) in a huge fight at the end or multiple fights during the movie which 9/10 times ends up with the good character coming out of the fight victorious. Narratology is a keep part of films because it helps the audience to understand and track the storyline. The story will be in chronological order sometimes using flashbacks which gives the audience a better understanding of what is going on.
Binary opposition: This is when the film has a good and an evil character. We as the audience are expected to be on the side of the good character and the film should make us hate the bad character.
Genre: Most actions movies include the same elements and plot which results in the defeat of the villain. In action films happiness, death and grief are used in the majority of them. Happiness is seen when the villain is defeated. death is seen when the bad guy is usually killed at then end and pain is seen when the good guy usually used something close to him. for example in dead-pool the workers of the villain kill his wife to be but in the end he gets his revenge by killing the man who ordered the hit on her.
ROMANCE
Semiotics: In romance films the semiotics used are happy endings, sad endings and uplifting music.
In romance films they tend to have a happy ending where everyone lives happily ever after. There is the sad ending in which one of the people in the relationship die, have to move away or end the relationship.
In romance movies uplifting music is usually used when introducing the characters and setting.
Narratology: In romance films the story lines are typically the same. For example the couple will have an argument or an altercation in the middle of the movie and end up reconciling at the end. In a high school romance you typically see the nerd/quiet kid getting with the hot/popular girl. romance films use chronological order being beginning, middle and end.
Binary opposition: in the romance films the binary opposition is that there is a kind guy that cares about the girl and wants to be with her but she pays not attention to him. And you have the jock/bully who gives the girl no attention and minimal care but she likes him anyway.
genre: In romance films you see the couple always going through some type of problem where the couple goes through ups and downs. but ultimately end up getting together in the end.
In romance films they tend to have a happy ending where everyone lives happily ever after. There is the sad ending in which one of the people in the relationship die, have to move away or end the relationship.
In romance movies uplifting music is usually used when introducing the characters and setting.
Narratology: In romance films the story lines are typically the same. For example the couple will have an argument or an altercation in the middle of the movie and end up reconciling at the end. In a high school romance you typically see the nerd/quiet kid getting with the hot/popular girl. romance films use chronological order being beginning, middle and end.
Binary opposition: in the romance films the binary opposition is that there is a kind guy that cares about the girl and wants to be with her but she pays not attention to him. And you have the jock/bully who gives the girl no attention and minimal care but she likes him anyway.
genre: In romance films you see the couple always going through some type of problem where the couple goes through ups and downs. but ultimately end up getting together in the end.
comedy
Semiotics: In comedy films there are sub-genres such as black comedy, blue comedy etc. in Black comedy it tends to include disturbing subjects such as terrorism, drugs and war. even though these are quite serious topics, when integrated with comedy can be used for comedic effect and could be seen as satire by the audience.
Narratology: In comedy films there is a range of different narratology and the endings of the film are always different. a convention of comedy movies is the characters tend to meet in a outrageous situation or a random location
Binary opposition: In comedy films there can be many different forms of binary oppositions the most common example being good vs evil
Genre: In comedy films there is always a different storyline that can end in many different ways. But the most common plot is a group of friends or sometimes a pair who get into a bad situation in which they spend the movie trying to get out of. This will most of the time be over the top to to create humour for the audience.
Narratology: In comedy films there is a range of different narratology and the endings of the film are always different. a convention of comedy movies is the characters tend to meet in a outrageous situation or a random location
Binary opposition: In comedy films there can be many different forms of binary oppositions the most common example being good vs evil
Genre: In comedy films there is always a different storyline that can end in many different ways. But the most common plot is a group of friends or sometimes a pair who get into a bad situation in which they spend the movie trying to get out of. This will most of the time be over the top to to create humour for the audience.
drama
Semiotics: In drama movies the semiotics that are imbedded in them are action, happy moments and mystery.
In drama movies mystery is used to build a feel a tension as the audience wants to figure it out as much as the characters do.
In drama movies towards the ending there is usually a resolution and therefore happiness between the characters.
Narratology: With drama movies they tend to include celebrities or someone well known to keep the attention span of the audience. They tend to be the ones who make a discovery but die early on in the film or is the person hiding a secret from the other characters.
Binary opposites: The binary opposite always used in drama is good vs evil.
Genre: In drama movies the story line can vary. for example the movie 12 years a slave it is a very dark movie throughout in which it showcases the life of a slave and his story up until his freedom.
In drama movies mystery is used to build a feel a tension as the audience wants to figure it out as much as the characters do.
In drama movies towards the ending there is usually a resolution and therefore happiness between the characters.
Narratology: With drama movies they tend to include celebrities or someone well known to keep the attention span of the audience. They tend to be the ones who make a discovery but die early on in the film or is the person hiding a secret from the other characters.
Binary opposites: The binary opposite always used in drama is good vs evil.
Genre: In drama movies the story line can vary. for example the movie 12 years a slave it is a very dark movie throughout in which it showcases the life of a slave and his story up until his freedom.
sci-fi
Semiotics: The semiotics that are in sci-fi movies are action, death, and weapons.
In sci-fi films a lot of action scenes are included such as fighting which sometimes includes weapons such as guns.
There are different emotions showcased in sci-fi movies depending on what is happening in the scene and happening to the characters.
Narratology: In Sci-fi the storylines have a minor similarity usually set in the past or in the future.
Binary opposition: In sci-fi movies there are different binary oppositions such as good vs evil
At the end of the movie most times than not the good side comes out victorious over the bad side. for example I Robot when the robot that the main character is working on begins to use extreme measures and violence in an attempt to take over the world.
Genre: In sci-fi movies the story usually ends with a resolution.
In sci-fi films a lot of action scenes are included such as fighting which sometimes includes weapons such as guns.
There are different emotions showcased in sci-fi movies depending on what is happening in the scene and happening to the characters.
Narratology: In Sci-fi the storylines have a minor similarity usually set in the past or in the future.
Binary opposition: In sci-fi movies there are different binary oppositions such as good vs evil
At the end of the movie most times than not the good side comes out victorious over the bad side. for example I Robot when the robot that the main character is working on begins to use extreme measures and violence in an attempt to take over the world.
Genre: In sci-fi movies the story usually ends with a resolution.
fantasy
Semiotics: The semiotics in fantasy movies are action, death, love and war.
In fantasy movies we tend to see multiple action scenes as there is a lot of altercations in these types of movies. Death can sometimes occur when there is a big fight within the movie but wont be as graphic as an action movie or horror movie. Fantasy movies tend to end in a goos way usually being the victory of the good characters or the characters having a resolution to the problem.
Narratology: In the movie Aladdin we follow the journey of an ordinary thief who comes across a lamp that changes his life forever. This is effective as a fantasy movie because it is unrealistic while also making it enjoyable for the audience.
Binary opposition: In fantasy film there are different types of binary opposition but the most commonly used is good vs evil which is good for fantasy movies because it almost always makes you want to root for the good characters.
Genre: In fantasy films the ending usually has a big fight which ends in the good side winning.
In fantasy movies we tend to see multiple action scenes as there is a lot of altercations in these types of movies. Death can sometimes occur when there is a big fight within the movie but wont be as graphic as an action movie or horror movie. Fantasy movies tend to end in a goos way usually being the victory of the good characters or the characters having a resolution to the problem.
Narratology: In the movie Aladdin we follow the journey of an ordinary thief who comes across a lamp that changes his life forever. This is effective as a fantasy movie because it is unrealistic while also making it enjoyable for the audience.
Binary opposition: In fantasy film there are different types of binary opposition but the most commonly used is good vs evil which is good for fantasy movies because it almost always makes you want to root for the good characters.
Genre: In fantasy films the ending usually has a big fight which ends in the good side winning.
video analysis
Mise-en-scene- In this short film we see that it is set inside of a house which is typically where a lot of horror movies are set. As is it filmed inside a house, the. lighting would be artificial as there may be parts of the house which the crew record in that does not have the proper lighting needed to be effective factor in setting the scene for the audience.
Editing techniques- In this film we can see that there are multiple jump cuts/quick cuts used to flick between both characters perspective so the audience know what is going on at all times in the film.
Camera techniques- Throughout the duration of the short film a range of camera angles would be used to build up tension and give the audience a clear understanding of the character and how they are feeling for example when a scene comes where there is meant to be a jump scare or scary element within the scene close ups, medium shot, low angle and high angle will be used to slowly build up tension for the jump scare. Some camera angles play a bigger part in building up tension and in this short film it was definitely close ups and this is because not only did it give the audience a clear idea of how the characters were feeling but when the smiling man was revealed it showed just how disgusting and creepy he looks with extreme detail and how the little child reacted to first seeing him.
Sound techniques- In almost every horror movie there is the use of either eire music or creep sound and the smiling man was no different. In this short film a musical instrument was played to create the weird music in the background which set the scenes very well. This would be diegetic sound as it was added after the film was complete and not played inside the house.
Character/Stereotypes- Usually in a horror film there are multiple characters used and then each would be killed one by one to reveal the final woman/man but in The Smiling Man we only see two characters being a little girl and the smiling man himself. The little girl is clearly meant to be the victim/innocent character that we as the audience are meant to root for to stay alive and the Smiling man is the evil monster/creature which we can see is a clear example of binary opposition one being good and one being evil.
Semiotics- Semiotics in most horror movies would be dark/lowkey lighting, eire music or complete silence at the moment of a jump scare or a hide and seek moment between the monster and the other characters, multiple camera angles and lastly death.
Structuralism- In majority of horror movies the character makes a dumb decision which the audience don't want them to do because they know what comes next.This creates multiple scenes full of tension as we know what the characters do not.
Narratology- In this horror movie we see a little girl watching TV oblivious as to what is going on around her. She then gets up to leave the room and she sees a ballon floating outside of the room which she follows until she encounters The Smiling Man who is now drenching himself with her mothers blood. Most horror movies do a similar thing in which the innocents are lured to a dangerous/creepy place in which an event happens where the monster has the upper hand.
Editing techniques- In this film we can see that there are multiple jump cuts/quick cuts used to flick between both characters perspective so the audience know what is going on at all times in the film.
Camera techniques- Throughout the duration of the short film a range of camera angles would be used to build up tension and give the audience a clear understanding of the character and how they are feeling for example when a scene comes where there is meant to be a jump scare or scary element within the scene close ups, medium shot, low angle and high angle will be used to slowly build up tension for the jump scare. Some camera angles play a bigger part in building up tension and in this short film it was definitely close ups and this is because not only did it give the audience a clear idea of how the characters were feeling but when the smiling man was revealed it showed just how disgusting and creepy he looks with extreme detail and how the little child reacted to first seeing him.
Sound techniques- In almost every horror movie there is the use of either eire music or creep sound and the smiling man was no different. In this short film a musical instrument was played to create the weird music in the background which set the scenes very well. This would be diegetic sound as it was added after the film was complete and not played inside the house.
Character/Stereotypes- Usually in a horror film there are multiple characters used and then each would be killed one by one to reveal the final woman/man but in The Smiling Man we only see two characters being a little girl and the smiling man himself. The little girl is clearly meant to be the victim/innocent character that we as the audience are meant to root for to stay alive and the Smiling man is the evil monster/creature which we can see is a clear example of binary opposition one being good and one being evil.
Semiotics- Semiotics in most horror movies would be dark/lowkey lighting, eire music or complete silence at the moment of a jump scare or a hide and seek moment between the monster and the other characters, multiple camera angles and lastly death.
Structuralism- In majority of horror movies the character makes a dumb decision which the audience don't want them to do because they know what comes next.This creates multiple scenes full of tension as we know what the characters do not.
Narratology- In this horror movie we see a little girl watching TV oblivious as to what is going on around her. She then gets up to leave the room and she sees a ballon floating outside of the room which she follows until she encounters The Smiling Man who is now drenching himself with her mothers blood. Most horror movies do a similar thing in which the innocents are lured to a dangerous/creepy place in which an event happens where the monster has the upper hand.
Mise-en-scene- In this short film we see that is also set inside of a house where as typically sci-fi movies mostly take place in a very futuristic version of today's reality. Throughout the film we see different types of lighting being used but it is mostly natural lights that we see e.g. Lamps and lighting from the sun which is also natural as well.
Editing techniques- Throughout the film we see numerous quick cuts and sometimes long takes when the producer wants the audience to know what the current character on screen is focusing on. A good example would be in the small montage of the robot and the boy playing playing by the pool there are many jump cuts so that we see what is going on continuously.
Editing techniques- Throughout the film we see numerous quick cuts and sometimes long takes when the producer wants the audience to know what the current character on screen is focusing on. A good example would be in the small montage of the robot and the boy playing playing by the pool there are many jump cuts so that we see what is going on continuously.