Amber Holt's AS Media Studies Blog: 2011

more on pyscho

Psycho is a 1960s American film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Hitchcock was a British film directer and producer. He pioneered many techniques in the suspense and psychological thriller genres.

The film is based on the screenplay by Joseph Stefano, who adapted it from the 1959 novel of the same name from Robert Bloch. The film depicts the encounter between a secretary (Marion Crane) hiding at a secluded motel after stealing money from her employer. The motels disturbed owner and manager (Norman Bates) and the aftermath of their encounter.

Main plot - in Phoenix, Arizona, discreet lovers Marion Crane and Sam Loomis want to marry, but cannot. as Sam is in heavy debt. unhappy and desperate to improve their situation, marion steals the $40,000 in caseh from her office and begins to drive towards sams home in california. Along the way she trades her car for another car after he anxious behaviour arouses suspicion from a highway police officer, and others. The following night marion pulls into the bates motel, a twelve cabin lodging located off the main road with no other guests present. Marion meet the owner, Norman who lives in the big, main house with himself and his mother. From Marion's room, she overhears an arguement between the two of which she accuses Norman of creating an affair. Instead Marion and Norman eat in the office, here Norman explains that dispite his mothers abuse he refuses to abandon her as she is unable to care for herself. Marion decides to return to pheonix and return the money and to accept all consequences. Marion exuses herself from the room, and goes to undress, while Norman secretly watches before running to the house.

Here i have anaylsed all the differerent scenes we have watched of 'Psycho' and placed all the finding i have come up with into mise-en-scene, camera angles, editimg and sounds.

HITCHCOCK’S ‘PYSCHO’

MISE-EN-SCENE

Blinds are close – could resemble the secrets kept or the privacy exposed and exploring the idea of its not reality.
It is set in phoenix – Arizona.
The window is half open – typical of Hitchcock to hide as much away from the viewer as possible.
The contrast between Marion wearing white clothing and then when she is on the run she is wearing darker clothing this could resemble the innocence of her before she stole the money compared to now with her guilty condense.
The police man is wearing glasses – could resemble the idea of him hiding his identity and not revealing who he is.
Vulnerable/scared Marion – change of breathing (panting and panicking).
Lighting – the man in white (sales man) and the contract between her in the shadow (Marion) shows the innocence and the guiltiness of the characters.

Idea of bad vs. good.
The use of the rain implies that she is portrayed as chaotic – blurred vision.
The motel owner goes to select the 3^rd key, the down to the 2^nd and the chooses the 1^st. the idea that the use of 3 is a unlucky number and then he moves along to the 2^nd number and 2 is a even number and could resemble the idea of being lucky. And then moves to the first one as ‘it’s the closest’ this idea could be the idea of a countdown (3,2,1) of how long Marion has got.
Candles – symbolic for the time. And could suggest a countdown as when the candle will eventually burn out.
The stuffed birds over looking, - already dead.
The light reflects the innocence of her and the darkness reflects the evil within him.
The old pictures (reactance) of naked women resemble his fascination with Marion.
Norman is the sinister one – mise-en-scene presents this.
Mum is harmless – referred to as a stuffed bird.
Norman is taken back – offended.
The use of the bird shot – showing the wings covering the light is reflecting him as a predator.
The book is open – this could show his intelligence and how he looks so innocent and vulnerable – always one step ahead.
Marion’s last name is crane – she signed the book in the motel as ‘Samuels’ a crane is a bird and therefore suggest that she is going to be the predator for Norman.
The use of the show scene – makes us feel uncomfortable – shower is a personal place – intruding upon her.
The shadow of the background on the tiles could suggest the foreshadowing that is going to happen.
Light and dark contrast – outlining the murder.
Blackout – to suddenly the light appearing near Norman could symbolise his innocence.
There are moments of Norman looking submissive.
Controlled – methodical not a moment of panic worrying Norman.
The use of the lighting contrast between the light and the dark.
The light and the dark shadowing the detective could symbolise his innocence and his dark side.
Panicle tone – worrying and is no longer in control.
Light flickering reflecting on his face – showing him being in and out of control.
Mother is confide in the house and Marion is dead – a constant battle (power struggle) between the male and female (he is trying to sustain a dominant role.
Verbal spiring – two men – the dective is winning and Norman is stuttering.
Insecurity – police is more dominant.
Half of the detectives face is in light and dark – showing personality.
The owl behind Marion could symbolise the bird always watching her.
Opening of the door – light showing hope – contradiction.
Norman constantly chews – sign of nerves.
Lace curtains – soft – family man.
Norman constantly wears dark colours – wearing white – subliminal message for Hitchcock that something is going to change.
Light in bathroom – where Marion died – religious connotations – heaven.
Doorway – power struggle between Sam and Norman.
Sam is closer to the camera – more in control.
Nervous tone – tapping of the fingers.

CAMERA ANGLES

The use of the two shot implies the intensity.
The close up of the money reflects the idea of suspense, greed and temptation (going from mid-close up to close up to extreme close up.)
The use of the pan across an angel shot of the open town and the landscape.
Zoom into the hotel window – tilted and then moves into a straight shot to imply confusion.
The use of the zoom into the dark places now reveals the interior of the room.
The idea of someone is watching her/them is from her point of view and allows the feeling of chaos and suspense.
The use of the mid-close up, close-up to extreme-close up and the idea of getting closer and closer to her could symbolically suggest the idea of the closer to Marion/them being found out.
View from over Marion’s shoulder could represent the tension.
The use of the over should shot with the sales man could symbolically show that when you are in vision with her face her background is dark, closed in and cramped this could suggest that she is trapped. The idea of the sales mans over the shoulder shot contrasts as his is open, light and this could suggest his freedom.
The close-up and confidence of Marion shows she is in control and then the change of atmosphere creates chaos as the rain takes the power away from her.
Moving closer towards Marion – resembles his prey.
The swap of the camera angles between the convosation – was relaxed.
Medium shot – now a difficult convosation.
The use of the low angle shot – influences the idea of her in control – making her believe.
From his POV – her undressing this makes us uncomfortable as if we are the murderer.
The use of us watching him – antagonist.
The use of the long shot of Norman and the barrier around it makes us as an audience uncomfortable.
The camera is following the blood down the drain this could be symbolic for her life fading away.
The use of the medium shot influences the idea that her being in the shower – it’s a personal place and we feel as if we are intruding.
Extreme close-up – terror and the closing in even closer.
The use of the low angle shot of the killer/showing the water running in front of it.
Vulnerable shot of her curled up – uncomfortable (birds eye)
Titled angle – not showing us.
Awkward – not aware what he is doing.
Could resemble his mind – confusion.
His point of view – we are the witnesses.
Zoomed in view of mid shot – in control.
Extreme close-up – detective is on the case to find Marion.
Camera angels show him as a worm eye view – in control and continue to stay there for a while.
Uncomfortable putting us in that situation.
Medium shot – Norman moving into a dissolve.
He smirks –resembling he has got away with it – fooled.
Right hand of screen – light brightens.
Awkward positioning – detective moving into a dissolve.
The use of the camera angles makes us feel safer as we are aware that the inspector is onto Norman.
Birds eye – both of par with each other.

EDITING

The use of the zooming into the window creates continuity.
The reverse shot is used in the convocation of talking about marriage this could create the tense mood and chaotic atmosphere with the use of sharp movements.
The long pauses in-between the shots suggest the comfort ability and the intermediate attraction.
The cross cutting in-between the characters suggest the tension.
The jump cut between the amount of time Marion has been in the car. The use of the jump shot is used as you wouldn’t show the whole car journey as it would create a boring atmosphere for the audience.
The use of the four times Hitchcock’s placed the view of Marion in the mirror suggests she is always being watched.
More of a tense quick cross cut – suspense.
The closer the camera moves to the face and then the use of the 180 degree rule.
The camera is shaking and therefore could suggest that no-one else Is there and therefore is from our perspective.
The crow is constantly watching her even though she is lead to believe that she is in control.
the quick contrast between the shots is uncomfortable from us and puts us as an audience of the edge.
Moving of the camera – could symbolise foreshowing death.
The cross cutting between the scenes symbolising the uncertainty.
The use of the door being flung open and then the shadow of the killer becomes clearer. The use of pan here suggests that she is going to be murdered.
Half of her fingers are not in the screen – not whole. She is dying.
The position of her is not central in the shot – disorientation and the idea of us invading her space.
The use of the dissolve from the plug-hole to her eye could suggest the idea of voyeurism – we are therefore placed into Normans position – as if we are watching her.
Transition between the shots – showing the religion and death.
The use of the dissolve resembles him being powerless.
Cross cutting – bates is more vulnerable.
Positions us as a audience as more in control – as we are aware what is going to happen – change for Hitchcock normally places us as the witness.

SOUND

The opening opens with non-diegetic sounds the use of the sharp sounds suggest the horror/thriller action.

The mirror of the sounds accompanies the stabbing motion of the death of Marion.

Sam opening blinds- the use of the sharp dramatic sounds.

Her mind is playing with her as she can her the non-diegetic sounds of her mind trying to convey what is going to happen.

The use of the rain conveys a diegetic sound – harsh – over powering.

Non-diegetic sounds – as Marion mentions the mental institute – Norman is offended.

The sound speeds up – this mirrors the feeling of that something is wrong.

Mix of non-diegetic and diegetic sounds – resembling the confusion – reality?

The ‘duh dun’ sound slows down this could suggest that this is heartbeat – slowing down as she is dying.

Non-diegetic – instrumental does not relate to what is happening. – Uneasy.

Diegetic – swallowing up Marion’s body – hungry.

Non-diegetic showing his worry.

Non-diegetic – harsh sound and then switch to the diegetic sound of him being stabbed.

Research into Paramount pictures

Paramount Pictures Corporation is an American film production and distribution company, located at 5555 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood. Founded in 1912 and currently owned by media conglomerate Viacom, it is America's oldest existing film studio; it is also the last major film studio still headquartered in the Hollywood district of Los Angeles. Paramount is consistently ranked as one of the top-grossing movie studios.
Paramount Pictures can trace its beginning to the creation in May 1912 of the Famous Players Film Company. Founder Hungarian-born Adolph Zukor, who had been an early investor in nickelodeons, saw that movies appealed mainly to working-class immigrants, With partners Daniel Frohman and Charles Frohman he planned to offer feature-length films that would appeal to the middle class by featuring the leading theatrical players of the time (leading to the slogan "Famous Players in Famous Plays"). By mid-1913, Famous Players had completed five films, and Zukor was on his way to success.

Pyscho Essay

How does Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’ construct representations of gender (referring to mise-en-scene, editing, sounds and camera angles.

Alfred Joseph Hitchcock was a British film director and producer and created many different techniques including suspense and psychological approaches for the thriller genre. By this he gained a successful career in both silent and early talkies. Hitchcock decided to move to Hollywood to gain a different experience in film. Hitchcock constructed himself as a very distinctive but recognisable directorial style mainly using the idea of hydroid genre using a mix of different genres to create a unique and different film. He created the use of a cameras made to move in such a way that mimics a person, this focused the audience in such a way that engages the audience in a form of voyeurism. He created his shots to maximise the feeling of anxiety, fear and empathy and used innovative film editing which was widely used by other directors. Many of Hitchcock’s films have twisted endings and thrilling plots featuring murder, violence and crime. Hitchcock directed more than fifty films over his six decades and was named one of the greatest film makers of all times. ‘Psycho’ is a 1960 American thriller film directed by Hitchcock himself. The film depicts the encounter between a secretary (Marion crane) hiding at an abandoned motel after stealing forty thousand pound from her employer. And the motels disturbed manager (Norman bates) and the after mouth of his encounter.

The use of mise-en-scene in the first scene reflects the idea of the blinds being closed which resembles the idea of unknowing. This could resemble the secrets kept or the privacy exposed and the use of exploring the idea of behind blinds the idea of isolation and being trapped, and how both sexes are dominant here and both are in control. The use of the two shot implies the intensity of the convosation and how the couple are foreshowed as intimate. The use of the zoom into the window reflects the foreshowing of the idea of being trapped and not being in control of what is going to happen. The opening of the thriller uses non-diegetic sounds the use of the sharp and disturbing sounds suggest that the characters are on edge and are not in control and will foreshow what is going to happen.

The use of the window only being half open here suggest the typical technique Hitchcock would use to hide as much away from the viewer as possible. The close-up of the money suggests the idea of suspense, greed and temptation and put us as the audience in the situation of how we would react. Us knowing that Marion is a female character we sympathise with her as we know that through other influences we know she is a troubled and trapped character. The use of the shot reverse shot used in the convosation of talking about a possible marriage between both characters this creates the idea of the tense mood and the typical stereotype of a female figure being a zombie bride and the typical male figure being relcutive against any possible marriage. This is reflected by the use of the stuttering tone and agitated front he puts forward.

The use the diegetic sounds accompanies the foreshadowing of the stabbing motion of the death of Marion later in the film. The use of the contrast between Marion wearing the white clothing at work here resembles her innocence and feminine charisma whereas with the contrast when she is on the run she is placed in darker clothing here this could resemble her change of personality from a typical women to an un-lady like character as she is now a criminal which reflects her guilty condense. The use of the pan of the angle shot across the open town and landscape represents the idea of now her identity has been snapped from her as we associate a criminal as a male gangster not a typical American secretary.

The use of the long pauses in between the shots suggests the comfort ability and in terminates attraction between Marion and Sam. The shot of Sam opening the blinds suggest the idea of the male sex being dominant and the use of the diegetic sounds suggest what is going to foreshow. The police man is wearing glasses the use of this could resemble the idea of not allowing anyone to know who he is, this idea reflects the idea of hiding his identity. The use of the shot reflects the idea of us as the audience point of view as if we are watching her. Her vulnerability as a woman shows through and the idea of chaos and suspense is unravelled. The use of non-diegetic sounds represents her mind and what is trying to convey what is going to happen and the idea of her panicking because what she has done is against what a typical lady would not do. The diegetic tone here mimics her personality and creates the idea of danger is always on the horizon.

The use of mid shot, to close-up to extreme close-up resembles her as a women, the use of the zoom reflects the idea of weakness, and how women were seen during this era, here we sympathise with Marion as us as an audience we are put in the perspective of the watching her, this makes us feel very uncomfortable and therefore thrown into feeling sorry for Marion, although she has done wrong, we still feel sorry for her as she is portrayed as a innocent, confused lady. The use of zoom reflects on the idea of the closer the shot becomes the closer the police man is to finding out why Marion is acting suspicious, this is reflected by the over the shoulder shot of Marion as we feel as if we are in the car with her, and as a audience because we are put in the position of knowing what she has done, the use of the over the shoulder shot here reflects the guilt we feel.

The use of the over should shot with the sales man could symbolically show that when you are in vision with her face her background is dark, closed in and cramped this could suggest that she is trapped. The idea of the sales mans over the shoulder shot contrasts as his is open, light and this could suggest his freedom. The close-up and confidence of Marion shows she is in control and then the change of atmosphere creates chaos as the rain takes the power away from her.

During the film, Hitchcock places the view of Marion in the mirror, this suggest that she is always being watched. This reflects on the idea of Norman being attracted to her as she is seen through the mirror as an innocent beauty. When you associate a mirror, we think of vanity this could link in with the idea that we cannot see the scene directly we can only see it through the mirror, as an audience they are unaware we are in visible sight of seeing what is going on. Through the mirror we see Marion as an innocent character and for a moment we forget why she is running away, because of the character she uses towards Norman the motel owner is a sweet, homely lady. The use of the tense quick cross cut here reflects on the idea of reminding the audience of the reality, she is a criminal on the run. This is reflected through the use of the camera moving closer to the face, showing Marion become more and more uncomfortable, the use of the 180 degree rule links in with the idea of making us as an audience also feel uncomfortable as they are unaware we are watching them. The use of the rain conveys the diegetic sound as the rain is seen as uncomfortable and annoying the idea of over-powering as Marion here feels comfortable, the use of foreshadowing is used throughout. The use of the mise-en-scene here suggests that the rain is chaotic and becomes a blurred vision for Marion. This makes us uncomfortable as we know, that from now on her life will become a blurred vision.

The use of the mise-en-scene when Norman is choosing what key to give Marion, he goes to select the third key, down to the second key and then chooses the first key finally. This reflects the idea of a countdown on how long Marion will have left. This reflects on the idea that three is a unlucky number, two is a even number and therefore could feel lucky. He then moves to the first one, he claims ‘it’s the closest’.

The crow above Marion’s head is used to constantly watch her, it is lead to believe that she is in control, but the bird will always dominate her. The idea of the crow being the leader of the pack. This conflicts with the idea of male vs. female. The idea of moving of the camera here could suggest the idea of death and the idea of Marion will become what the bird is, nothing. The use of the zooming closer could resemble that Marion is Norman’s prey, the use of the non-diegetic sounds when Marion mentions the mental institute for his mother, Norman becomes angry and therefore because the sounds does not match the feelings of Norman the feeling of uncertainty arises.

The use of the low angle shot of Marion reflects on the idea of her feeling as if she is in control and making her believe. The use of the mise-en-scene of the candle could be symbolic reflecting the idea of a countdown of her life, as the candle will eventually burn out, this reflects on the idea of foreboding. The use of the light reflecting onto Marion here suggests her innocence and the shadow on Norman here suggest the conflict between good vs. evil. The idea of the naked pictures of the ladies on the wall, are shown here conflicts with the idea of Norman’s fascination with Marion, the idea of putting the undressing scene of Norman watching Marion through a hole undress, puts us as an audience of the edge, as we are put in the perspective of a murder. The idea of watching someone undress is uneasy and therefore makes us feel uncomfortable. The use of mise-en-scene presents to us that Norman is the sinister one.

His mother is referred to as a stuffed bird, this could resemble what type of character Norman is as he presents women as a bird, this reflects on the time period that ‘psycho’ was produced in. the use of the bird shot of the showing of the wings covering the lights reflect him here as a male as he is seen as a predator.

The book is always open the use of mise-en-scene here suggest his intelligence and how he looks so innocent, and vulnerable but how the idea of contrast between innocence and him always being one step ahead. Marion signs her name in the book as ‘Samuels’ but her last name is ‘Crane’ a crane is a bird, and therefore suggests that she is going to be a predator for Norman with his obsession for birds. The idea of Marion being a predator for Norman suggests the idea of women being a predator for men. The lack of respect shown for women here suggests the era.

The use of the show scene makes us feel uncomfortable as the shower is a personal place, us as an audience feel as if we are intruding upon her. The use of the shadow in the background reflecting on the tiles suggests the foreshadowing of what is going to happen. the use of the shot only revealing half of her fingers suggest the idea of only half of her is alive, as she is not whole as she is dying, the position we are put in as a audience only reveals a mid-shot, Marion’s body is not central in the shot this conflicts the idea of disorientation and the idea of us as an audience we are invading her personal space, this reflects on the idea of the shower scene as if we are intruding upon her. The use of the dissolve from the plug-hole to her eye could suggest the idea of voyeurism; we are therefore placed into Norman’s position, as if we are watching her. The use of the transition between the shots reflects on the idea of religion and death. The use of the diegetic sounds of the ‘dun dun’ reflects the idea of her heartbeat slowing down as if her heart is giving up, the use of the camera following the blood go down the drain could be symbolic for her life fading away. The use of the vulnerable shot of her curled up, makes us feel as an audience sorry and uncomfortable for her as she is a lady, naked and dead on the floor, this makes us feel uneasy.

There are constant moments of Norman looking submissive this reflects on the idea of his mother being confide in the house and Marion is dead, and the constant battle between male and female as he is trying to sustain the dominant role as in control. The use of the verbal spiring of the detective and Norman. The idea of the detective is winning as Norman portrays himself as a nervous wreck.

The idea of the door opening and light coming from the door reflects the idea of showing hope, the use of the contradiction here suggest that nothing good will happen, the use of the lace curtains placed in the house could suggest that Norman is family man, and the idea of keeping his mother there reflects this. Norman is constantly seen as chewing, when someone chews we would associate nerves. Norman presents himself as a panical character, and therefore not a dominant male. The use of the colour of clothing for norman from the typical dark colours then the contrast to white is a subliminal message for Hitchcock that something is going to change. The idea of Norman believing that he is winning. The use of the non-diegetic sounds of the harsh sound and then the quick switch to the diegetic sound of the detective being stabbed could suggest the idea of Hitchcock playing with the structure of the film, as this was not meant to happen and the idea of being out of control is portrayed.

When Marion’s sister and Sam arrive, they enter the room Marion was murdered in the use of the light in the bathroom, represents the idea of religious connotations and how she is now an angel and the idea of heaven and hell, the idea of hell conflicts the motel. The use of the doorway which separates Norman and same presents the power struggle between Sam and Norman but Sam is closer to the camera and therefore could suggest that he as a male is in more control and therefore throughout the novel Norman is seen as a weak male figure which could reflect on the idea that he was trying to be the father and husband his father never was, and his obsession with women, which reflects the idea of that is why he wanted to stuff his mother and keep her ‘still alive’.

Psycho

Marion Crane is from Phoenix, Arizona. She is a working girl fed up with having to sneak away during lunch breaks to meet her lover, Sam Loomis, who cannot get married because most of his money goes towards alimony. One Friday, Marion's employer asks her to take $400,000 in cash to a local bank for deposit. Desperate to make a change in her life, she impulsively leaves town with the money, determined to start a new life with Sam in California. As night falls and a torrential rain obscures the road ahead of her, Marion turns off the main highway. Exhausted from the long drive and the stress of her criminal act, she decides to spend the night at the Bates Motel. The motel is run by Norman Bates, a peculiar young man dominated by his invalid mother. After Norman fixes her a light dinner, Marion goes back to her room for a shower, she hides the $400,000 wrapped in a newspaper and goes for a shower, she is shortly attacked and killed by Norman. She is thrown into the nearby lake, he watches as her body is swallowed up by the lake, and clears out her room as if she was never there. As the days past, Sam and Marion’s sister realise she isn’t going back, and hires a private detective to try and find her. The detective sniffs out the Bates motel, and investigates. Just as he was coming to something, Norman is one step ahead, and murders him on the stairway of his house. He also throws the detectives body into the lake. Aware the detective never returns Marion’s sister and same decide to take matters into their own hands and they visit the Bates motel. They portray they are a coupe spending a night on what they claim ‘a business trip’ they decide they are to search every cabin, as something must be there. Sam distracts Norman, with a convosation. The convosation portrays a different nervous side to Norman as it is seen to be a constant battle between the male dominant. Marion is lead to Normans house, where his mother is placed in the room, she enters her room, to find nothing but a deep imprint on the bed, Marion’s sister continuously searches the house, and finds his mother in the basement, as she approaches his mother, she spins the chair round, his mother is not alive, she is a stuffed rotted corpse. Aware Marion’s sister is in the house, Norman becomes to panic, and he approaches Marion’s sister dressed as his mother holding a knife, ready for attack for his next victim. Sam reaches him first and hits him unconscious, they call the authority and they arrest him, we found out that when Norman’s mother died, Norman himself adapted his mother’s personality as well as his own, and claims he was to kill Marion as she was jealous that he son was happy.

Alfred Hitchcock

Joseph Hitchcock was born on 13^th August 1899 and sadly died on the 29^th April 1980. He was British film director and producer. He created many different techniques that introduced suspense and psychological thriller genres. After he gained success in the united kingdom in both silent and early films. He moved to Hollywood, by 1956 he had become a American citizen but still remained a British icon. Over half a century he was known for his distinctive and recognisable style. He created the use of camera angles to move in such a way that it mimics a person’s gaze. Focusing on engaging the audience in the form of voyeurism. He placed shots to create the mood of anxiety, fear and empathy and used creative film editing to portray this. In many of Hitchcock’s endings, he portrayed them with a twist, and the use of thrilling plots which influenced the idea of violence, murder and crime. His films also reflect on the themes used from psychoanalysis, this was a psychological theory developed in the late 19^th and 20^th century’s by Sigmund Freud and also features strong sexual undertones. Through the use of appearing in his own films, interviews, film trailers and his own television programme, he started to become a cultural icon. He directed more than fifty films in his career, and he was often regarded as the greatest British film-maker.

Alfred

what are the code and convensions of horror?

CODE AND CONVENTIONS OF HORROR -

female vicitim
erie music/stange noises.
dark/shadowy lighting
dark/forest trees
attractive male or female.
violence
determination
strange/silent phone calls
disruption of normality
non-diegetic music
dark/bad weather
often a blonde/dippy character
blood and gore
sub plot - female and male relationship
secluded area
love twist
feat,empathy and anitspation
defeat of super-natural creature
isolated location
victim is often a recluse of society
values of society are often ruined and challenged, this leaves the audience feeling insecure.
dead of the night
if the killer/intruder enters the house through the door - signifs the victim is trapped
popular character
train station

Looking at other horror/thrillers -

In class today, we had decide on groups, and choose a horror or a thriller of our choice that we would like to present to the class by anaylsing the film using mise-en-scene, camera angels, editing and sound - in my group there is Me (Amber Holt), Harriet Nicholls, Harriet Long & Rebecca Roydhouse. For our presentation we have decided to the horrorr/thriller - Jennifer's body.

starts with an establishing shot - coming closer to the house.
jump cut to an extreme close-up of jennifers arm.
jump cut back to paning of the camera around.
close-up of house - extreme close-up of jennifer - idea of not revealing her eyes.
the extreme closeup of the window - unknowing/trapped.
POV from the window (needy) tv and feet.
camera angle coming up from the bed - childlike - bed monsters.
reveals jennifer -

we also looked at each other presentaions of different horrors, we took notes on our own ideas aswell -

Daryl Meadows - "The Grudge"

When the credits appear, there is a distinctive sound; quiet, and gets louder and could resemble the building up of suspense.
The use of the colours black and red could symbolise, blood/evil/dark which will foreshow in the film.
The swap of the camera angles could be used to show confusion.
The use of the low angle shot could symbolise her weakness compared to the grudge and is foreshadowing what might happen.
The daughter constantly enters from the darkness and into light; this could represent her dark side and her innocence – mysterious?
The use of the colours black and white could suggest bad vs. good.
The thing that is growing in the corner of the room – not meant to be there could symbolise evil and the idea it will always be there watching over.
The mum and the daughter are both wearing blue; they are wearing two different shades of blue which suggests to us that throughout the film, they will be affected by blue. The mum is wearing a darker blue which could symbolically represent that because the thing in the corner is growing in her house, she is more affected. Or will be targeted first.
The use of the black tones could suggest her being evil and deadly.
Whereas the white tones could suggest her purity and innocence.
The use of the black and white shadows could suggest her innocence against her own evil.
The use of the high shot, is the point of view of the thing growing in the corner this could suggest that is in control as the thing is higher up and therefore shows her vulnerability and unawareness.
The use of the side shot of the girl suggests that we can only see half a person which could reflect the idea of a split personality.
The use of the mid-shot, to close-up to extreme close-up could resemble the idea of intimidation as you are unable to see fewer features.
The use of them camera angles shows that the girl is trapping the light coming through the windows which could reflect on the idea that freedom is far off, and the resemblance of the window could reflect the idea of being trapped.
The use of the shot reverse shot could be the point of view of the girl showing frustration and suspense.
The use of the low shot, could suggest that she feels threatened and therefore the producer has played around with the camera angels.
The sound follows the rhythm from the start, starting off quite and low and becoming high this could suggest the destruction starting to happen.
The use of the low base sound could suggest that there is a element of danger near.
The use of the cobwebs could portray the idea of a spider catching his prey which could resemble the idea of the thing in the corner (grudge) catching her.
The theme of ‘unknowing’ is explored throughout the film.
The use of the flame flickering in the background could build up the tension.

Luke Papworth - "The Ringer"

clouds moving quickly - could resemble the idea of running out of time.
car is deeper into the forest - idea of becoming more trapped.
the girl looking through the window - red shadow - foreshadowing danger
phone behind the girl - red shadow - danger as it is always in the background.
the man is smashing up the place - mad/angry idea of loosing control - resembling his hair(ratty)
soft music - misleading
ringer - death in the film.
smashing the floor - idea of entering hell.
light and dark (bad about to happen) idea of seeing the light.
looking at them - death staring at them in the face.
tv is answering her question.
big/sharp sound - attack.
tv - screen - nothing to be afraid of domient.

"silent hill"-

first part - showing snow -resembling a horror.
ash falling from the silent hill - not snow suspcious?
light suddenly switches on - rose (mum)
shadow of the main character - innocense.
non-diegetic sounds - 'cant see her'
panical tone- engaged - upset - distressed.
low/two shot - rose - main character.
mum and dad constantly in the background
could show him as a father figure.
teddy bear - reveals child like/danger.
dark/mysterious light - sense of foreboding.
frightening/unsetteling.
threatening atmosphere.
isolation - no where.
does society affect this?
names on the bridge reflect the idea the characters in the game.
thunder - danger.
antisipation.
suspense.
car-tyres - running out of time (coming to the end)
waterful - never ending (closer/louder)
haunting music - relgious connoations.
ariel shot - showing death/danger.
scared/desperation.
roles have been switched.
innocense - contridiction not evil but causing bad things to happen.
humour -possessed.
camera pans around - unwilling characters.

"silence of the lambs" -

sound - sweet and high goes louder, lower and harsher could resemble the lambs.
the darkness - trees - spooky could symbolise the fog unknown - establishing shot - tension.
birds nature - good vs. evil.
panting (mid shot) extreme close-up
view of feet , view through the trees showing someone is watching.
footsteps - running and the tramperling on the leaves.
side view of people - we dot know hee.
determination - over come by chalanges.
behind shot - music changes by becoming lighter.
180 degree rule - vunrability.
red face - women/evil.
running away from someone?
obsticale course - challenges she will approch.
pan reveals the doctor.
switching of the convosation.
her pov shot - walking down viewing the prisioners.
behind the bars - trapped.
bars - glowing red - going into evil/hell decending.
authority - long shot.
huming to tune?
red face - tension/evil
no way of escaping.
over the shoulder shot - sharing power.
beeping tone - countdown.
contrast of red and white - secuirty and innocense.
bars closed - trapped.
360 degree angle - pov (checking surroundings)
music - sombre/deathly.
establishing shot - dark/scary/suspense.
establishing shot - dark/sombre
going down into hell - up to heaven
chair - alone/normality.
flicks between her and prisoner - her.
perspective - scared/vunrability.
pan - hannibal appears.
cell - better than others - better class.
has glass instead of bars - unknown?
dangerous
-harsh tone - swap of character.
hannibal in control - asking questions
closer - zoom in on hannibals face.

Terminator 2 essay

Discuss the ways in which in the film ‘terminator 2’ constructs gender using the following; camera angles, movement and composition, editing, sound and mise-en-scene.

In the film terminator 2 the use of the close-up angle in the interview scene portrays gender as the use of desperation and Sarah having to prove herself to the ‘doctor’ this cross links the idea of sexuality and how men are seen to be more superior to women and the idea of women having to prove themselves to be seen as on the same level as men. The use of the canted angle here suggests that the imbalance and instability of Sarah. The use of all the staff working at the mental institute being male here implies the transition and contrast between Sarah being a female and the staff being male. Here this could suggest the idea of male sex being dominant and known as more superior.

The use of the canted angle suggests here that it is the view from Sarah’s point of view and foreshowing her vulnerability. The use of clothing in this scene shows the gender of the characters for example Sarah is wearing a long white night dress. We assume with a women dresses and skirts whereas different personalities portray different ways of expressing yourself for example; women that are seen as more male and therefore choose to dress like that persecific sex for example a tom boy.

The contrast with the night dress shows a femine and vulnerable side to Sarah as the idea of not being able to escape the mental institute foreshows this with the idea of dressing as a tom boy as putting a guard up and being the idea of ‘Hard’ and not showing the uneasy and vulnerable side of Sarah. The use of the mental institute foreshows the helpless and defenceless character Sarah has become as she was stripped of her personal clothing and weapons which here could resemble her comfort blanket and she feels as if she is always in danger.

The location in the scene is in a office, the office is dull and the use of colours is limited. This reflects the idea of the staff being male dominated as this is reflected within the institute. The main colour reflected within the lighting is black, white and grey. This could reflect the mood within the institute as it is a uneasy atmosphere. The clothing used for the staff is a contradiction as you associate a doctor in a white coat as harmless and trustworthy whereas the doctors in the film are vulgar and dangerous for example when the man lick’s Sarah’s face this foreshows the lack of respect the patients have gained and they are not trustworthy as they mimic them, as they know they are unable to react and therefore take advantage of the patient (Sarah) being reluctant to react. As for example here; Sarah is strapped down and her mouth covered. The windows which are shown to be blacked out.

The use of gender here is not established and therefore the director is playing with the idea of neither male nor female. The light coming from the window could symbolise freedom and the lack of light could show the contrast between reality and fate. The lack of light could symbolically suggest the mysterious but threatening atmosphere and how reality has disappeared for the patients as they are treated as non-humane. The use of sound is foreshowed by gender as Sarah is panting and breathing heavily and therefore could symbolically represent the vulnerable, distressed Sarah.

Therefore in the escape scene the high shot of john talking to the terminator could represent the urge for a father figure in his life and being able to relate to the same gender as his character as his mum has brought him up. And how he looks up to him as a superior and no longer see’s the terminator as threatening, the contrast between the personality of the terminator between the first film and the second could symbolically represent the courage and friendship that foreshadows his relationship with Sarah and John. The use of the change of clothing Sarah has adapted here would suggest that she has left the fragile and choked Sarah behind and has hidden that with the male clothing that dominates her life-style.

Some of Sarah’s facial features are shown here and therefore could represent the two sides to her as deep down she is a femine, vulnerable women but covers her personality with the boy-ish act. The use of the low angle shot of Sarah and the juxtaposition between the change of clothing from a dress to trousers and vest. The use of the shot could resemble him in control and how the director has played with the structure of the film so far. The use of the extreme close-up as Sarah injects the main doctor of the institute during her escape shows the personal approach and how the director could have placed his view from back. But the use of the extreme close-up could show the desperation and suspense. The use of the low angle of the doctor struggling could be a contrast between a female struggling earlier to a male. The disorientation of the canted angle could represent the confusion and the reluctant up-rising of Sarah’s escape. The contrast between the high and low angle could reflect the idea of trust. And how they have betrayed Sarah’s trust and the use of the high angle showing Sarah could resemble the idea of that now Sarah is in control of his life as he struggles and reinforces the idea that ‘what goes around comes back around’ and how they have betrayed her. The idea of the contrast between trust and the idea of being able to trust someone in a white coat comes from the idea of stereotyping. The lack of trust between Sarah and the other characters resembles that she may have been let down in her past and the idea of conflict between characters foreshows. Sarah’s minds reluctant to let anyone in because of her trust issues and the idea of being a mother and wanting to protect her son.

In the scene from the family place focuses on the light appearing from behind john this could resemble the importantance of the character and resemble an angel like figure. The close-up of Sarah reveals a more personal approach to the character and resembles her femine features. Sarah is wearing blacked out glasses and therefore hiding her eyes this could resemble hiding who she is as an old saying ‘if you look deep enough into someone’s eyes you can see their soul’. When Sarah wakes up the lighting is around her face and shortly goes dark this could symbolise the difference between fate and reality.

In the final scene the close up shot of the terminator and john struggling to help Sarah this symbolically represents the difference between male and female and the capability. This suggests that the need of a male influence within the family and the missing part needed. The low angle shot of Sarah and john here could represent the threat and vulnerability they are under and the contrast between and mother and son bond. The difference between a female and male child. The white shadow on Sarah’s face could represent the innocence and angelic personality she has. At the end Sarah and the terminator are on par with each other and could symbolically represent the non-social class between either and there is no difference between male and female.