Shot Quality:
All clips were filmed with a hand held camera. The majority of the footage is relatively steady, however, there are moments of shakiness or times in which shots cut out the action of the clip slightly. For example,the camera is extremely shaky when we were filming the female character at times. I feel that to avoid this problem in future we could use a tri-pod to make sure that all shots are steady and smooth.
Framing Quality:
We used various shots from close ups when the character was talking, to long shots, when the boy was entering the room. However, I believe that we should have captured the footage from a few more angles, in order to have a wider variety of shots. In future we need to ensure that all shots are framed well, capturing the necessary footage, and each person who is participating in both the film and filming should understand exactly what they are doing in order to achieve the framing quality of the film.
Quality of Shooting Material (appropriate to task set):
I believe the content of our footage is appropriate to the task which was set for our group. When we came to shoot we followed our a plan which we had produced beforehand, with all the necessary shots and angles we had to film. Further research should be done on my chosen film genre to understand what requirements need to be met so that everything we film will be appropriate.
Quality of Mise-en-scene:
We tried to find a setting around school which would give the audience the impression that somebody was being interviewed in an office. This was difficult as we only had a limited amount of time in which we could find an appropriate place to film. We found a quiet place, which two tables and chairs. However, a lot of the mise-en-scene was less than satisfactory, more could have been done to create this impression, for example the clothes worn by the characters could have been more formal, as you can see he is wearing trainers and jeans. In order to achieve the best mise-en- scène for our film, we need to plan it carefully and think about costume and props. The characters in our film should wear appropriate clothing to suit their character and the props have to be thought about carefully in order to create the right effect. Lighting is something important, so when filming in the dark we should allow ourselves time to find extra lighting.
Quality of Editing:
Most of the editing in our Preliminary task appears to be fairly decent, and each shot is in the correct order. We were able to express that the two characters on screen were having a conversation as we cut from one to the other when dialogue became apparent. On the other hand, at the end of the short film, it suddenly cuts, which was due to an editing mistake. Also at the start of the film, the titles ‘Starring...’ are shown more than once, which again was due to a mistake when using the editing program. In order to allow ourselves to not make the same mistakes, we should give ourselves time to look at editing program on the computer, in order to become familiar with it, which will prevent us from making any mistakes.
Quality of using Sound:
The dialogue is the only sound used in our footage. I believe most of the sounds and images match when looking back at the film, however in one of the first shots, the sentence ‘Hello, nice to meet you’ cuts off to quickly, and we are taken into a close-up of two people shaking hands. Along with this, at some points when the actors are speaking, it is not completely clear. No other sound, such as music or sound effects was used as it was irrelevant for this particular task. In order to prevent these problems, I believe the most important issue yet again, is to familiarise ourselves with the editing program. Microphones could also be used, in order for the actor’s speech to be clear, so that the audience can understand everything the actor’s are saying when watching the film.
Quality of Group:
I feel that we worked well together as a group, even though one of our members was not present when filming. However, I feel that in order to feel fully satisfied with our final piece of filming, in the future we should allow more time to be spent on planning and organisation. We spent very little time on a script and even though we had spent some time thinking about the shots and angles we were going to use, it wasn't completely clear and planned out properly, which made it fairly complicated when filming. Each person made the effort to get involved with the filming, for example, I did the actual filming and my other team members participated in the actual film. The other member of the group who was not present when filming the scene also contributed before hand by offering their opinions and helping us plan out the preliminary task. I believe in order to carry on working well as a team, we should split the work loads evenly and offer help and advice to one another when needed.
Analysis of Six Horror Films
By Georgia Middleton
The Shining (1980)-
Titling:
The titling in this opening sequence is extremely simple, which is not common of a present day opening titles of a horror film. The writing is bold, turquoise, which is used over the image of the actual opening scene, which slowly slides onto the screen. The titles start at 1:05 minutes into the film, starting with ‘A Stanley Kubrick Film’, then goes on to the names of the people starring in the film. After this, appears the actual name of the film ‘The Shining’, which is then followed by the title ‘featuring’, and the names of even more actor in the film. Then there is a title for the producer of the film, and another title which says ‘Based upon a novel by Stephan King’. This is then followed by the title ‘The Producer circle company’, then the ‘screenplay by’ and then finally ‘directed and produced by’ title. I think the reason for the actors and directors names appearing at the start of the film is due to the fact that a major Hollywood actor is present in this particular film, Jack Nicholson.
Camera Movement:
At the very start of the opening, tilting camera movement is used, showing the audience the surroundings. At about 20 seconds into the opening of the film, there is a tracking shot which throughout the opening seems to be following the same car. The tracking shot is used in order for the audience to feel like they are being taken on this journey, as they are moving along with the car. At about a minute into the opening the camera seems to slowly be zooming in towards the car. Suddenly, after 1:20 into the opening, the camera stops following the car, and instead shows the audience the remote surrounds, still using crane shots to do this. The reason the camera stops following the car and shows us the surroundings, is to make the audience feel like they are being taken away from reality into this mysterious remote location. There is then a very short period when the camera uses a tracking shot to follow the car, and finally there is a panning shot which shows us an image or a old looking building and its surroundings. This panning shot of the old looking building allows the audience to become familiar with the setting of the film, and allow them to raise questions about why we have been taken to this particular location.
Framing of Shots:
Only a few different types of shots are used throughout the opening titles, the main one being the extreme long shots in order for the audience to see the surroundings. Along with that, the film uses long shots, also a close-up is used at one point to show the audience the car. The long shots used throughout the opening allows the audience to establish that they are in this remote location, and therefore identify that there is something slightly mysterious happening.
Camera Angles:
At the start of the opening sequence there is an eye-level shot, and about 20 seconds into the opening of the film they use high angles and different camera movements at the same time. High angle shots in this opening are used as establishing shots in a way, used to identify the remote location of the film. Again at 40 seconds into the opening there is another eye-level shot, where the camera seems to be following the car. The camera then stops following the car and shows the audience the remote setting in which the opening is being filmed, using high angle shots once again. High angle shots are used when following the car throughout the opening, so we the audience can see the car clearly and therefore we are almost following the car on its journey.
Selection of mise-en-scène:
The opening sequence has been filmed during the day, therefore the opening is not at all dark, but clear and bright instead. There are no people present in the opening sequence, just one car that we seem to be following throughout the 2 minutes, and a very old looking building/house which is shown at the end of the opening. The film is set in a remote location, we can tell the location is remote as we see no people, and hardly any cars on the rocky mountain roads. The mountains are surrounded by water and lots of grassy areas. The fact that the scenery becomes more and more remote throughout the opening, and the mountains appear to be covered in snow shows the audience that the victims in the car are moving further and further away from reality.
Editing Directions:
In this opening there are hardly any editing techniques used, only normal cuts are used between each shot, and at the very start one shots dissolves into any shot. The lack of editing could be explained by the fact that the audience is made to feel like they are also going on the journey, following the car into this strange, remote location, and therefore not much editing is needed.
Sound Techniques:
There are no diegetic sounds whatsoever throughout the opening sequence, the only sound we can her in the open sequence of ‘The Shining’ is the non diegetic background music, which is used all the way through the opening to build up tension and suspense.
Actor’s positioning and movement:
In this particular opening there are no actors present.
Analysis Questions-
· Who is the victim and who is the villain?
Because of the high angle shot used in this particular opening, it is clear that the camera is following the victims along their journey, the victims being the people or person in the car.
Where is the story set? What does this tell you about the genre of the film?
· In the opening we the audience are being shown a car which seems to be travelling somewhere. The setting is in the middle of nowhere, where it is extremely mountainous, with lots of grassy areas; around this there are rivers. The car in the film is travelling through these mountains on a continuous road. As it is in the middle of nowhere we can believe this film to be a horror as this is typical of setting film of this genre.
· How many principal characters?
· There are no characters present in the opening of ‘The Shining’.
· How is the story told? Chronologically? Or does it switch between present and past? What is the effect?
· The story is told in a chronological order, as is following the car all the way through the first two minutes, and does not switch between present and past at any time throughout the opening scene.
· What question are you left with?
· Audience might be eager to know where this car is trying to get to, and why the car is going there in the first place.
Valentine (2001)
Titling:
The opening credits start with the ‘Warner Bros. Pictures’ logo, which is then followed by a ‘Village Roadshow Pictures’ logo. After this the film begins and whilst this is happening the title ‘Warner Bros. Pictures Presents’ appears, after this the title ‘In association with Village Roadshow Pictures and NPV Entertainment’ are shown. ‘A Dylan Sellers Production’ follows shortly after. After this there is a 10 second period where the audience is shown part of the film, however more titles appear, including, actors names which are shown in sets of two or three, with 5 second periods between each in order to show the audience more clips of the actual film. All of these titles are shown over the image instead of a black background, in a plain white bold font. Yet again there is another long period in which we are shown a part of the film, this time for about 30 seconds. The final title which appears is the name of the film. ‘Valentine’ appears in red bold writing which, then turned into a bright white light, behind a black background. Yet again the reason for showing the actors names at the start of the film could be because of the number of known actors. For example, Denise Richards.
Camera Movement:
At the start of the opening sequence, the camera zooms out in order to show the audience the writing on a book. The audience then believes what they are seeing to be part of the inside of the book, and a picture of a young girl, the camera slowly pans its way through the images. There is another shot of the camera panning through pages of this book, and another image of a young girl. The camera also uses panning when showing a scene of young people dancing, to a young boy and girl kissing. The reason for the use of panning in this particular scene, could be to allow the audience to identify with the surroundings, and recognise that by showing young people dancing in dresses and suits, shows that they are at an American school disco/prom. At one point, the camera tilts up towards a group of boys looking down at the young girl and boy. The use of the titling camera is to show the power of the the group of boys in this scene. The boys are looking down at the young boy and girl and laughing at them. Therefore this particular camera technique could have been used to show the group of boys are superior to the young boy and girl.
Framing of Shots:
At the very start of the film when the first opening title appears, there is a close-up of a book. There are a lot of mid-shots of people talking throughout the opening sequence, and close-ups of each characters face. The use of close-ups could be to identify the audience with the characters, but also to show the audience the reactions of the characters. There are many long shots of a boy walking, in order to show audience the setting. At one point there is also a close-up of a young boy and girl holding hands.
Camera Angles:
There are various over-the-shoulder shots, of a young boy talking to various different girls. The uses of these over-the-shoulder shots in this opening are to show the audience each girls reaction to the boy asking the same question to each one of them 'Would you like to dance?'. A low angle is used to show a group of boys looking down at the young girl and boy, and also a high angle to show the young boy and girl looking up towards the group of boys. These low angles and high angles are used to show which characters are superior and which characters are inferior.
Selection of mise-en-scène:
Throughout the opening sequence many props are used in order to allow the audience to become familiar with the surroundings. At the very start of the opening titles a diary/book is shown with various bits of writing and photos of young girls. The opening is mostly filmed in once specific place, with lots of young people present. The young people are wearing dresses and suits, which shows it is some sort of formal event. The use of balloons and music in the background also show the audience that this is some kind of event, in this case an American school disco/prom. There is one main boy in the opening, and 5 main girls, however there are many other characters used as well.
Editing Directions:
In this particular opening there are many jump cuts in order to shock audiences when they least expect it. This happens when the film goes us the opening titles and will quickly change, showing us an extract of the film. They also use various cutting rates, where frequent cuts are used to surprise or emphasise, and also a quickening cutting rhythm.
Sound Techniques:
In this particular opening scene many different sounds are used. At the start there is a slow yet mysterious music in the background that follows all the way through to the end of the opening scene, which is an example of non-diegetic sound. However a lot of dialogue is used throughout the opening, the main voices of the boy and the young girls he is approaching to talk to during the clips were the boy is talking to these girls a heartbeat sound also can be heard (non-diegetic sound). Other sounds such as laughing can also be heard in the background, at one point we can hear the music playing in the actual setting, instead of the music that is just being played on top of the clips. Towards the end of the opening, we hear a group of boys laughing and teasing the main boy, and the sounds of something being poured over the boy, these are all diegetic sounds.
Actor's Positioning and Movement:
Analysis Questions-
· Who is the victim and who is the villain?
In this particular opening the villain and hero/victim is quite difficult to identify. However, the audience assumes that the young boy is the victim and the young girls and group of boys are the more villain type characters. We can also see someone with a mask in the background watching the main character. We believe the young boy to be the victim as throughout the opening he is being picked on by the group of boys and the young girls belittle him, especially when we are shown them laughing at him. Along with that, the person in the mask who we see in the background at various points in the opening looks extremely suspicious as they are observing the main characters every move.
· Where is the story set? What does this tell you about the genre of the film?
The story appears to be set in an American school disco/prom, with lots of young children in dresses and suits. As this is a horror film the setting is not at all typical, as we relate horror films to dark, hidden settings.
· How many principal characters?
There are various principle characters in this opening, the main one being a young boy. There are also 4 main girls who the boy approaches at different points during the opening. Other characters include a group of boys, and other young people.
· How is the story told? Chronologically? Or does it switch between present and past? What is the effect?
The story is told in a chronological order, as the events follow each other in a clear order.
· What question are you left with?
The audience may be left shocked, and may wonder what will happen to the boy who has been beaten up. Along with this the audience will question what part this particular scene with the young children, will play in the actual film.
The Chainsaw Massacre (2006)-
Titling:
The opening titles are extremely small, in white writing. They appear every 3-4 seconds throughout the opening sequence. All the titles appear on a black backing which fades into the image, and the first title says ‘New Line Cinema Presents’. The next title that follows is ‘In Association with Michael Bay’, followed by ‘A Platinum Dunes/ Next Entertainment Production’. The next one is ‘A Vortex/Henkel/Hooper Production’, and unlike most opening titles the films name appears next, instead of at the end, which is ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning’, and is shown in slightly larger writing than the other titles. From about 0.35-1.15, the actors are listed. After this appear the titles ‘Casting By...’, ‘Co-producers…’, ‘Music By…’, ‘Costume Designer…’, ‘Production Designer…’, ‘Director of Photography…’, ‘Executive Producer…’, ‘Produced By…’, ‘Screenplay…’, and finally ‘Directed By…’.
Camera Movement:
The opening starts with the camera panning through different pictures, and a name on a board. The use of panning through these pictures may be used in order for the audience to concentrate on each picture, as they believe it may tell them something about the film. The camera is also tilted upwards to show various photographs of people, and tilting is also used when showing the audience an old building. The camera also zooms into a lot of images shown, for example when they would like the audience to focus on the headline of a particular newspaper.
Framing of Shot:
The opening sequence is mainly made up of close-up, for example, at the start of the opening the audience can see various close-ups of old photographs, and a close-up of a bloody faced is also shown. There is also a close-up of a sharp knife, and blood dripping, along with this there is another close-up of a bandaged face, dirty looking hands, someone’s eyes, pictures being burnt, and even more bloody objects. There are also some long shots in the opening scene, one of them being a wind generator in the middle of a field, and an extreme long-shot of a house. The use of long shots in this opening is to show the audience that the film is set in the middle of nowhere, and the old looking house, allows the viewers to identify that this is a horror film.
Camera Angles:
Various high angles are used looking down on photographs, and at also a high angle looking down at a dead animal, and when a boy is looking into a mirror. Low angles are also used, for example, when the audience are looking up to a young boy. The low angle of the young boy, gives us the impression that he has power over the dead dog which is shown in a high angle shot. Also giving the audience the impression that maybe the young boy had something to do with the death of the dog.
Selection of mise-en-scène:
Altogether the opening title is extremely dark and uses things such as fire and smoke. The audience sees a young boy at one point in the opening, and as for the other characters in the opening, we only get to see their head, eyes and hands. The opening is filmed in some sort of workshop where the audience witness various gruesome objects such as bloody knifes and body parts. We can tell that the setting is remote as we only get shown the house which has nothing else around it, just fields.
Editing Directions:
There are many dissolve/fade in shots at the start as they are showing us various objects such as a photograph. There are also shortening cutting rhythms to draw the audience’s attention. At some parts in the opening they use defocus/ripple dissolves as well. As time goes on some cuts become a lot more faster, showing us a number of different images.
Sound Techniques:
At the start there is an animal like sound that seems to be louder and louder, soon after mysterious music is brought in to build up the tension. When the music comes in, along with comes a ticking noise, and a loud bang. At different points throughout the opening the music can get louder or quieter. There are also a lot or random sounds added in such as screaming and hissing sounds. Towards the end of the opening the music gets extremely loud, but ends with a sudden silence.
Actor's Positioning and Movement:
Analysis Questions-
· Who is the victim and who is the villain?
The victim and the villain are hard to identify in the first 2 minutes of this particular film. However, we do see the hands of what we believe to be the villain, handling the pictures and also masking somebody's face up, the face of the person we believe to be the victim. We are also shown a young boy in the first 2 minutes of the opening, dragging a dead dog. When watching the opening it seems clear that the young boy may be working or helping the villain in some way.
· Where is the story set? What does this tell you about the genre of the film?
The only settings we are shown in the opening are of remote open areas, for examples fields. In the middle of the field there is a wind generator. We are also shown a old yet extremely large, also sitting in an open field. The remote area is typical of a horror film, as it shows that the story is far away from any normal world.
· How many principal characters?
The only characters we are shown, are the face of the victim, and a young boy.
· How is the story told? Chronologically? Or does it switch between present and past? What is the effect?
The story isn't necessarily shown in a chronological order. The story switches from different places. At one point the audience is shown the victim being masked up, then we are shown the remote setting of the film, and we are also shown the boy looking down at the dead animal on the floor. This effect makes viewers suspicious and at the same time confused, and left with questions about what is actually happening.
· What question are you left with?
The questions we are left with when watching the opening are: Who's house are we being shown?and who is the victim and what is the reason for the villain to hurt him? We also question who the people are in the pictures, and why someone is destroying these pictures.
Creep (2004)-
Titling:
Most of the titles of the opening scene are used over an image instead of black backgrounds. The titles are in a white plain font, however behind the writing are scribbled lines, and the writing is highlighted with a yellow bright light as it appears on the screen. The first title which appears on the screen is ‘U.K Film Council Presents’, then the title ‘ In association with Filmstiftung Nordrhein-Westfalan’, ‘A Dan Films Production’ then follows, and then ‘In co-production with zero west’, the actors names then appear, this time behind a black background. More titles are then shown which include, ‘Casting Director…’, ‘Special Make-up Effects…’, ‘Hair and Make-up Designer…’, ‘Costume Designer…’, ‘Production Designer..’, ‘Music…’, ‘Editor…’, ‘Director of Photography…’, ‘Line Producer…’, ‘Executive producer…’, ‘Co-producer…’, ‘Producers…’, ‘Written and Directed By…’, and finally the name of the film ‘Creep’ which appears in the same style as the other titles, but a lot bigger, with a orange flashing light.
Camera Movement:
The camera movement of a lot of the opening is basically just panning through a lot of disfigured yellow objects, which audiences will find hard to identify what exactly they are. The camera also zooms into a lot of these objects. Zooming into these certain objects allow the audience to pay careful attention to these images, which may tell us the audience what is happening. At one point the camera follows a woman who seems to be being chased. A lot of the time the camera movements are almost like hand-held shots. The hand-held shots in this opening adds to the confusion and chaos of the opening 2 minutes.
Framing of Shot:
Many of the shots being filmed are close-ups, which are mostly of the yellow disfigured objects mentioned previously, however there are various close-ups of a woman. One of her face, looking frightened and worried, and other shots such as blood on the floor, and someone putting their bloody hand over the woman’s face. There are also some mid shots of the woman running away from something.
Camera Angles:
Most of the opening is filmed from an eye-level angle, where the audience can observe the scene. Eye-level angles also allow the audience to feel as if they are experiencing what the character is experiencing in the film, as we are on the same level as the character. There is also a high angle shot, when we can see a hand being held over the woman’s face. And also some low angles, when the woman is running away. The woman is shown as weak and naive, when using a high angle shot to show the woman struggling.
Selection of mise-en-scène:
The opening uses both bright lighting and darker lighting to create effect. The opening is quite disfigured and therefore it is unclear where the film is being set. The woman’s clothes are full of blood and therefore we can tell she is in some sort of trouble. The woman appears to be running in some sort of passage which appears to be extremely dark, therefore we can guess that she is in a remote area seeking help.
Editing Directions:
Various jump cuts are used and also quickening cutting rhythm, when the woman is running.
Sound Tehniques:
The same sort of music is used in this opening, very mysterious, creating tension, used all the way through the opening. Along with this other sharp sounds are used. The sound of a woman crying comes in at one point in the opening.
Actor's Positioning and Movement:
Analysis Questions-
· Who is the victim and who is the villain?
It is clear that the victim in this film is the woman. We know this because it is clear that she is running away from something, and at point point is captured. On the other hand, the villain is not made visible. The audience are shown the hands of somebody over the woman's face, however we aren't shown the face of the villain in the film.
Where is the story set? What does this tell you about the genre of the film?
The setting is not completely visible in the opening sequence of this film, however it seems typical of a horror film, this is because the location seems to be dark, where no people are present, typical of a horror film.
· How many principal characters?
There is only one principal character in this particular opening scene, the principal character being the woman.
· How is the story told? Chronologically? Or does it switch between present and past? What is the effect?
Most of the story in the first opening minutes of the film is in a chronological order, where we witness the woman running away from her attacker.
· What question are you left with?
The audience may be sightly confused to what the woman is running away from, and why this villain wants to capture her. Along with hiss the audience might question where this woman is, and how she ended up in this location in the first play.
Nightmare on Elm Street(1984)-
Titling:
The first title that appears onscreen is ‘New Line Cinema Media Home Entertainment, Inc. & Smart Egg Pictures Present’. This title appears against a black background, in white bold writing, however the film is still being shown on the screen at the same time. The next title is shown in the same way and says ‘a Robert Shaye Production’. After this appears the title, ‘a Wes Craven film’ and the whole screen turns black, with the name of the film ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’. The word ‘Nightmare’ in big bold red writing. Shortly after this, the names of the actors starring in the film appear, this time over the image. The next titles shown are ‘Casting by…’, ‘Director of Photography…’, ‘Production Designer…’,’Mechanical Special Effects Designed by…’,’Associate Producer…’,’Film Editor…’,’Music by…’,’Co-producer…’,’Executive Producers…’,’Produced by…’, and finally ‘Written and Directed by…’.
Camera Movement:
At the very start of the opening the camera pans, following someone’s footsteps. The camera also slowly zooms into a woman from behind at one point in the opening. By slowly zooming into the woman from behind, it creates an eerie effect, and the audience feel fearful for the character in the film, anticipating that something bad will happen. There are various other points when the camera uses dolly shots/panning as it is following the woman. The panning shots following the woman, almost gives the audience the impression that somebody or something is watching her every move, following her footsteps. Tilts are also used when following the woman.
Framing of Shot:
Many close-ups are used in the opening of this film, especially at the very start, for example, close-ups of someone’s feet walking, a close-up of various tools, close-ups of someone’s hand picking up things, and making things. Close-ups allow the audience to concentrate on these particular things, especially an emotion on someone's face, in this case fear. There is also a close-up to show the reaction on a woman’s face, which becomes an extreme close-up. There is an extreme long-shot of a woman running towards the camera. There are various mid-shots of the same woman as well.
Camera of Angles:
At the start of the opening sequence, we can see someone’s hands picking up different objects, this is filmed from a high angle. There are also a few low angles when the woman is running through what it looks like a factory.
Selection of mise-en-scène:
Most of the opening seems to be filmed in a sort of working site/factory, as there are many tools and machinery throughout the opening sequence. Overall the opening is quite dark and grim, however at one point there is a bright light that appears behind the woman that makes me think that she is in some sort of dream. Something else that makes me think she is in a dream is that she is wearing a long white nightie. It is clear that there is someone evil in the film as there is a man in black chasing after the woman, he also has sharp glove like things on his hand, to show he is out to hurt somebody.
Editing Directions:
One of the clips at the start of the opening is faded/dissolves quickly in order for the title of the film to be shown. After this, there is a quickening cutting rhythm, as they show a claw scratching through sheet, this is done in order to build up tension. There is also a reaction shot, where an animal suddenly comes out from nowhere, we then see the woman’s reaction. Another example of a reaction shot is when we see hands in black gloves appear from the door, we then see woman’s reaction. At the end of the opening scene a jump cut is used. The woman just finds out there is someone behind her, we then see her sitting up, awakening from her dream. This is used to end the action in order to create shock or a dramatic point.
Sound Techniques:
Same sort of mysterious music used in the background. However, along with this is the sound of dripping water and machinery being used. There are also sounds of heavy breathing. When the title of the film appears on the screen the music becomes louder. Screaming can also be heard at different points throughout the opening. There are also sounds of footsteps as the woman is running, and evil sounding laughter, but also the sounds of a baby crying.
Actor's Positioning and Movement:
Analysis Questions-
· Who is the victim and who is the villain?
The victim in the film is a young woman, we understand that she is the victim as she is being followed by someone or something throughout the first 2 minutes of the film. The villain is only shown in full towards the end of the opening. The villain comes up behind the young girl, we cannot see his face properly. Throughout the first 2 minutes we also see parts of the villain, we see half of his face behind a wall, and his claws ripping into a white sheet.
Where is the story set? What does this tell you about the genre of the film?
The story is set in a dark, damp location, and then we are shown an area which looks like some sort of factory, which metal bars and equipment everywhere.
· How many principal characters?
There are two principal characters in the opening of the film, the young victim and the villain who is only shown towards the end of the opening scene.
· How is the story told? Chronologically? Or does it switch between present and past? What is the effect?
The story is told chronologically as we follow the girl who is being watched by the attacker who is waiting to capture her. At the end of the opening, we are shown the same girl waking up from a dream, therefore we the audience realise that what we had been watching had only been part of the victims cream. This gives the audience a sense of relief.
· What question are you left with?
The questions we are left with at the end of the opening scene, are mainly why did this young girl have this dream, and is this dream will soon turn into a reality.
Halloween (2007)-
Titling:
Unlike the other opening sequences I have analysed this certain opening does not have many opening titles. They have the title ‘Dimension Films’ at the very start in a plain white writing against a black background. After this they have a quote, which sets the scene for the film. Lastly they have the name of the film, in much larger writing than the previous titles, but in the same font. There are no actor’s names, director names, or any other titles present. The reason for this could be because of the low budget of the film, which is typical of a horror film. Another reason why the opening titles might not be shown at the start of the opening sequence may be because they want to get straight into the film.
Camera Movement:
At the very start of the opening, the audience are shown a town house, and the camera slowly zooms out to give us a full picture of the house. The use of zooming into the house through the window acts as a face, moving in towards an eye, creating a sense of mystery. The camera then uses a crane shot moving upwards towards the top of the house.
Framing of Shots:
There is a mid shot of a town house, which then turns into a long shot. There are also many close-ups in the opening, one of them being a close-up of a rat in a glass, and shortly after a close-up of someone with a clown mask looking through the glass. The close-ups may be used in order for the audience to become familiar with the characters in the film. There is another close-up of someone’s hand picking up the rat. There are various mid shots close-ups and long shots of a man and woman who are talking in a kitchen. The long shots could be used in order for the audience to identify the setting, which in this case in a kitchen and what meaning this has.
Camera Angles:
There are various low angles in the opening of the film, for example when someone in the clowns mask in look down at the rats in the cage. Some high angle shots and low angle shots are used when the characters are talking to each other, the young girl is looking up to her mother when she is talking to her, and the mother is looking down at her child who is sitting at the table. The use of low angles and high angles in this opening is to show the power some characters have. For example, the pet rat is shown to be inferior to the person in the mask.
Selection of Mise en Scene:
The setting in which the opening is filmed is not at all typical of the setting of a typical horror film. At the very start they show you an American town house. After this, the opening is filmed in the actual house, filming in the bedroom and the kitchen. Most characters are wearing ordinary clothing. The woman is wearing a sophisticated dressing gown, whilst making breakfast which suggests she is the main women in the household. We get the impression that that character at the start of the opening is quite strange due to the fact that he is wearing a clown’s mask, and appears to have rats for pets.
Editing Directions:
There are not many editing techniques in the first 2 minutes of this opening. However, there are various cutaway shots, for example, when there is a change of location, in this case from the outside of the case to the boy’s room. There is also a cutaway shot when the location changes from the boy’s room to the kitchen.
Sound techniques:
During the opening titles the music is typical to that of a horror film- creepy and mysterious. However, after the opening titles have finished and we are shown the house, the music suddenly becomes loud, upbeat and rocky. The music then fades out when we are introduced to the first character and we can hear him speaking to the rats that he is picking up. After this, we are introduced to several other characters, and the audience can hear the conversation between two characters, this gets louder and louder as they are shouting at each other. Music is still playing faintly in the background, and at one point there is a baby crying fairly loudly.
Positioning and movement of actors:
Analysis Questions-
· Who is the victim and who is the villain?
At the very start of the opening the camera zooms in towards the house and then slowly zooms into the window. The windows acting as eyes for the audience. We are then shown a boy in his bedroom, wearing a mask. Masks are seen as stereotypical for villains, therefore we assume that this young boy will the villain of this particular film. He is looking at a pet rat, sitting in a cage. This shows the boys power.
Where is the story set? What does this tell you about the genre of the film?
The film starts off in a house, and is set in a bedroom and a kitchen. The house in the film is quite gritty and outdated suggesting its mysteriousness. The house in the opening is not at at all typical of any house shown in most horror films, which are usually old fashioned, extremely large houses, in the middle of nowhere.
· How many principal characters?
In the opening of the film there are 4 principal characters, the boy in the start of the film with the mask on, the mother, the stepdad, and the older sister.
· How is the story told? Chronologically? Or does it switch between present and past? What is the effect?
The story is told chronologically and does not switch between past and present. We are first shown a young boy in his bedroom, and then the audience are taken to the kitchen, where the mother and stepdad are having breakfast.
· What question are you left with?
Towards the end of the opening the mother and stepdad are arguing, we are left wondering why they are arguing. We also question why the young boy at the start of the opening is wearing a mask, and what part this plays in the actual film.
Classification and Certification:
The BBFC is a non-governmental organization, funded by the film industry that classifys films within the United Kingdom. The BBFC allocates these films, videos, DVD's and video with a certificate age that allows audiences to determine whether they are suitable for viewing.
The certificate ages allocated to UK films range from suitable for all ages, to strictly for adults and those aged 18 or over based on their content.
U(Universal):
A film that is classified as a 'U' is suitable for audiences aged 4 and over. Films under this certificate are set within a positive moral framework, meaning that there is no distressing images of violence, threat or horror that may upset the child audience.
PG(Parental Guidance):
PG rated films are understood to be suitable for most, however, the film may contain some scenes that are unsuitable for young children and parents are advised to take this into careful consideration. PG films are suitable for most children aged 8 and over, include only mild bad language, discreet nudity and sexual references, no prolonged horror references and no reference to drug use.
12A/12:
Exactly the same criteria is used for a ‘12A’ film and a ‘12’ film. These films are only to be viewed by someone over the age of 12 (unless accompanied by an adult) as it contains a lot of unsuitable material for children under this particular age. An adult may take a child under the age of 12, if they believe the film to be suitable. The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinemas. No one under the age of 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.
15:
Films that are rated 15 are suitable for those aged 15 and over, no younger. No-one younger than 15 can view or rent a 15 film. Films given this rating may deal with ideas and topics that are not suitable for younger audiences, such as the use of strong language, mild sexual activity and nudity, no clear use of drugs and violence or horror is mild, focusing on the infliction of pain is unaccepted.
18:
Films rated 18 are suitable for adults and those over the age of 18 only, no-one under the age of 18 can watch or rent a film with this rating. There are no constraints on language, horror or nudity, although the board can cut or reject any detailed dangerous or violent acts, explicit images of sexual activity and illegal use of drugs without justification.
Classification and target audience for our film:
Classification of our film:
After conducting this research on film classification, our group had to consider what certificate would be best for our film, in order to keep to the acceptable contents of the allocated certificate ages. After much thought we decided to rate our film an ‘15’, due to the fact that we believe the topics in our particular film unsuitable for anyone below this age. In our film, there is some use of strong language, in our film there will also be the use of mild sexual activity, and the use of violence. Also as it is a physiological horror, we believed that a certificate of anything under the age of ‘15’ would be inappropriate. Even though many of these things, including strong language, mild sexual nudity and the use of violence may not necessarily be used much in the first opening 2 minutes of our film, the storyline, which is based on the life of a violent and mentally deranged stalker. This could therefore distress younger viewers, and may encourage negative behaviour and attitudes, therefore is better suited for a more mature age of 15.
Target audience of our film:
Our film will be targeted to young adults (16-30 year olds), as we believe that this group of people will be able to identify themselves with some of the characters shown in the film and the storyline topic (stalking). Research shows that one in five women and one in ten men aged 16-30, become the victim of stalkers, at least for a short while in their lifetime. Other issues that are highlighted in our film, such as teenage love, jealousy amongst friends, and aspirations will also attract this younger audience.
Fox Searchlight Pictures is a film division of 20th Century Fox, which was established in 1994. Fox Searchlight Pictures specializes in mainly British films, Indie films, and horror films as well as non-English language films, and is variously involved with the production and/or distribution of these films. 'Slumdog Millionaire', which was a Fox Searchlight's won an Academy Award for Best Picture as well as 7 other Academy Awards as well. Other Fox Searchlight films which received Best Picture nomination include 'The Full Monty', 'Little Miss Sunshine' and 'Juno'.
