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.