In this blog post I will be understanding how editing is used in the thriller genre. This will include looking at the effect each editing element adds to the scene and how it makes the scene more conventional to the thriller genre. As well as this I will also be showing how each of the effects used has an effect on the audience and stating the importance of that connection between the film and the audience.
The clip I have chosen is from the film seven and is called the 'sloth'.
Montage A montage is created as part of the reaction shot as it quickly splits between all the men's reactions to emphasis the mutual element of surprise. In particular it zooms in on their faces to show their facial expressions to help convey their fear to the audience. By the shots being edited so quickly together it gives the audience the impression that they are shaken and jumpy due to what has just happened and may be on edge. By showing lots of different shots it is also conveying to the audience that a million different things are going through their head emphasising their shock and confusion to the audience. This then gives them a better idea of how each person is feeling allowing them to feel sympathy and panic for the characters.
Shot reverse shot This editing style is used when the men in the main room, where the body is laying, are calling the chief. A conversation begins to take place causing one shot to quickly follow another to show their reaction and response to what each other are saying. This helps create an intensity for the audience as due to the men calling the chief in regards to the body they've just found the audience concentrate on the conversation as they want to know more. By showing each person as they talk rather then just hearing the responses in the background it eliminates any mystery and allows the audience to know what exactly each man is doing involving them more into the scene.
Reaction shot A reaction shot is used when the suspected dead body coughs causing the officer closest to it to jump back and fall to the ground in a state of shock. Straight after this the man then instinctively reaches for his gun as a source of protection despite the state of shock still being clear across his face. In between each of his acts the camera is then cut away to different men in the room showing their reactions also. This helps highlight the mutual shock between all of the men and allows the audience to get a perspective of how everyone is feeling as by watching their body language and facial expressions it allows the audience to understand how each character feels without the need for them to speak. This face pace editing grabs the audiences attention and highlights the sense of confusion and panic within the group as it seems the camera man doesn't know who to show on the screen which also helps show that the room is of high energy and everyone is doing something in the scene. By showing all the characters immediate reaction after the shot also creates a relationship between the actors and the audience as due to the previous clip being jumpy and of high shock factor for the audience by the actors sharing the same reaction it creates a mutual bond of fear.
180 rule The 180 rule is a hypothetical line drawn between the actors and the set that the camera can not pass. It is a universal rule used with in all film genres to keep the scene from a majority of one angle and view point. It is typically used so the audience does not get confused as to where the characters are in the room and gives them an element of special awareness when the camera focuses on different characters. By keeping to the rule it allows the director and camera men to keep the scene looking as realistic as possible. As a result of doing this the film is able to relate to the audience more as not only does it stop the audience's mind wondering in regards to where they are in the room ensuring the audience members full focus is on the scene it also manages to engage the audience more as by being realistic it allows them to relate the scene back to their own life creating an emotional bond towards the characters as they do. In the clip when in the main room, the right hand side of the room and wall is never shown at all during the scene.
Jump cut A jump cut is present when the camera suddenly focuses on the arm of the victim lying on the bed. This highlights the importance of the arm in the film and fills the screen as well as suggesting that the arm is suddenly focused on as it has just been discovered by the man examining the body suggesting that the shot is almost like a point of view angle. This creates a relationship between the audience and the character as by being able to see what they see it means they can experience the same emotions together and making the audience just as involved in the discovery as the actor looking at the arm. As well as this a jump cut is also used when the person on the bed suddenly makes a noise and the camera turns to see the men's reaction. This is used to highlight how immediate the response is and creates a sense of urgency and sudden panic. These emotions then create tension and a sense of chaos for the audience.
Timing of shots
The editing style timing of shots is used without this scene to highlight the different feelings experienced by men as they walk round and start uncovering the house. Slower shots, which are used in the beginning, are used to show the men's concentration as it appears they are taking their time to look thoroughly which in turn makes the audience concentrate harder on the screen which allows any element of surprise to affect them more as they are more engrossed in the film. This slow speed of the shots also creates suspense and allows it to build up within the scene and there fore the audience as in such a deserted location it is almost guaranteed something is going to happen. When the man finally makes a noise the edits the begin to appear quicker to replicate the surprise felt by the actors and audience and add emotion impact. These fast pace shots then show the shock created through the high suspense of the scene and can be seen to replicate their hearts beating through being so shock.
What is cinematography? Cinematography is the name used for camera angle
terminology.
In this essay I will be discussing and researching into
the uses of cinematography in a film and the effect it can have on
the audience by emphasising the scene being portrayed.
In particular I am going to be looking at the camera angles
used in the film sixth sense. In this scene the central character
which is the little boy, experiences a feeling of paranormal activity. And it is all about how he experiences this feeling and his reaction to it.
Mid Shot
One shot used is a mid shot when the boy is standing in the
bathroom going to the toilet. Here we can see his white vest and
boxer shorts, a very conventional colour used on the victims to help portray
their innocence, and the area around the bathroom including the toilet and the
sick in order to help stage the scene. This shows the surroundings he's in
as it's a regular situation which helps connect the boy and the scene
to the audience creating an emotional bond between them and the leading
character as by making the scene as realistic as possible it relates to people
as they can then imagine themselves in the little boys shoes. As well as this
by showing the door frame in the scene it shows how the lady in the corridor,
when she appears, just outside and gives a measure of how close they are
to each other. In a thrillers and in particular this scene mid shots are used
very effectively as they allow the director to show not only the character and
the background for detail but also a broader shot of the scene to show things
that may be going on in the background to create a sense of anticipation and
mystery for the audience by making them look round rather then make the unknown
noticeable. In this film the shot is zoomed slightly out to show the door frame
which helps portray a distance between the boy and the woman as she walks past
the room. The creates a relationship between the main actor and the
audience again as they can have a sense of fear and panic for him and feel
reflective as to what they would do in that situation which also allows them to
fall deeper into the film. By placing the camera outside the room it is very
affective as in thrillers the ghost is first seen typically by either reflection
or part of their body becoming on show to the audience by either a use of a
mirror, window or door. This helps maintain an air of mystery whilst creating a
sense of eeriness as the ghost can not be fully seen but is suggested to be
surrounding the room as the only exits or entrances into the room is either
through a window or a door, which in this case is where the ghost is shown to
be standing. This makes the audience feel a sense of anticipation as they know
the boy is trapped with no way out making them fear for the unknown despite the
fact the can sense something is going to happen.
Extreme close up
An extreme close up is also used to help minimise the
importance of the background and increase the importance of the object. This is
used particularly effectively when The heating dial is zoomed up on to make it
more obvious that the dial getting colder. This is eerie as it shows the
dial moving by itself. As well as this the dial also goes colder which relates
back into the film as they explain that a room gets colder when a ghost is mad,
which creates a sense of anticipation for the audience as they know the
presence that they have just seen is a mad and angry presence and so may want
to cause harm on the central character. Knowing this it makes the audience feel
protective over the character and his naivety when he goes to inspect the woman
later in the scene. In thrillers often scenarios will take place that cannot be
explained. By closing in on an object that is experiencing paranormal activity
it puts the audience on edge as they can see what is happening to the room and
then have an idea of where the ghost is positioned as knowing where it is
positioned creates a sense of eeriness without the need of any mystery. By
focusing on the dial it suggests the importance to the characters and the dial
plays an important part in helping understand the ghost and it's attitude
before its been featured in the scene. The audience then as a result, through
understanding more about the scene can begin to feel more anticipation as to
what's about the play out.
Long Shot
A long shot is used hen the boy is outside he’s bedroom
after just getting up. We get an image of his crossing his legs showing that he
is desperate to go to the toilet. In this shot we get an overview of the scene
and how the boy is feeling without the need for him to talk. As well as this by
showing all of the actor and the background it gives a sense of the characters
surroundings and therefore shows how vulnerable or in control they are of the
scene. The smaller a character looks in comparison to the set shows how weak
they are suggesting a possible victim. The more in control a character is of
the scene suggests how intimidating they are. By showing the background it
gives the audience a better understanding of the situation and the film as
later in the film, if the characters are moving around the audience will
understanding where they are therefore engaging them more. This will create
more suspense in scene which involves hunting round a room as the audience will
expect what’s coming which creates the feelings needed in thriller. However in
a long shot although the background is important the character is usually still
more important and therefore are usually located in the centre of the shot to
show there importance. The setting used in this shot is just a landing with
lots of rooms branching off from it. This is very ordinary as a setting and
will relate to all audience members as it is a typical feature of everyone's
house and so can relate to the audience by making the scene more realistic so
the audience can imagine themselves in the scene as the boy is which help build
a bond between the individual audience members and the boy.
Close up
This shows the boy’s face once the lady has walked past him
in the bathroom. By showing his face is portrays the central characters
immediate reaction in detail which conveys his fears and emotions to the
audience more affectively. By emphasising the boy’s emotions and facial
expression it helps convey the fear down the lens to the audience making them
more engaged. This is important in thrillers as not only do the audiences need
to be particularly engaged in the genre in order to make the scenes effective
the audience must also be fearful but also feel fear for the boy and close ups
create this relationship. This creates a sense of empathy from the audience towards
the boy as they are aware how he is feeling and so can relate to a situation
where they felt the same making a mutual feeling and bond between the audience
and the boy.
Point of view
When he’s walking down the corridor to the kitchen. In this
frame we can the hall way which shows the boy getting closer to the door frame
with every step creating more suspense and tension to build as he walks closer
to the door and inevitably to the lady. By following the boy into the
kitchen and by showing his point of view in the situation it relates
back to the audience as it looks how it would from their point of
view too therefore making them feel the same too. Thrillers tend to use
point of view camera movements when the character is approaching the ghost,
demon or paranormal creature. This shows the audience what the character is
seeing and allows them to relate more to the film as they are more included.
This also creates suspense as you know you don’t know when you’re going to see
the ghost as you are not in control of the situation and therefore cannot run
in the other direction.
Shallow focus
The camera position is present when the lady
is showing the little boy her arms and the cuts on them as the
background becomes blurry to focus all attention on her arms. In thrillers
people are often made to feel put on edge and constantly analyse the background
in case something or someone jumps out. By using shallow focus it determines
where the audiences focus is by highlighting the importance of her arms and the
cuts she has slashed across them. This shows how deeply unhappy the lady was
feeling at the time and momentarily shows the ghost feelings and a connection
between the audience and the ghost as they know that to have carried out those
actions she must have been going through a hard time which make them feel
empathy towards her and her possible life.
Zoom in
It zooms in on the boy's face and body as he tries to
hide in his tent. By gradually zooming in on him it also helps create the idea
that the camera is also entering the tent with him as well as showing the
distance between both the ghost and the little boy. By zooming in on the little
boy it emphasis’s his importance in the film as well as this by zooming in to
this facial expressions in particular it conveys his fear more and therefore
creates a closer relationship between the audience and the actor. As well as
this as the camera zooms in it also shows his body language which is hunched
over and ball like. This presents the idea of fear reiterating what is shown by
his face as it shows that he is trying to make himself as small as possible so
that he doesn't appear a threat and also as a means of comfort and protection.
High Angle
In this shot the camera is positioned above the little boy’s
tent.This emphasises how helpless he is as he appears to be small and therefore
weak. As well as this by hiding, it shows the extent of how scared and
vulnerable he is as he has shut himself away as a means of comfort and
protection again highlight how vulnerable he feels.In the thriller genre there
is often a character in the film, most commonly a child, who has low power and
is therefore most vulnerable who get affected by the ghost or demon the most as
they are an easy target. This creates a bond between the audience and the
character as they would feel almost paternalistic towards him and feel that
they want to comfort the child as a result of the bond the film has been
building. As well as this, through viewing this it could also change the
emotions previously felt by the audience as now rather than scared they may
feel they want to protect the child from harm so become empowered to help him.
Establishing Shot
This occurs when the women is in the kitchen shouting at the
little boy. In this shot you can see the actress completely as well as all of
the kitchen cupboards. However, although you can see the character she is
not central to the shot suggesting she is less important in this
shot than the iconography and background behind her. This is important as
they are all open which is to signify how angry she is. By highlighting this,
this then makes us think that maybe the woman is located less centrally to show
that she is almost consumed and overwhelmed by her anger. Thrillers often use
establishing shots to show the audience the location so they can get a better
perspective of the situation. In this case, with the kitchen cabinets open, you
can feel the effect and presence the lady has in and on the room. This creates
an eeriness as to have such a strong presence on the screen it is almost felt
by the audience members as they watch on. Handheld
This shot is used when the boy is running away from the
women into his tent. This camera movement creates a jerky unclear image which
helps shows how desperate the boy was to get away as well as portraying that
the scene was a chase scene. Handheld movements are very popular in thrillers
as they seem less professional and so add a realistic touch to the clip as it
seems more spontaneous. The realistic touch can relate then to the audience
as they can imagine getting chase and what that must feel like. As well as this
the jerky images created as a result of only someone’s hand being used to
support the camera adds to the urgency of the scene. From being unclear this
then helps to portray that the scene is a chase scene and express how desperate
the boy is to get away. Through the camera being jerky this then appears to be
how shaken up the actor or actress is as if they were to be holding the camera
the shots would be both unclear and shaky which adds to the sense of fear shown
by the character.
Mise-en-scene is all the visual information in the front of
the camera. It is a French word and communicates information to the audience.
There are five main elements of mise-en-scene. These
include;
1. Setting and iconography
2.Hair, make-up costume
3.Facial expressions and body language
4.Lighting and colour
5.Position of character and objects
Introduction into my chosen clip and the film plot behind it.
My thriller clip that I will be analysing is from the film 'The Conjuring'. The Conjuring is a 2013 American supernatural horror film directed by James Wan. The story is based upon the Peron family who have just moved into their new house ready to start a new life. However on arrival family pet dog, Sadie, refuses to enter the house and is found dead the next morning suggesting that the dog was able to sense the presence living in the house. Despite this, as the family begins to adapt to their new life they start to experience increasingly disturbing events that they can't explain.After hearing various clapping, giggling, and seeing the pictures shattered on the stairs, Carolyn is locked up in the cellar. Soon after this Carolyn contacts paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren trying to enlist them for help. The Warrens then conduct an initial investigation and conclude that the house may require an exorcism, but they needed authorization from the Catholic Church and further evidence before that. Whilst researching the history of the house, Ed and Lorraine discover that the house once belonged to an accused witch, Bathsheba, who tried to sacrifice her children to the devil and killed herself in 1863 after cursing all who would take her land. They find reports of numerous murders and suicides in houses that have since been built upon parcels that were once part of the property. The film then follows the activity happening during this time and their attempt to save the Peron family. But are they too late?
My chosen clip is the scene where Carolyn is locked in the cellar and her ditch attempt to escape from what’s always right behind her.
Analysis of the mise-en scene displayed in the conjuring
'clap clap' scene.
1. Setting and Iconography
This scene is set in the basement
of the Peron families house. At first we are not clear as to where the door
leads however as soon as she falls down the stairs and ends up in a heap on the
floor of the room the setting soon becomes clear. A basement is often used in
thrillers as it is the one room that is able to instantly create an eerie feel
to the scene. This is because as an audience you expect something to happen as
it is a secluded location and she can be easily ambushed and trapped inside as
there is only one exit from the room and what lies within it. Due to the factor
basement scenes are very predictable and popular in thrillers as they manage to
isolate the character and give them a sense of being trapped as under the house
is usually neglected so anything could be hiding among the boxes of
possessions.
A stairway is also used when the lady is leaning over the top of the stairs looking down with a match stick in her
hand. A
stairway is often used is thrillers as it acts as a barrier between the people
being attacked and their fellow victims watching them as in order to get to
them they need to go up or down the stairs and by this point it may already be
too late.
In terms of iconography although lots of items are present once Carolyn has fallen down the stairs in the basement however certain objects are highlighted to create importance to them. A perfect example of this would be the ball that rolls across the ground. Although other objects could have been used, which in a thriller is typically more scary such as dolls, the ball is perfect in creating the suspense needed in order to create a successful thriller film as thrillers storylines thrive on the audiences anticipation. Typically a ball is cast into the genre of play items for young children but also a game that adults can be involved in to. Due to being a play toy this immediately creates suspense and manages to relate back to the story line as the spirit in the house keeps wanting to 'play' with the Peron family suggesting that it is a young child. This idea of playing is then reinforced by the line "do you want to play hide and clap". As well as this the ball is also a great prop selected for this film as it is able to move unassisted as compared to other props that could have been just as affected in suggesting play a ball is able to roll on its own which helps create extra suspense as the audience start to question where the ball is going to stop. Although typical of a thriller film this action is also favoured in action films as often iconography ends up revealing a key character as it typically stops by the foot of the character in question.
As well as this a match box is also used whilst Carolyn is at the top of the stairs. This is a good prop to use as a light source it naturally flickers and can be an unreliable light source as it burns out which creates suspense as we begin to imagine does Carolyn only have the time left which is on her match stick which again creates a new level of anticipation as the film progresses.
2. Hair, make-up and costume
In terms of hair in this scene Carolyn's hair has been left to look un-brushed as well as wild and ragged. This may be used as the stylist way of emphasising the feelings being experienced by Carolyn as inside she may be feeling shaken and indeed ragged as she has not managed to have a good nights sleep. On the other hand Carolyn's hair may have been left un kept to suggest the actress just waking up and experiencing 'bed head' to make the scene seem as natural and realistic as possible. Leaving the main characters initial look to fall apart is very stereotypical of a thriller film as in order to emphasis the effect of the paranormal presence has had on the character suggesting they are no longer able to function as they normally would as their life has been turned upside down.
This same feeling applies to the make-up used in the film as well. The limited use of any make up in this film made to look very natural as though actress has none on. This results in the actress appearing to have very pale skin, with dark circles under the eyes. These are typical qualities of an leading role in a thriller as for casting the ideal person was has pale almost translucent skin in order for it to appear that all life and colour had been drained away. As well as this dark circles are also very common as they are an indication of someone not receiving enough sleep which works well with a thriller story line as the person is made to appear to be too scared to sleep as that is when most paranormal activity happens showing they have to be on edge at all times.
The costume used in this scene consists of a pair of pyjamas and a dressing gown. The creates a relaxed vibe towards the character as it appears as though they have just woken up or about to go to bed. However through being in pyjamas this creates the idea that the character then, as a result isn't planning on leaving the house at any point meaning she is alone in the house leaving plenty opportunity for something to happen. However with this costume although the pyjamas are quite neutral there is the use of the pink dressing gown. This adds a bit of colour into the scene so that the actress becomes the main focus and attention. As well as this it also means that she is easy to locate in a dimly lit scene as pink is a bright colour that is easily identifiable.
3. Facial expressions and body language
The general facial expressions used within the scene are ones that display the characters fear and desperation. At the top of the stairs when looking down to begin with her face seems full of anger which leads to suggest that she is fed up of what is beginning to happen to her family and at this point believes she can face it. However after falling down the stairs the facial expression used change suddenly. The lady then becomes scared, confused and desperate as she tries to escape from a being she cannot see. This emotions and facial expressions are very typical of a thriller film as they are used to convey to the audience how the actor is feeling. This helps create a bond and a relationship with the central characters and you can understand and relate to them more and create sympathy towards the actor.
The body language used by Carolyn in this scene again adapts as the scene progresses. At the start the actress appears at the top of the stairs standing in a solid position showing that she is strong and in control as her whole body can be seen on camera. However once being pushed down the stairs the actress then sits at the bottom the stairs in a ball like position, which is mirrored by the ball itself, suggesting she is trying to make herself as small as possible and is broken. Carolyn then runs back to the top of the stairs where she is kneeling down crouching over the stairs. This shows that she is still curious as to what is down the bottom of the stairs however she is no longer superior to the room and resorts back to being inferior.
4. Lighting and colour
The lighting in this scene is very limited as a result of only using one main light source, the light bulb. The creates importance on the light bulb as in order for both the lady and the audience to see what's going on everyone relies on the light bulb. Knowing this the presence in the room with the lady then targets the light bulb leaving the room temporarily dark. This creates a moment of uncertainty and apprehension of the film as you believe that when the lights come back on something will now be there in the scene with Carolyn.
However as the lighting relights the room we see that it is coming from a match stick. This creates the feeling of suspense of foreboding as a match stick is an unreliable light source as so will inevitably go out. This being said the match stick then helps to create a timer on the scene as we know it will end as the matchstick does.
In terms of colours in this scene they are very rare. All colours that are present seem to be dull which disengages the audience to the background. However there are hints of colour used in the scene which is all to emphasis an important part in the film. For example the brightest thing in the room is the pink dressing gown which draws attention and focus to the actress. Other than this it is the light bulb and matchsticks and the initial glow they create as to be able to affect them they help show where the presence is in the room.
5.Position of character and objects
One main position that is important to this scene is when they leading actress falls down the stairs. Consequently of this she ends up landing in a big pile on the bottom of the stairs in an open space. This creates suspense and foreboding within the audience as they can see how vulnerable the character is as she can be attacked from all sides and angles.
As well as this the position of the main character at the end of the film is also very important as she appears to be kneeling and hunched over the stairs. Although this can be seen as a position of power as technically she is at the top of the stairs which is higher and typically safer than the bottom of the stairs making her seem empowered and superior. However the fact that she is kneeling suggests a weak, begging position which shows that she is being manipulated by the thing in the room with her and is pleading for mercy. As well as this by hunching over the stair its highlights that she is on edge and is seeking an answer and is in full focus as she believes now she will see whatever is there come up the stairs, which now we know was infact always behind her.
