Micro-Elements of the Horror Film.
By Millie Iron
Camera Work High angles/Aerial shotsThey emphasise the location, which is usually isolated and desolate. They are also used on characters or objects to create the impression of being looked down upon, this deprives the character of power and creates the sense of vulnerability. The audience can therefore relate to the fear of of the protagonist.
Low anglesAlternatively, low angles are used to maximise the perception of the antagonist, giving them a higher looking status and more power over their victims. The audience can relate to the view of the victim and thus the plot seems more realistic, creating more fear.
Camera work
Dutch/ Tilted angleShots such as these, connote disorientation, chaos and confusion within the audience. It may also portray psychological uneasiness of a subject and to the audience. Close upsClose ups are used in the horror genre to establish reaction, expression or other intricate activity which cannot be viewed in detail from a distance; without close ups the audience will sustain an emotional distance from the character. Close-ups may also mimic confinement or a fear for the unknown as the setting or characters whereabouts is not easily distinguished by a close up.
Camera Work Tracking/ Panning: These camera shots mimic movement in order to engage the audience and enhance the sense of being followed or stalked. This would be particularly evident within slasher where a psychopathic killer stalks and kills his victims. ELS/Establishing ShotThese shots establish the setting in order to increase tension within the audience. They also emphasize the desolate and isolated atmosphere because they capture a large amount of the location. The Framework of many shots in a horror film uses Depth of field, in order to create a harder more distressing viewing experience for the audience, for example they would find it difficult to see antagonist creeping up behind a protagonist.
Establishing Shots
Women in Black 2012
Psyhco 1960
Scream 1996
Camera Work analyzed in a film clip. Please watch the link below from the horror film Carrie, released in 2013 and directed by Kimberly Peirce.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzse9z3rfKc In this clip from Carrie 2013, it uses many of the camera angles mentioned. Firstly, there are a range of close-ups to emphasise reaction, especially on the girl who is being locked in the cupboard ( Carrie). There's also a close up of the mothers arms which are covered with the scratches, to perhaps forebode what happens next with Carries strength and the crack in the door. There is a Dutch angle as the crack appears on the door to mirror the chaos of the event. There is then a low angle which mimics the characters exact view of the bleeding crucifix statue. Furthermore, this is helped by the fact that Carrie is on her knees in a state of fear whereas the statue is up high. Therefore a high angle shot is then included as if the crucifix statue is looking down on Carrie, making her look vulnerable and afraid.
Editing The quality and quantity of Editing within the horror genre revolves around the type of effect the directors wish to portray for the audience. For example, they may wish to portray a more realistic version of events, in order to mimic such things happening in an ordinary situation, thus provoking fear in the audience. However editing may be more significant in terms of supernatural references and with the use of time ( flashbacks, reverse editing).
Fast Paced Editing: Consists of a sequence of quick shots, breaking down action or violence in order to provoke adrenaline and consequently increase heart rate in the audience. Suspense and intensity builds as the audience wait for a climax, as if they are witnessing the chaos first hand. Minimal Editing-
Alternatively, minimal editing is used to create a sense of familiarity in terms of the situations violence or horror occurs in. This gives the film a realistic approach so that the audience can relate; generating alarm and dread that something can happen too them, as it has in the film. For example in the Blair witch project 1999.
Editing
Editing that reflects time is frequently used in the horror genre. Flashbacks/Reverse editingSuch techniques are often used to divert attention back to another point in the plot, or the history prior to where the film begins or is shown. They usually occur when the protagonist remembers something horrific enough the scar their thoughts or figure out something significant to the film. This broadens the audiences understanding as they may of missed something that seemed insignificant at the time. It also evokes dread as to what will happen next. Reverse editing usually consists of a series of quick images in a alarming manner, which may generate a feeling of disorientation and tension in the audience as well as a sense of realisation as to what has happened. This is evident in the ending of Saw 2004, when the audience realise the body in the middle of the room was controlling the others fate. Slow MotionIs used to elongate the time in which a shot occurs in to emphasise the significance of it. Its commonly used after a character is injured or in a state of abnormality and everything seems to slow down in their viewpoint TimelapseIs an editing technique in which film frames are captured (which usually happen at a slow or fast rate) and played at normal speed. This places emphasis on the shots and a sense of suspense towards this manipulation of time.
Editing Jump Cuts: Are used to decrease the time of a shot and create the effect of jumping forwards in time. They also create the impression of a lack of movement as the shot jumps from one shot to another, creating suspense. For example in The Ring 2002 when Samara is coming out of the TV to attack Noah.
TransitionsAre used to fade to another point in the film. Horror films frequently fade to black in shots, which in itself (as a colour) connotes death and danger. Its also effective in the form of tension as the audience face a short period of precariousness to gather their thoughts without the distraction of more footage. They may also be used in the horror films prior to a event which will make the audience jump to maximise fear.
Editing analyzed in a film clip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgCr8TOxcCo
This video link of Case 39 2009, shows various different editing techniques. Slow motion is used when the car plunges into the lake. Fast paced editing is used in the rush to drive the car into the lake to kill the demon child.
Sound Diegetic soundsAre the everyday sounds in which you would expect to hear in a scene without the aid of enhancement of effects. In the horror genre these sounds usually include the phone ringing, doors slamming and dialogue. The introduction of such noises will usually happen after a sequence of silence in order to build suspense. Non-Diegetic SoundsAre sounds in which you wouldn’t expect to hear in the scene if you were there. These sounds have been added to the film in order to maximise suspense and intensity felt by the audience. For example; the soundtrack, voice overs, instruments, sound effects.
A phone ringing, is a classic example of how sound is used in horror films as the sound is rather ominous. It can also be used to portray the mysterious voice of the antagonist on the end of line, but we cannot see them.
Sound SoundtrackThe soundtrack used in horror mirrors the intensity felt in the film, for example low pitched music is used to build intensity and suspense followed by a loud release. Extreme pitch tones are used to make the audience feel uncomfortable and disturbed as they mimic screeching and screaming. InstrumentsUsually make up the sound track or add extra effects to the film, they are usually isolated instruments (piano, violin) to mimic isolation and vulnerability. Sound effectsAre often used to exaggerate noises and place emphasis on that of loud, shocking sounds that coincide with the antagonists surprise appearance.
MisE- en-scene Lighting:
Lighting in horror films are of low key to create a fear of the unknown within the audience due to the darkness. This lighting can also be used to create shadows and a dim hue, which controls how characters are revealed. Lighting from props such as candles, fireplaces and torches are often used in the horror genre in order to implement a realistic and relatable scenario for the audience. This is evident in the Descent 2005 (Directed by Neil Marshall), when the characters are caving in darkness and the non-human villain is seen only by torch light and flares, adding to fear of the audience. The audience do not know what to expect as they know that worse things seem to happen in the dark due to limited sight. Bright light and flashes are also used to create a sense of disorientation, chaos and confusion. They are often used in flashbacks or reverse editing which are too used to create disorientation. They contrast heavily with the darkness (by low key lighting), adding to the intensity of fear the audience feel.
MisE- en-scene Casting:
The casting in horror films relates to the character codes in my previous macro element presentation. A woman who is stereotypically considered attractive and appeals especially to the male audience, is usually cast as the first girl to die. If the villain is human, the male/female that is cast is likely to contain stereotypical ‘psychopath’ look of a skinny, slightly malnourished appearance. However, this is not always correct as make up and costume may be used instead to enhance their look so that the audience feel almost uncomfortable and disturbed by their look initially. For example, Dr Heiter in the Human centipede 2009 (Directed by Tom Six) naturally has a hollow looking , slightly malnourished appearance.
MisE- en-scene Make-Up
Make up in the horror genre is used extensively to emphasise gore and injury, connoting uneasiness, terror and disgust. The make up will plays with audience’s emotions, particularly their fears and nightmares.
This makeup is used as clowns are one of the biggest phobias worldwide, IT 1990 ( Directed by Tommy Lee Wallace) takes advantage of this. Prosthetic makeup may be used to create the effect of severed limbs, deep wounds or any other injury on victims/protagnist’s which is usually caused by the antagonist ( Especially in slasher films if an injury is conflicted through the weapon choice of the antagonist). It may also be used to deform the appearance of the villain, in order to repulse and disturb the audience. For example Frankenstein's appearance is created solely through prosthetic makeup.
MisE- en-scene Locations:
Cabin in the woodsThere is no phone signal in this isolated setting, leaving the characters open to attack. Knowing the characters cannot receive help if anything happens, the audience become more and more tense are they grow attached to characters who are likely to become victims. Haunted HouseSuch houses usually have a dark history. They are poorly lit and extremely dusty creating suspense as the audience realise something bad is more likely to happen in these conditions. AsylumsAre usually where psychotic characters are tortured and may contain references to the devil, connoting terror. Deserted CitiesAre used to maximise the feeling of isolation and thus increase paranoia as contact with reality is not possible. Underground TunnelsCreates a fear of the unknown within a claustrophobic and confined space. This also means the lighting will be limited or non-existent, adding to suspense and fear in the audience.
MisE- en-scene Colour symbolism and iconography are often
used in horror films, and make the genre identifiable. The original plot structure consists of discovery and conflict, the binary oppositions of good &evil and body horror (blood). Their may be a symbolic feature which occurs throughout the film, a good example of this is Sixth Sense 1999 (Directed by M. Night Shyamalan). The colour red acts as a visual cue to the audience before the huge plot twist is revealed. Everything that’s related to the supernatural is shown in the colour red, contrasting with the dull colours used throughout the film. For example, Coles tent is red when he made it to hide from the ghosts, his sweater was red when he was locked behind the door and attacked by ghosts, the door knob to the basement (belonging to the main character who is dead but doesn’t realise it) and the dress of his wife at their anniversary dinner after he dies. This film definitely concludes in a way that shocks the audience.
MisE- en-scene Costumes are used in order to distinguish the character types
in the horror film. They are also used to enhance the fear and alarm felt within the audience. For example, the victim or protagonist will usually wear white, this connotes purity and is thus the easily identifiable as ‘the good one’. However this use of white contrasts with the colour of blood, dirt and other things that the audience will find unpleasant. Therefore will be more visible on this type of clothing, emphasising the more grotesque and disturbing reality. Characters like the ‘irritant’ or the appealing girl who is consequently first to die, will wear very little clothing to increase her provocative status, increasing her vulnerability. The use of hospital wear and long medical nighties are also apparent in horror films to increase vulnerability and frighten the audience. The antagonist/ villain will often conceal their identity with dark clothing and masks. This will increase the tension within the audience as they nervously wait to uncover the true identity of the villain.
For example in The Purge 2013.
MisE- en-scene Props contribute hugely to making horror films
suspenseful and frightening. These props often indicate violence and pain and enhance the plot by expressing the thoughts and feelings of a character, representing their physical wellbeing. Weapons
Are used to illustrate how vulnerable the human body is and indicate the multiple ways in which one can die. In the slasher genre, the antagonist selects his/hers desired weapon and uses it to attack and kill a sequence of victims. The use of weapons are the best one to portray the brutality and gain the reaction of the audience, setting a tone of mortal danger. Weaponry also symbolises evil and death but may be used to the protagnists defence as they confront the villain. Weapons can vary from Guns, axes, knifes, sword, chainsaws etc.
For example, the chainsaw in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre 1974
MisE- en-scene TechnologyTechnology failing is a typical micro element of the horror genre and because of this, the terror begins. Power or electricity cutting out as the villain begins their killing spree is a convention which is also used because it plays on the audiences fear of the unknown in the dark. Phone lines are cut or the characters have no phone signal, leaving the soon to be victims open to attack with no chance of help from the outside world. (Misery 1990). Vehicles will not start in the time when they're most in need, leaving the characters with only the power of the feet to exclude themselves from danger. The tension increases and the audience feel a sense of helplessness for the characters who will soon find themselves in danger.
MisE- en-scene Horror films often use child related objects like toys and their drawings in order to toy with the audiences remaining childhood terrors and nightmares. Dolls are used to signify horror, especially the supernatural. Illustrations by the children are also used as precursors to later events in the film or to signify the torment the child is going through. This is evident in The Ring (2002) when Aidan draws the house in which Samara grew up in. Blood Is used in horror films to mirror the consequence of injury, body mutilation, violence and death. The thought of loosing blood creates uneasiness and alarm in the audience. It creates a sense of realism, as it provokes the thought that the characters are real people and it could happen to anyone. Fake blood is used excessively in horror films, for example over 500 gallons of fake blood were used in the making of Nightmare of Elm street.
By Millie Iron