LLM: Technical analysis

 

 

Summary of what I have learnt
In this task I have gathered that I should use a range of different camera techniques to convey the slasher sub-genre of the horror film genre. The key techniques I should use are; the POV shot; Handicam shot; long shot; and close-ups. The POV shot builds up tension very well as it creates a fright factor for the audience who are able gain an understanding of the characters perspective. The handicam displays a sense of presence with the character and causes jeopardy which the audience can identify. The long shot and close-up contrast each other; the long shot shows the surroundings of the character, and where they are, whereas the close up shows their emotions in response to something. This links into an important edit that caught my intention, which was the shot reverse shot; this technique is key because it shows the reactions of two characters after actions have occurred.

Sound

Silence is very effective in this clip of 'The Strangers'; it is used to build up suspense and tension and further used as a scare factor for Liv. Liv is sitting in the corner of the room and is listening quietly to what could be out there. The diegetic sound of Liv's breathing is also very important as it illustrates her fear, and as she builds up to walking to the window, her breathing gets louder and faster because of her anxiousness. Furthermore, the diegetic sound of the recod turning on at the peak of the action has an impact on the building of fear on the Liv, creating an enigma code as to why music is being turned on when she has just looked at the antagonist outside the window.

Editing

The Shot/Reverse shot is used to great effect in this clip, it occurs when Liv opens the window were she has recognised the noise, and as she opens the window the antagonist is standing right there; the shot shows this, and then shows the reaction of Liv, which is a loud scream of fear, and then shoots back to the antagonist who places his palm on the window which causes Liv to turn and run. Continuity editing is also present when Liv runs into another room of the house and the edit is creating the illusion of reality (verisimilitude).

Mise-en-scene

The use of Props is key in this extract; Liv is seen to be holding a knife for defence. The role the prop plays is to show even though she is has control of the knife, she is still being terrorised and is in jeopardy; this is shown when the antagonist puts his palm on the window showing he has no prop to fright Liv, and so the knife is of no use to her. Further, the masks that the two antagonists use in this sequence is very effective as it creates a fright factor and intimidate Liv.