Captured: Directors' Featurette

Evaluation 4

Evaluation Part 2

Evaluation 3

Evaluation 1

Frankenstein (1931) Full Evaluation

Film Title:  Frankenstein (1931)

Genre/Genres: Horror

Director: James Whale

Personal Rating: 6/10

Synopsis:

Henry Frankenstein is a doctor who is trying to discover a way to bring the dead back. He succeeds and creates a monster that has to deal with the living again.

Which two scenes impressed you the most? Why?

One scene that particularly impressed me was the ‘’It’s Alive!’’ scene. Several horror conventions were used to establish the genre and to intrigue the audience.  The first of which was the general mise-en-scene. This is apparent in what the characters are first wearing. While the ‘’mad doctor’’ wears a white lab jacket and his minion a black jacket, the others wear domestic attire to establish the characters and their roles within the scene. The next is their body language and facial expressions. The doctor is over enthusiastic; screaming over his success, whereas the other two men try to detain him whilst the woman sits back in horror (A common trope of the genre, supporting Laura Mulveys Male Gaze Theory). The next is cinematography. A mix of candid and high/low angles is used to establish power and mental state. The doctor has many high angle shots looking down on him, as we, the audience are judging his madness; whereas the monster is given plenty of low angle shots to establish his large size and overwhelming power. Setting and Iconography also play a large role within the scene. This is clear by the isolated room. This lack of no escape is typical of the genre. Many of the props connote horror well (electric torture machines) and also aid in the establishment of the genre.  Motivated lighting, diegetic sound and pathetic fallacy are all used well to establish the genre. The dark lighting mixed with lightning strikes helps establish a fast paced sequence that adds to the horror of the piece. This is mainly through pathetic fallacy as lightning has connotations of harm and uncertainty, as does the genre.

Another scene that really intrigued me was the ‘’Torch-Wielding Mob’’ scene.  Many horror conventions were used to establish genre and to interest the audience. The first of which was the mise-en-scene.  The settings used and described played heavily to the genres stereotypes. The first use of the town hall helped to add government authority and involvement, often typical of horror films. The other three settings of the lake, mountains and woods were all isolated areas, and all of which were typical areas used as back drops in horror films, connoting the genre. This is also complimented by the use of low-key lighting and the diegetic sound of dogs barking/ the mob yelling, as it establishes night and adds a sense of looming threat from the mob.  The next of which was the attire of the mob. Genders were clearly defined and the roles of men as the disciplinarians were also established. This was due to the men being all dressed the same and the body language/ facial expressions of the women. They were shocked at the sight of the mob and hid from their path, showing the men as the dominant power, as is typical of the horror genre. Another massive Icon was the use of phallic symbols. The use of the hundreds of torches was used well to establish the mobs power and its motivations.

Which aspects of the film would you like to include in your own trailer? Why?

I would like to use several of the forms used within the film. The first of which would be setting. It has been made abundantly clear to me that setting is key in establishing genre from the very get-go. I hope to use an isolated area that connotes isolation with a lack of escape as it really hits home a message of horror appealing to our basic fears. This is shown by Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs as when our basic needs are questioned we are at our most fearful.  I would hope to emulate the same sounds/ lighting I have seen throughout as well. This is because it helps give atmosphere, and then allowing for the use of pathetic fallacy to full shock effect.

What were the best aspects/ more enjoyable moment in the film? Why? How can you recreate this in your own trailer? How?

My favourite part of the film was the lake scene between Frankenstein and the little girls. This is due to its symbolism. Frankenstein being an outsider is finally accepted by someone from the mainstream (albeit a little girl). This is a metaphor for society and its lack of empathy for those outside its CDI. This may well appeal to its target audience as horror often attracts outsiders/ reformers due to their progression and liberal themes such as this one.  However in the end his accident costs him and he is pushed back to the outside as the CDI will not accept him and his ways; another fantastic comment on society.Frankenstein shaped the landscape for cinematic horror. It is remarkable that the conventions established in this film would continue to be used by filmmakers for over four decades.

How does the film show the influence of its "auteur" director? How does it show the director's filmmaking style and soul? Give examples of three scenes from the movie that show their auteur style.

Whale was heavily influenced by German Expressionism. He was an admirer of the films of Paul Leni, combining elements of gothic horror and comedy. This influence isevident in Frankenstein, drawn in part from the work of Paul Wegener and his film The Golem (1915) along with The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) from Robert Wiene, which Whale reportedly screened repeatedly while preparing to shoot Frankenstein.

One example of this is during the establishing shot of Frankenstein’s castle. The establishment of gothic themes stems back to Whale’s’ own interests and is used throughout a number of his works to establish genre and themes of darkness/ heavily relying on setting.

Another example is the character of Frankenstein’s monster. Throughout his works he uses costume and props to establish his antagonists/ protagonists, and is used as a signifier throughout his works. This is clear throughout this film through his monster, the authorities and the local population.

He was also credited with being the first director to use a 360-degree panning shot in a feature film, included in Frankenstein. Whale used a similar technique during the Ol' Man River sequence in Show Boat. The camera tracked around Paul Robeson as he sang the song. (The sequence used expressionist montages to show some of the lyrics.) This is clear in Frankenstein as the series of shots used to introduce the Monster: ‘‘Nothing can ever quite efface the thrill of watching the successive views Whale's mobile camera allows us of the lumbering figure’’

Captured: Final Cut (ENSFC Horror Trailer)

Nosferatu Full Evaluation

Film Title:  Nosferatu (1922)

Genre/Genres: Thriller, Horror

Director: F.W. Murnau

Personal Rating: 7/10

Synopsis:

Thomas Hutter lives in the fictitious German city of Wisborg. His employer, Knock, sends Hutter to Transylvania to visit a new client named Count Orlok who wishes to purchase a home just across from Hutter and his attractive wife.  Upon his arrival he is taken close to the counts home in Transylvania, yet all of the town’s people seem abrasive upon nearing the castle due to a recent plague of missing people. Eventually Hutter arrives and the count happily obliges to buy the home after admiring an image of Hutter’s wife. After becoming suspicious of the counts sleeping patterns, and marks on his neck, Hutter decides to investigate, when he stumbles upon the counts crypt. In a state of shock he runs to his room.  He sends word of warning to his wife before passing out. The count then sneaks away in the dead of night in coffins bound for Hutter’s home; locking Hutter in his room in the process. In a failed attempt to escape Hutter falls from a makeshift rope and is taken to hospital. Throughout the journey Orlok causes much damage and is attributed with causing a plague. Hutter’s wife researches vampires in the meantime and discovers they can be killed by pure virgins and decides she is willing to sacrifice herself for the later good. Hutter awakes from his illness and rushes to his wife’s aid, but in his poor state is once more admitted to a psych hospital and in mass hysteria, blamed for the plague. Orlok arrives to find a willing wife, but caught in the moment; forgets the time, and is destroyed by the sun’s rays. Hutter eventually escapes, ending on a scene where he and his wife are seen embracing, celebrating the evil counts demise.

Which two scenes impressed you the most? Why?

One scene that impressed me was towards the end when she sacrifices herself to kill the vampire. A mix of conventions is used to explore the scene and intrigue the audience. The first of which is cinematography. Throughout the scene a mix of shots are used in order to convey messages of horror and a lack of escape. The first of which is the low angle shot looking up towards Nosferatu in the building across the road. This immediately establishes both the power relationship and Nosferatu as the antagonist.  The cinematography also uses candid angles to enable them to use shadows. This is clear in the final moments of the scene when the shadow of Nosferatu takes the heart of the helpless women. This strange use of cinematography and shadows is conventional of the horror genres as shadows/ things that are there but can’t be seen are typical of the genre. The next convention that stands out in this scene is the setting. The domestic setting of the bedroom offset against an industrial background in the middle of the night heavily connotes the horror genre.  The domestic and small room with only one door helps establish a feeling of no escape, while the industrial background clashes with the home, a metaphor for the clash of evil outside and home within.  The general mise-en-scene of the piece also adds to the horror of the piece. While the character of Nosferatu quickly establishes horror through body language and his general attire, the whites worn by the women and her weak movements help to establish her as vulnerable and as Nosferatu preparing to take advantage, typical of the horror genre.

Another interesting scene is the counts escape from the castle and subsequent entrapment of Thomas. This appeals to a horror audience and connotes the genre in several ways. The first of which is setting. The eerie background of the dark castle and nigh time setting helps to establish a feel of horror from the very beginning. The next convention of horror is the use of props. Nosferatu uses coffins to transport himself to Thomas’ wife. Not only do the coffins bare religious connotation (Typical of the genre) but they also emphasise the lack of escape and lack of escape from the fate of his wife due to their isolated interiors.  The general mise-en-scene also helps to build an air of horror and mystery. The attire worn by both men speaks to this. While Thomas wears very little the colours he wears connotes purity, whereas the counts dark attire paints him as the antagonist and helps in his character development.

How has watching this film helped you understand this genre of filmmaking? Which features on the genre checklist did you spot in the film? When? How?

Which aspects of the film would you like to include in your own trailer? Why?

The main aspects I wish to incorporate in my own film are firstly the mise-en-scene. Be it through the acting and body language of my cast to provide character development, or the iconography associated with their attire (i.e. mask) I would also like to use a mix of cinematography. This is a key principle in features but even more so in indie film making and I believe a mix of conventional shots mixed with candid angles and hand held shots would really compliment my film. I would also like to add both diegetic and non-diegetic sound in order to build pace and excitement through pitch and tone.

What aspects of the film would you like to avoid in your own trailer? Why?

I would like to avoid giving too much of the narrative structure away, as is typical of contemporary horror’s nowadays.  I would also like to steer clear of dead in the water film. This means a lack of music and dull sequences. Short and sweet with plenty of action to keep my audience intrigued, while using conventional iconography to establish genre.

What was the best aspect/ more enjoyable moment in the film? Why? How can you recreate this in your own trailer? How?

The most enjoyable moment of the film for me was the ending. The use of quick action and fast cinematography (i.e. eye line matches/ shot-reverse-shots) kept me in the moment, while the general mise-en-scene of the scene clearly established genre and the antagonist. It gave a well-structured end and sense of finish.

How does the film show the influence of its "auteur" director? How does it show the director's filmmaking style and soul? Give examples of three scenes from the movie that show their auteur style.

The film’s director is highly acclaimed as one of the forefathers of the horror genre, and Nosferatu itself is quoted as being one of the first real horrors.  This is due to German expressionism and these films heavy ties to the early movement of horror as a genre. 

Personal Trailer Reviews: Alien

Alien

Year: 1979

Genre: Horror

Personal Mark: 7

The Alien trailer utilizes several of the horror genres key conventions to establish genre and appeal to their target audience.  The first of which is cinematography. Throughout the trailer broad establishing shots of planets are used to establish the film as a hybrid Sifi-horor film. This is once again echoed by the mise-en-scene of the entire trailer. The use of props and costume clearly defines this as a hybrid. (I.e. The space suits, Alien eggs, flashing red lights)  Another good use of horror conventions is the mise-en-scene. The body language and the facial expressions of the actors connote fear well and helps establish the genre. A really iconic convention used in the establishment of the horror genre is the use of diegetic and non-diegetic sound. The use of silence cannot be underrated. It is this silence that helps to establish an air of looming threat and total isolation; both key conventions/ building blocks of the horror genre. However it is also used to create action and add potency to the more gory scenes. This is evident in the gut scene and the music once built up adds to the tension of the scene.

However there is room for improvement. While the sweeping establishing shots boast the features budget and give it wide scope, very little of the narrative is divulged. That’s not to say the narrative isn’t explored, but the audience sees very little in the way of sustenance, instead relying on special effects to intrigue the audience to watch. This also allows for very little character development, meaning very little investment from the audience in the characters.

Overall I gave the trailer a 7. It’s a relatively good trailer that shows its budget of well, but could use more character development for audience investment and intrigue. 

Personal Trailer Reviews: The Exorcist

The Exorcist

Year: 1973

Genre: Horror

Personal Mark: 7

The exorcist utilizes several horror conventions in order to establish genre and appeal to their target audience. The first of which is setting and character. The suburban nuclear family is clearly represented from the get go. This is to appeal to a mainstream audience, thus making as much profit as possible on release. However that being said its subject matter and use of isolation (trapped within the home) would hopefully appeal to outsiders, thus using the genres conventions to appeal to a wide audience. Another key convention they use is both diegetic and non-diegetic sound. This is used throughout the trailer and is used to create a sense of urgency and unrest. They do this by increasing the pace/ tone of the music and character dialogue, alongside using several sound effects for key scenes, such as in the bedroom when it begins to be destroyed. They also use mystery well. They do not, at any point, reveal the face of the protagonist (The exorcist) or the antagonist (possessed girl). This is also complimented by the mise-en-scene. The character body language aids to show character relationships and advance the narratives, while the general use of props and clothing establishes character roles (i.e. Priests) and establishes the general narrative for the audience without giving too much away.

This being said there is still room for improvement. While I understand an air of mystery may provoke intrigue and thus a captivated audience but we do not see our protagonist until the very end. While it interests us as to the who?; It means we are not shown the full scope of the narrative and cannot then invest with the central protagonist.  The use of a very generic setting also bores the audience. While it’s understandable the key action would take place in the bedroom a few varied location shots wouldn’t go amiss, even if just to stimulate the audience.

Overall the trailer is relatively well put together, building pace through sound and cinematography, but it could be improved with a variety of locations and the establishment of the antagonist.

Personal Trailer Reviews: The Shinning

The Shinning

Year: 1980

Genre: Horror

Personal Mark: 8

The Shinning utilizes several of the horror genres key conventions in order to establish the film and intrigue their target audience. They first do this through cinematography. Throughout the trailer they use a wide array of establishing shots of a mountain/wooded isolated area. The exploration of this isolation is both key to establishing the motive to the narrative, but also to add a looming sense of threat commonly found within the genre. Another key convention the use is the mise-en-scene. Everything from symbolic coloured clothing to strong, bold body language is used to establish dominance and the antagonist/protagonist. They also make use of phallic symbols and iconography. This is evident in the husband’s use of a large axe in comparison to the wife’s small knife. This helps to establish the power within the relationship, alongside establishing him as the antagonist.  They also make use of sound and lighting well. The mix of both diegetic and non-diegetic sound is used to build pace and add potency to reveal scenes in which we see scenes of aggression. Lighting is used well throughout acting as a signifier for the scenes; mood lighting for serious scenes key to the narrative alongside dark colours for moments of passion/ aggression.

While all of this adds up to an acceptable trailer there are still several things that I believe in hind-sight could be improved. While the narrative is established it seems slightly on the nose. I believe they reveal too much, and make it too apparent and inferred that the husband will become the antagonist. While it adds to the narrative it takes away from the general mystery, giving away the end to their audience. The use of the child is done well. It adds another layer of creepiness. However he features for only a small proportion as does the wife. The lack of character development for either characters means the audience does not connect with them and may irritate more than intrigue.

Overall I have given the piece an 8. It is a well put together trailer that flaunts its budget with grand establishing shots but could do with not revealing so much of the narrative and some more character development. 

Evaluation Screening Feedback

Positive:

Creepy music fits well x9

Effective jump scare x9

Good use of close-ups x2

Intertitles conveyed narrative x4

Good acting

Clear narrative x4

Good sound effects x3

Good editing

Negative:

Can’t hear dialogue x7

Sound levels x3

“Coming soon” intertitles needed

More gore x2

Lack of locations

Evaluation Screening of "Captured"

History of Horror

Scaring man with tales of death and nightmares has been a time-honoured tradition. But the first major influences of horror film came from great gothic horror writers, like Mary Shelley (Frankenstein), Bram Stoker (Dracula), and Edgar Allen Poe.

Méliès is credited as making the

first horror film entitled The Manor of the Devil; however it wasn't until the end of WWI that the genre matured from an exploration of the medium to an expression of the human psychological state. And this only came about through the launch of German Expressionism. Films like The Cabinet of Dr. Cagliari and Nosferatu are considered to be German Expressionist films, however the movement itself is quite difficult to define and therefore attribute to only certain works.

It took a small division of RKO, the smallest of the Big 5 studios, to spearhead the making of low-budget horror films, which were more psychological and used more sophisticated filmic techniques, like chiaroscuro lighting instead of relying on makeup and costumes. The first of these films was Cat People.

Push forward to the 70's and early 80's where a string of low-budget independent horror films found great success at the box office with both critics and with hardened fans. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) is often considered the film that inspired the entire slasher genre. John Carpenter's Halloween (1978) demonstrated that low-budget horror films can be profitable; With a budget of $325,000, Halloween has gone on to gross $240 million dollars, through sequels and merchandising, making it one of the most profitable independent horror films of all time.

Overall I believe it is fair to say that horror has always existed. However it was first, notably, brought to the screen in the 1900’s-1910, before truly coming in to their own, into the mass of sub genres we have today.  The future of horror looks promising with 4D Technology and horror films at an all time high.

Auteur - ENSFC Horror Trailer

Side-By-Side Cover Analysis

My Magazine cover shares several of the horror conventions seen on the front of this publication of SCREAM Magazine. The first and most notable similarity is the image. Editing and iconography was clearly fundamental in both pieces, as was the nature of the photo. SCREAM immediately establishes genre through the connotations of the main image. The skull signals death; signals horror. I have attempted to emulate this through the use of a creepy, well-defined mask that also instantly connotes horror.  The text and colouring is also standard of the genre with the obvious connotations and name of both magazines.  I also, such as SCREAM have several features placed down the side of my magazine so as to intrigue and inform my prospective audience.   The magazine itself share common magazine features: taglines, bar code, title etc.  The cinematography of the piece  and the magazines overwhelming connotations make it stand out as being from the horror genre, while the text allows sustenance and intrigues my intended audience. 

Side-By-Side Poster Analysis

When constructing my horror poster I sought to comply with the industry standard horror conventions. One source I am able to use to cross compare is the poster for Grave Halloween.  The poster includes several features from my own piece and helps to show its quality. The initial and most apparent comparison is location. The isolated location and dark tones connote a message of no escape so commonly associated with the genre. This is once more supported by the technical codes, as this long shot allows for the establishment of both the wood and the antagonist.  Another key similarity is the use of character. Both posters show the antagonist central so as to show their large impact on the narrative as well as adding an air of mystery.  Another feature I we have both used is Iconography. While GH uses a rope I instead use the phallic symbol of the knife.  This type of weapon is often associated with the genre and aids in establishing the genre from first glance.  Editing is also used well in both posters. Where the cold blues help to establish genre in GH, I have instead gone completely black and white so as to help conceal my antagonist and help highlight the nature/ isolation that shall be within the film. I would even go so far as to say my poster exceeds that of GH  as it includes both credits, age rating and distribution; something also typical of film posters period. Overall the general mise-en-scene is one that clearly establishes the genre, the key antagonist and matches close to industry standard quality. 

Class Trailer Reviews: 30 Days of Night

30 Days of Night

Year: 2007

Genre: Horror

Personal Mark: 8

The ‘30 days of night’ trailer is well made. This is due to a number of reasons. The initial jump scare helps to quickly engross the audience, while also establishing the genre of the trailer.  Another method used that compliments this is the use of collision cutting. It helps to set a pace for the trailer, therefore allowing for the faster sections to have more impact. The filter for the trailer is also used well as it appears grimy once again setting the scene and establishing itself as a horror. The intertitles are used well too. They help to establish a strong narrative whilst also hide the major plot points. It is finally complimented by non-diegetic sound that helps to keep the audience on edge and once more is used to build pace and to make more of an impact.

There are however some issues that could be improved. Although there is clear depth to the narrative they seem to have used too many shots. This makes certain moments hard to follow and does not allow the audience to fully take in each shot. This also makes for quite a long trailer. It gives a well-rounded view of the film but it could be a lot shorter and still have the same effect; it is crucial to capture the audience’s attention, but also to keep it.  And finally, there are too many fades. They add the effect of unfinished business but too many may leave the audience confused.

Overall our class’ average score came to 8/10. It was a solid trailer that made good use of horror methods and conventions, but was a little too long and confusing in parts.

Class Trailer Reviews: Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead

Year: 2008

Genre: Horror

Personal Mark: 7

Day of the Dead, in my opinion is a sub-par kind of film trailer. While it is aesthetically pleasing, through cinematography, the general mise-en-scene and appealing to Laura Mulveys; the male gaze. It first takes you to the general setting of the film; A suburban town in the heartland of America. This is very typical of the horror genre as it stresses a lack of communication with the outside world, as well as showing the general isolation of the place. It establishes the key protagonist straight away, making sure to have at least three angles on her in every scene transition.  It also establishes the antagonists very quickly. It goes down, as many gore films do, the medical route to explain the motivation behind the zombie s.  They are clearly the antagonists and are clearly marked by their distinct body language and outward appearance. The military background for our heroine ever so slightly challenge the cultural dominant ideology as there is a stigma about women in the army that is still relatively post-modern.

The overall class mark was 5. This was mainly due to large amounts of the narrative being leaked and the characters seeming overly conventional/ wooden. The big budget is made apparent in the setting and general mise-en-scene, i.e. Trucks, guns/props, costume etc.  Overall it seems like a conventional horror, made relatively well, with a slight twist; that being that a woman is the protagonist as opposed to the conventional male protagonist. 

Dawn Of The Dead (1978) Image Analyses (3)

This medium shot uses depth of field to explore feminism. During this scene, we are told by the director that the actress refused to scream. She instead remains standing. She does not however, do anything proactive; leading us to believe she may in some ways, still conform to Laura Mulvey’s Male Gaze theory as she still does nothing. However this small amount of defiance helps to push against the CDI and is institutionally ahead of its time, due to her refusing to follow gender stereotypes. This is also why I wish to follow her throughout the narrative as an icon for progressive feminism.

Dawn Of The Dead (1978) Image Analyses (2)

This High-angle shot is important institutionally as it helps to push a message surrounding consumerism. The zombies are used crudely as a pun. This scene tries to show that we are all zombies to consumerism, so much so it is a natural instinct to shop, hence why they seem to mass around the mall. The low key lighting shows us that this is in fact a depressing place and therefore helps to challenge whether consumerism is bad in the long haul. The scene also uses diegetic sound well to create a satirical scene in which the mall music is played whilst the zombies act as if they are shopping. This is once again a stab at consumerism and its power of the masses. 

Psycho Image Analyses (3)

This is another good image as we can clearly see good use of horror convention so as to convey the horror. The use of a phallic symbol is very typical of the horror genre, while the use of clothing outside our usual CDI also shows this character as out of whack.  His body language and Facial expression also tell a story as he shows his anger to the camera, as is typical of antagonists.  Finally the location conforms to horror genre conventions. It is clearly isolated with few escape options. This is very typical of the genre and conveys the message of no escape. Overall all three images conform to the horror genre, thus conforming to Thomas Schatz genre theory, as they stick within the realm of conventional horror.

Psycho Image Analyses (2)

 This is the scene in which we first meet Norman Bates. This scene is crucial for numerous reasons. It first establishes Norman as our antagonist and provides him with a perverse motive for the following murder scene. This is shown through low key lighting and the use of angles. The low angle shots extenuate his power and help build him as the powerful antagonist. There is also a good use of props/ setting here. The use of taxidermy initially freaks the audience bout while giving us some of his character traits. It is also clear that Hitchcock has used Janet Staiger’s audience studies when selecting his antagonist. The film was created very soon after the Ed Gein story became big in America, and from initial research into the murders, it appears they both share certain character traits, such as be reclusive and being surrounded by an isolated area, also typical in the horror genre. The hysteria caused from Gein would also be good for profits as the prospective audience would want to get inside the head of a ‘psycho’.

Dawn of the Dead (2004) Image Analyses (3)

This piece of cinematography is good as it establishes character relationships, as well as bringing our protagonist more into frame.  The protagonist is in the centre placing her as the most crucial in the scene. There is almost a corny, conventional divide either side of her. To the right is the moral character willing to sacrifice for others. To the left are the antagonists who often defy the CDI in many ways. I.e. sleeping around and causing disruption.  The women are also at the front with the men at the back which is a nice juxtaposition as it shows in this scene it is they who are driving the narrative and not the typical male protagonists.  The mise-en-scene is also very typical of the horror genre. The colours represent the ‘pure characters’ as well as the morally ambiguous ones. The use of phallic symbols by the men is noted but it appears in this still the real authority comes from our lead protagonist. 

Dawn of the Dead (2004) Image Analyses (2)

The composition of this still speaks on a mainly macro level in support of American CDI and morality. The American flag, coupled with the bright lighting and the boat that is sailing into the unknown, are all symbols for hope in their principles and the capitalist ideologies they hold close.  I would say the bright colour symbolise the protagonists hope as opposed to trying to engage a male audience with them male gaze theory. Now her basic needs have been met she is following Maslow’s needs, and is now aspiring for better and support from her morals.   The ship could also be a metaphor for the American people, aimlessly following capitalism into the unknown and hoping for the best in the grand scheme of things. 

Prop List

Prop List:

-Mask

-Fake Knife

-Fake Blood

We used a mask, as is typical of the genre as we thought it would initially aid an air of mystery to the character and thus make for more of an impact upon the reveal.  We use a fake knife for the murder scene and reveal as it too is typical of the horror genre, falling in line with Schatz theory. And we also used fake blood so at to make the piece realistic and aesthetically pleasing for the audience.  The rest of props were simply the clothing worn, which we kept consistent throughout re-shooting so as to not ruin the investment in characters. 

Final Magazine Cover

Favourite Image Analysis

This is one of my favourite Images for a number of reasons. This is piece of cinematography is a mid-shot. It focuses on our protagonists love interest who is selflessly aiding in the saving of complete strangers. The bright light however is not conventional of the genre and I believe is kept in order to once again reinforce the idea of hope through support of the CDI through Antonio Gramsci’s hegemony. The mise-en-scene of the scene is also used well to create an aesthetically pleasing scene. The antagonist zombies wear bloodied and tattered clothing to clearly symbolise their motive and themselves as the antagonists.  This still is also good as it once more shows the groups isolation and inability to escape should they wish too, conforming to Schatz genre theory.

Dawn of the Dead (2004) Image Analyses (1)

The composition of this piece of cinematography is crucial to the narrative of the film as it initially give us the setting for the majority of the film. The cinematography itself is a long shot. It is use very conventionally to establish the forth coming scenes as well as, I believe, having a political motive about consumerism and American capitalism. This is due to the fact that in a time of hardship the Americans look to the mall and consumerism for protection, supporting the cultural dominant ideologies in American society.  The lighting also supports this. The bright lighting has connotations of hope and purity. This could be the film maker, inadvertently supporting this capitalist value through the medium of his characters in the still.   The general mise-en-scene of the still also adheres to genre conventions. The characters wear a range of clothing to show their current situation. Authority is given to the officer because of his clothing while the protagonist takes a back row seat as more of a helper in the situation, as is shown here by her being off to the side in a supporting role.   

Class Trailer Reviews: Toxic Avenger

Toxic Avenger

Year: 1985

Genre: Horror

Personal Mark: 5

Toxic avenger, in my opinion, is a poorly made horror film trailer. The chief reason of which is the failed bid for comedy. It is labelled a horror but the amount of poor puns and cheap laughs could easily have swayed it under a comedy heading. This is again supported by the sheer lack of any horror. Other than the acting nothing was truly frightening.  The catch phrase is over used and the film trailer itself is dragged out. The runtime is far too long and makes it hard to keep the audience’s attention. Location also plays a key role in the trailer. Too much time is spent on the restaurant and the lack of diverse locations eventually begins to bore the audience. However from a historical context this may be too harsh. I’m simply viewing it with the power of hindsight, against modern day horrors with huge budgets.

This being said the trailer did have a few good points. The strange body movement and facial expressions allowed for some smiles. They kept true to Propp’s narrative stages as far as we can see, endorsing common horror methods such as body horror with the fryer scene, and the girl in need. This follows Laura Mulveys theory of the male gaze and follows it to the letter.  It is also complimented by its small budget.  With restricted locations due to budget and very few special effects they are still in keeping with the usual narrative structure, even if the comedy seemed to play a larger role than the cheap horror effects, through poor lighting and props.

Overall our class average for the film was 3.5. The main reasons that came out to support such as small score were the low  budget effects; for an alleged $500,000 we would have expected more than shaking hands in oil and strawberry sauce.  However the main reason shared amongst my peers was the comedic undertone to everything. If it had been labelled a comedy we feel it would have been more deserving of marks, but the sheer lack of horror, physical or psychological, left a stale taste in our mouth.

Horror Poster Analysis (3)

Halloween is an American Horror film surrounding the mentally insane ‘Michael Myers’. It was directed by John Carpenter and was released on the 25^th October 1978. The prominent colours that stand out immediately are the dark orange and pitch darkness surrounding it.  This blackness connotes the darkness and fear. The harrowing title ‘the night he came home’ is a classic horror phrase allowing the audience to immediately identify with the horror genre. The image itself also gives of a clear horror vibe. Halloween is the first hint. A holiday dedicated to horror… Couldn’t hit the nail any harder! The creepy pumpkin mask from the darkness is another clear indicator to the audience that this is indeed a horror. The use of a mask and its associated horror is a good indicator for the film. Then comes the staple prop of every horror from scream to…well Halloween, the knife. The biggest symbol, by far, that screams horror. This immediate use of iconography instantly appeals to its target audience, its bland background and stereotypical, conventional features make it easy to associate with the horror genre.

Horror Poster Analysis (2)

Shaun of the dead is another comedy horror released on the 24^th September 2009. It was directed by Edgar Wright, and written by both him and Simon Pegg. The dominant colours in this image are both red and black. The connotations of both of these colours immediately allow the audience to get a sense of feeling for the movie. The red obviously connotes evil and death while the black compliments nicely with darkness and despair. The text however is the next big clue in also understanding that the film is a comedy too. ‘A romantic Comedy. With zombies’.  This phrase is so ridiculous that to see it as anything other than funny banter would be stupid. This silly sentence is the first hint that the film to come will be a comedy. Another hint that this is a horror is once again the text itself. ‘Shaun of the dead’ not only has a bloodied hand in the title, but also has a zombie holding up a critics review. If that doesn’t scream horror satire, I’m not sure what does. The Image is also a very good indicator into what the film is all about. Three average people wielding typically British things as weapons, all whilst in a tie?  The clear use of props, conventional to the genre, and the general gore mise en-scene screams comedy-horror and when coupled alongside a few hundred zombies trying to squeeze into the frame it’s made extremely clear that the film will be a comedy fuelled, zombie splatting couple of hours.  The bright lighting is also a good indicator that it is a comedy as the lack of darkness leads the audience to believe it can’t be all conventional scare. We also have Propp’s conventional character types, with the guy at the front as the protagonist, his helper on one side, and the eye candy on the other, conforming to Laura Mulvey’s male gaze theory. The fact it is also made by Working Title also adds a sense of authority to the movie as they are well established, following Andrea Bazin’s ‘genius of the system’.

Magazine Cover Analysis (3)

Entertainment Weekly Magazine is a Film and Television magazine. The image used here is interesting as the colours help to give a good flow to the magazine. Once again the title is placed behind the main image which is a good editing decision as it allows the audience upon first glance to see the main point now interest before anything else. The Blue is also good as it complements the yellow font, which is made even more powerful as the colour allows it to stand out, thus drawing the attention of the reader to their specific subject of choice. The main image is constructed well. The mid shot and body language shows intimacy between the characters and lead us to believe the most emphasised character is our protagonist (right) while the other plays a key role within the narrative of the piece.  We could also say that the character (left) could appeal to Laura Mulveys male gaze theory, to try and attract a broader male audience, while the same could be said for the protagonist (right) and women. 

Magazine Cover Analysis (2)

Total Film Magazine is a film magazine. The colour used here is very interesting and works very well. The greys, blues and whites help give the magazine a sense of uniform. This is good as the movie in question/ being promoted is represented by a uniformed character, helping to push the intrigue onto him and the film he represents. This magazine also utilizes space well as it is not cluttered, boring the reader with pre-paid ad’s everywhere, whilst still highlighting points of interest without interfering with the main image, and story it represents. The background is also good. The shadow adds a layer of mystery to the magazine that readers will be keen to uncover. The image is good as well as it appears controversial (Someone depicting a historical person or ideology) that readers will be keen to find out about.  The bottom text also works well. By pitting top actors against each other they invite a broader audience in (The actor’s fans) all hoping to see their favourite the champion. The mise-en-scene of the image is also done well. The German uniform and eye patch establishes him as our comic book antagonist and draws the reader in. 

Magazine Cover Analysis (1)

This is the front cover of Empire Magazine, a British Film magazine.  The font used here is very interesting as it is unlike any other issue. A real usp for Empire is the creative control both the journalists and editors have. The fact that each issue is designed differently means that each month their audience receive a new and fresh experience.  The positioning of text and images is also key in quickly helping to establish this as an entertainment magazine.  The fact the main image is place in front of the head title means that the audience’s attention is drawn straight to the photo, allowing them to make instant links to the industry and reach there designated target audience much faster than those who have no focus. The size of the image also helps as it hits you straight away.  This is as opposed to magazines that instead clutter the page with adds giving no real direction and therefore no interest to their audience.  The colours are also used well here to give a sense of togetherness that allows any easy flow for the reader. The mass amount of blue means that the reader is able to transcend  from one story to the next without issue. This then accompanied by a huge red image makes it stand out even more than usual and helps establish the magazine for what it is from very first glance. Positioning is once again well utilised as they save the exclusives for the bottom, the hook to keep the audience intrigued to find out more after more than just a glance. Aswell as being aesthetically pleasing it appeals to Maslow’s theory of needs and aspirations, as the reader wishes to become the ‘super-hero’.

Final Poster

Original Photos (Magazine)

This is the original photo for my magazine. I chose it due to it creepy features, as it feels very close and obtrusive. It also has a woodland background that would make my audience feel isolated and add to the magazine feel overall.

Original Photos (Poster)

This is my original photo for my horror poster. I picked it due to the location, mid-shot for poster framing, and the clash of nature with a hard, black figure that looks out of place.

Horror Poster Analysis (1)

This is a poster for the comedy-horror Zombieland. It was released on 9^th October 2009 and was directed by Eli Craig. The dominant colours in this image are red and orange. This instantly allows the audience to identify this is a horror due to the fire’s negative connotations. The fonts used in the poster also help promote the film and captivate their target audience. The main title does this by using show lights to spell out Zombieland. This use of text connotes that of a fun fair, which we associate with comedy. This could help the audience understand this will be a hybrid-genre film of both comedy and horror. Alternatively the show lights could be seen as extremely creepy, once again enforcing that it is a horror film. The final piece of text that will let the audience know that the film will be a comedy hybrid is the bottom text. ‘This place is so dead’. This dark and twisted humour easily identifies to the audience that there will be at least some aspect of comedy within the film.  However if that was not enough, the image itself shows the genre straight away. The world, for a start, is ablaze. This immediately makes the audience think of an apocalyptic type of scenario and thus too, the horror genre. This when put together with the roller-coasters also, once more show how in this film both the horror and comedy will be intertwined.

 

Psycho Image Analyses (1)

This is the scene in which the auteur Hitchcock introduces us to the setting of the Bates Motel. The low angle shot means that we instantly assume that it, and whoever resides there will have the most power. The mise-en-scene also helps to establish this as a creepy location. The dark setting, lack of light sources and ominous non-diegetic music helps to establish the forth coming scene as a dark one. This again coupled with the overlapping restricted narration beforehand that adds a sense of anxiety to the character.

Dawn Of The Dead (1978) Image Analyses (1)

This Medium Shot from Dawn of the Dead is the first in which we see several flaws in one of our characters, and the strengths in others. The first of which is Steven; a good looking white male who would have been assumed to be the hero. The actuality is that he is a terrible shot and requires help on several occasions. This is interesting as it helps to establish he is not the hero, going against the Cultural Dominant Ideology of its time. The historical context plays a key role here as it establishes that the film would have been very controversial and shows its director George A Romero as challenging stereotypes.

  This is also pushed by the mise-en-scene.  The clothing of the characters and the pathetic fallacy of the low key natural lighting on the situation helps to put the nail in the coffin. This is once more referenced rather crudely through phallic symbols as he and his rifle are clearly not good enough time and time again. 

Stereotypical Fan

John Smith is an 18 year old student form a working class background. He is a reformer. He wears dark comfortable clothes, and is not too bothered about fashion. He doesn’t take life to seriously and is a laid back guy. He works hard at college as he tries to get the grades for university. He watches a ton of horror films and is part of the cult classics. He also plays videogames listens and plays rock music on his guitar and reads a lot of fantasy. He socializes a lot, often frequenting the local pub where he chills out. He isn’t physically sportive, instead spending his time working a part-time job to pay for films and his social life. He likes mainstream horror films, but researches the more gritty stuff for when he is alone

Heath and Safety

Class Research: Favorite Type of Horror

My personal favorite is Psychological horror as I believe it opens up the horror genre in many ways.