In the planning stage before we decided on our storyline we researched similar horror films that gave us ideas. One of these films was Stephen king's IT which I have chose to base my fifteen minute analysis on as it is the film that I think is the most similar to our storyline.
Sound
At the start of the film they use conventional horror music which is high pitched an eerie, they do this so that the audience knows straight away the genre of the film. This then follow by calmer music which helps to create suspense. Then there is the sound effect of a little girl singing which is stereotypical to the horror genre as they usually feature vulnerable characters. As this child's singing follow the title sequence this suggest that children are heavily involved within the film. This is then followed by a child's laugh and then another person laughing, this gives of a warning that something is about to happen. Conventional horror music is when used again to create an uncomfortable atmosphere whilst something happens to the child. After this gentler music is heard and this is used to give the audience time to empathize with the situation. Non- diegetic sound is then used of a mans voice and you can hear his thoughts and feelings which helps the audience understand what is happening.
Mise-en-scene
The costumes use in the film are important as they distinguish characters. The Killer clown wears a clown costume and clown make up so that we can easily recognize his character. There are often flashes of the clown and the colours used in the costume are bright and noticeable so we feel nervous whenever we see them as we associate them with the killer.
The location of the opening scenes is in a neighbourhood and someone's garden. This is effective as it will scare the audience more as terrible incidents are happening in a setting that they are familiar with. This makes the film more realistic as the audience relate this back to themselves and image it happening to their neighbourhood.
The lighting used is dull as the scene has been filmed in a rainy dismal weather. This is stereotypical to the horror genre as they usually feature dark lighting as it creates a sense of mystery as the audience may not see everything that happens.
The lighting used is dull as the scene has been filmed in a rainy dismal weather. This is stereotypical to the horror genre as they usually feature dark lighting as it creates a sense of mystery as the audience may not see everything that happens.
One prop that is used is the tricycle that the girl is riding and the doll that she is holding. this symbolizes the child's innocence and ignorance to what is about to happen as she is just playing and doesn't realize that the clown is dangerous.
Cinematography
A high angled shot is used at the beginning showing the sky and lightening striking, this is effective it is a warning and it represents killers in horror movies as they can strike at any time.
Establishing shots are used in the opening to set the scene. One establishing shot introduces a character who is a little girl. High angle shots are often used to show the girl and this emphasizes that she is vulnerable and weak which suggest something may happen to her. Close up shots are also used to show the girl and her reactions to seeing the clown, this helps us understand her feeling and the situation better.
A close up is also used to show the clowns face and this suggest that both characters have caught each others attention. Another high angled shot is used to show the girls tricycle after the incident and it is tipped over, this suggest that something serious has happened to the girl even though you don't see it.
Establishing shots are used in the opening to set the scene. One establishing shot introduces a character who is a little girl. High angle shots are often used to show the girl and this emphasizes that she is vulnerable and weak which suggest something may happen to her. Close up shots are also used to show the girl and her reactions to seeing the clown, this helps us understand her feeling and the situation better.
A close up is also used to show the clowns face and this suggest that both characters have caught each others attention. Another high angled shot is used to show the girls tricycle after the incident and it is tipped over, this suggest that something serious has happened to the girl even though you don't see it.
Editing
Editing is used effectively when the girl see's the clown for the first time. There is washing blowing on a line blocking the view and you hear a the clown's laugh but you don't see it. This makes the audience think that the girl may be imagining as the clown disappears and re-appears. This will also make the audience question the reality of the situation.
Iconography
The character of the clown is iconic to horror films as many feature killer clowns. A lot of horror films have familiar figures, like clowns, that are made out to seem dangerous and scary. This is effective as it makes horror films seem realistic and this will scare the audience more.
Vulnerable characters are often associated with horror films and they are usually targeted by the killer. In the opening of this film the vulnerable character is the little girl and she is targeted first by the clown. The fact that the child was shown first and they were shown in vulnerable way suggested that something was going to happen early in the film. Lastly inspectors are stereotypical to the horror genre as they are trying to solve the crimes. However their efforts don't usually work as interfering with the crime sometimes makes them the target.
Link to film: http://twomovies.name/full_movie/46/99864/1/movie/
