The first analysis point is editing. The editing types used in the scene are fading, continuity and a straight cut. The one particular style that was effective in this scene is the continuity editing. This is were the shot is the same throughout and really links the audience with the scene. Also used in this scene was a montage of pumpkins. This connotes the fact that it is Halloween and just helps the whole audience really engage with the film.
This clip also contains cinematography. Two main features of cinematography are used in this clip. Point of view shot and a hand held shot.
These two points hold hand in hand as we step inside the
killers’ shoes as he brutally kills his sister. The point of view is used in a
hand held manner to give the audience a feel for what it is like and we can
only see what he sees, enhancing the overall experience by allowing you to
focus on events, solely from his perspective.
Another point i am analysing is sound. Once again i picked
up two key points from the clip. These being parallel sound and off screen
sound. The parallel effect is the sound of footsteps on the stairs in
synchronised time with a piano sound. This gives the scene a weird eerie feel
that makes you aware that something is going to happen, you are anticipating an
event. The off screen sound is the ticking clock effect, not seen at all in the
scene. This could portray the feeling that all time has slowed down, adding a
feeling of suspense to the audience.
Character analysis my next focus. The killer is kept very mysterious throughout
the whole clip; the audience is given very little information about the
killers’ physical appearance. This creates an enigmatic feeling about the
character. The girl is another character seen. She is in her room at night.
This immediately gives the audience a feeling of foreboding, this happens
because it is a characteristic scene set up of a conventional thriller.
The narrative used is another point of notice. The location
is in an ordinary suburban area that puts you at ease and feels very homely. It
could almost be your town. The area is very stereotypical and in doing this
makes you on edge and fearful even after the end of the film.
Using the clip the following points all link together. Shock, surprise, and leave the audience in
suspense, hidden identity, enigma, open door, quiet house, iconography, low key
lighting, and a female victim.
I hope to take all of these convention and use my own
analysis to create a chilling thriller which keeps the audience on the edge of
their seats and keeps them looking over their shoulder in the dark when they
hear a noise.
Your analysis of the opening sequence to Halloween, demonstrates a basic understanding of the codes and conventions of a thriller film. You have included some micro element points, but you have not discussed the points or examples in enough detail. Instead, you have included a very basic summary, which does not demonstrate enough understanding of the conventions of a thriller.
ReplyDeleteTo develop this post, you need to-
1) Include a summary, to explain how this research will assist you with planning your own opening sequence
2) Consider the relationship between the audience and the characters in more detail
3) Focus on the codes and conventions in further detail throughout
4) Refer back to your class notes and ensure that you have included all the correct points and examples
5) Discuss the points that you have included in further detail, by including 3 different points, for each micro element