Day 10 part 3 : Carrie (1976) vs Psycho (1960) and Male Gaze

Carrie is an American Highschool Horror hybrid based on Stephen King's novel. The film was directed by Brian De Palma and written by Lawrence D. Cohen. The plot revolves around a young teenage girl called Carrie, who's a social outcast who then returns home to be bullied by her heavy religious mother. Carrie eventually discovers her telekinesis power which results in the prom from hell for her peers.

Here's a diagram I made which represents the influence of Psycho on Carrie.

Analyzing Opening Scene - "Showers" CARRIE :

Analyzing the Opening shower scene from Carrie links back to Laura Mulvey's Male Gaze theory.

Laura Mulvey believed women are shown as unequal as the camera presents women as "sexualized", for

the pleasure of men.

She constructed the Male Gaze theory through 3 looks which includes:

1. The look of the camera as it records the filmic event. (The use of the camera to objectify)

2. The look of the audience as it watches the final product. (The way the audience perceives from the way the camera presents)

3.How the characters look at each other in the visual images. (The way characters view each other and how we view them because of this)

The 3 looks of Male Gaze theory are presented in Horror of Dracula with the Vampire Bride   

There are high angle shots of her chest almost as if from the perspective of Harker, which highlights his feelings towards her. She's wearing a revealing dress and red lipstick which is visually pleasing for male viewers, as she's presented as seductive and sultry. This would result in the audience viewing her as an object, as even Harker's body language suggests he enjoys looking at her as her femininity and sexuality is focused on by the camerawork. However even though she is presented this way you could argue, that she goes against conventions since she then tries to bite him and acquires the power in the situation.

This reinforces the theory of Male Gaze which all genres of film can maintain including Horror.

The shower scene in Carrie highlights what a male would imagine it to be like in a changing room, however women would not view a changing room from this perspective. Horror often presents women in the pleasure of men, which is why the idea that it's a heterosexual male dominated industry is highlighted.

Viewing Horror movies from different theories and perspectives allows me to gain a deeper understanding of what makes Horror, Horror but also what could be improved and what should be changed in the industry.

This will be specifically important in the creation of my trailer.

Day 10 part 2 : Let the Right One in VS Twilight

Let the Right One in is a Swedish Horror film hybrid. It's a mixture of thriller, suspense and Romantic genre which makes it different to other Horror films. It was directed by Tomas Alfredson and distributed in 2008.

The story consists of a bullied 12 year old boy, who seems to be searching for his own voice. His voice is then found when he meets a young girl who appears mysterious, but is a good friend to him. He finds out she's a vampire and his life is surrounded by her presence ever since. Twilight is a Romantic teen movie which is extremely different to Let the Right one in, however they have some similarities.

Below is a recording I made using Vocaroo.com which presents the similarities and differences I found while comparing the two movies.

Record audio or upload mp3 >>

Let the Right one In in terms of certain representations and aspects is extremely different to Twilight, which is why I choose to compare them to emphasize the importance of genre and how it can change the way the characters come across and our presented. The icon of blood is especially sentimental in Let the Right one In which reinforces the genre as the audience aspects to see gore and be thrilled, however in Twilight it's more about Edward's feelings for Bella which is why we see arguments, break ups and disputes relating back to the Romance genre, as it's what the audience expect to see.

Day 10 : Analyzing Representations

Throughout the Horror genre certain individuals are presented consistently in a particular way, however these stereotypes could be subverted with reason and this is called "Satire" and "Pastiche". Examples of films where this has been used would be, Scary Movie as they parody the main conventions of Horror movies.
Below is a video I made which analyzes representations of specific subgroups and individuals I've seen in Horror.

Understanding the different representations in Horror can not only link to theories, but also impact how I plan to subvert or stick to the conventions, in which each subgroup are generally presented in Horror while creating my trailer. 

Day 9 part 2 : Todorov & Propp

While studying the history of Horror, it's important to consider how different theorists perspectives link to the genre. In my powerpoint made using SlideRocket, there's information about Todorov and Propp's theories in which I applied to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2013).



Personally I believe Todorov's theory is stronger than Propp's as most stories have a point where, they start of fine with no problems, there's something which disturbs the peace and then it's resolved. It is much easy to apply to narratives unlike Propp's theory, as Horror movies don't often have happy endings so it's hard to view "A Princess" as they don't often have a reward at the end.

Being aware of different theorists views on characters and narratives, enables me to be actively thinking of what kind of storyline and characters I want my trailer to include. This also links to whether I should follow their perspectives on these aspects or subvert the norms.

Day 9 : Alfred Hitchcock & Psycho's Influence

Alfred Hitchcock is a highly influential film maker. He is mainly known for Psycho, which is no surprise as it's dubbed one of the most iconic Horror movies of all time.  Alfred Hitchcock revolutionized the Horror/Thriller genre using camera techniques which had never been used before. Below is a video I made using PowToon about Hitchcock's background and key information about Psycho.


Just like Tony Hopper Alfred Hitchcock used unique marketing methods, for example he told the audience that they must see the first 10 minutes of the movie including opening credits. This made the audience curious to what would happen in the movie. Hitchcock at the time was viewed as crazy since he killed his main protagonist Marion in the first 45 minutes of the film. This was unusual for movies at the time, especially since most Horror movies had Gothic monsters like Godzilla and Dracula. Alfred Hitchcock is a good director/producer to research as in terms of camera techniques he was unique and different, so while creating my own trailer I could use his style as inspiration.

Day 8 part 2 : The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a Slasher Horror film produced by Tony Hopper. The story consists of Sally and her friends on a trip which seems joyful at first, but soon becomes a nightmare when they venture into a house in the middle of no where.  The Texas Chainsaw Massacre has been dubbed a pioneer of slasher, which is why it's extremely influential to the Horror genre. Below I created a diagram of important key facts using gliffy.com.

 

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre highlights a time of worry and struggle. Due to reality being difficult people would often escape by watching movies, which could be a reason why Horror movies are so successful. Horror movies open a darker reality in which no one who follows societies moral code have explored.  In my horror trailer I would like to evoke a reaction from my audience, by making them perceive society differently just like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre did in terms of not knowing who you can trust in society. 

Day 8 : The Slenderman review

Fairly recently I watched Slender man. After watching the movie I wrote a review on what intrigued me and what I believe could have been done better. Watching Slenderman allowed me to get a feeling of different hybrids of Horror as Slender man is of the urban legend hybrid genre, which is different to the typical paranormal Horror I've seen in the past.

Here's my review below. 

Introduction

The Slender Man is a mythological being which has thin long arms and legs, taller than any living thing on this earth. He’s said to wear a black suite with a black tie, as he blends into the musk of the night waiting for easy prey, waiting for an opportunity to kidnap and kill its next victim. The movie filmed in 2013 is extremely slow paced which flows nicely as it relates to the realistic documentary aspect of the story. The film consists of a set of clips filmed from the perspective of the main 3 protagonist’s camcoders, this is a conventional aspect to horror movies similar to the Paranormal Activity series so if you liked that you’ll definitely enjoy this.

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The story begins with a father playing baseball with his son, which at first seems like an harmless interaction between loved ones however the picture perfect moment soon comes to an end non surprisingly. The film is pretty cliché, however it sets the gist of the story straight away and doesn’t involve much concentration. This is perfect for film watchers who like horror but don’t like lots of quick action cuts, complicated storylines and “jumpy” moments which results in you constantly moving about in your seat.

The son and daughter of the recently deceased father Jim Anders, Chase and Emma are grieving over their fathers recent death. Emma played by Emma Baker, is a naïve and confident teen who’s headstrong to film a school project which in the horror genre is a sign mayhem is inevitable. Her performance makes the film less serious with her whitty comments and smart remarks, making the aura of the film more light hearted and attractive. Her personality is a perfect ice breaker as at some scenes the audience is taken back but revived by her humorous qualities. I would definitely say that Emma Baker is the best actress in this movie. She’s the glue which holds the film together, as performances from other actors/actresses is slacking and often causes viewers to yawn at their lack of enthusiasm and overall performance.

The setting of the film takes place in a perfectly conventional area, typical to the airy isolated location you often see presented in movies of this genre. In terms of mise en scene the setting often evokes a reaction from the viewer. Since the camera is mainly from each characters perspective, when the slender man comes to attack its next victim it is if you the audience are next on his hit list. I would definitely recommend viewing this film in the cinema or with friends, as it is a perfect film to be a bit scared but to have a laugh. For people who enjoy getting adrenaline rushes from the sight of flying daggers, splattered blood and guts you should definitely pass this film.

Overall I would rate The Slender Man a 2 out of 5. If you’re bored and looking for something quickly to watch to pass time this would be perfect, however if you were to spend money to watch this film you would be greatly disappointed. The film is unintentionally comedic and cheesy but somehow it works, so gather your microwave popcorn, liquorice and soda and watch this movie with some company.  

Day 7 part 3 : Genre and Narrative

Genres are catorgories in which groups and classifys an overall subject. Christopher Lee who played Dracula said "Genre is essentially a means of grouping texts together, classifying them according to certain kinds of shared characteristics: plot, characters, iconography, setting, music, stars etc".

In relation to horror movies many theorists have different perspectives on what they believe defines horror. Genre and narrative interlink as the narrative can be seen as what makes the genre, e.g someone getting kidnapped by an alien would link to a supernatural genre of horror.

Wells believed all narratives include "social alienation, the collapse of spiritual and moral order, a deep crises of evolutionary identity, the overt articulation of human kind's inner most imperatives, and the need to express the implications of human existence in an appropriate aesthetic." I agree with Well's theory as most conventional horror movies flow in the style of an alienated individual who has left society. Their absence from societies orders and control, leads to them committing acts which represent decivilization, which is it's a fear since they're going against the same norms and values of society.

A Horror movie which represents Well's theory would be Psycho and Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
My diagrams which support Well's theory are below.

When creating my trailer I need to take theorists views into consideration in terms of the genre and narrative of the horror trailer, but also how the characters interlink within it.

Day 7 part 2 : Timeline of iconic Horror movies

I created a timeline using timetoast.com. Creating a timeline of iconic horror movies will help me understand the patterns, trends and developments of the Horror genre throughout time.


During the Gothic era of Horror the villains were often monsters, however in contemporary horror movies the villain has migrated to mainly humans. It could be argued that villains reflect societies fears, as Norman Bates in Psycho, Leatherface in Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs were influenced by Ed Gein. Ed Gein was a American serial killer who appeared normal but was a murderer/ body snatcher who dressed up as his mother and skinned his victims. An example of this in contemporary society through horror movies, would be World War Z as it reflects the fear of the world ending which has been consistently presented through mass media.

Day 7 : Male Gaze theory and the Representation of Women

Laura Mulvey, a British feminist argued that throughout media and film women are often represented as an object that visually benefits the hetrosexual male. The camera techniques are of what a man would aspire to see thus privileging the male at the oppression of women. E.g the shower scene at the start of Carrie (1976).

In some of the Horror movies I have watched, I have witnessed a misogynistic approach to women especially in terms of the "Slut" trop. The convention of a "Slut" character makes me imply from a feminist approach that women who explore their own sexuality are perceived negatively and looked down upon. This ideology reinforces the idea that the media reflects societies issues. The representation of men who express their sexuality in contrast to women highlights the double standards as men are praised for expressing themselves sexually while women are demonized.

Here's brainstorm I made using bubbl.us. This brainstorm highlights the typical female characters I've see presented in Horror movies.

Women are often represented negatively in Horror movies. They have no freedom and are caged in a box of only existing to visually please men. Here is a YouTube video I found on the representation of women in Horror movies. It  illustrates the idea that if women have sex they're seen as vile and demonic which is why they often die. It's extremely unconventional for a non virgin woman to survive in horror movies. This video also highlights the idea that women who take drugs and drink (Hedonistic behavior), cleanse themselves in a shower or bath which is seen as purifying and wear extremely little clothes you will most likely die. These trends of what types of women die suggests that if women act against their gender construction of being weak, quiet, virginal, reliant on men and generally free they will die.

Personally I believe the representation of women in horror movies should be of more variety.Women shouldn't be limited to one role, which is why in my trailer I hope to subvert the representations of women and create an unconventional character.  

Day 6 part 2 : What is important to consider while creating Horror trailers?

This is a mindmap of all the elements I need to consider when creating a Horror trailer.
When planning and creating my trailer in the future, I can look back at this plan and use it as inspiration.

Day 6 : Conventions of Horror Trailers

Here is a presentation of the conventions I have witnessed while watching Horror trailers. There are several patterns I observed, from the use of colours to the element of sound.





Observing conventional aspects of horror trailers will allow me to get a better understanding of what I need to include in my horror trailer, but also what norms I could subvert.

Day 5 part 2 : Analyzing more Horror Trailers

Here's a table created using tablegenerator.com. I have analyzed the similarities and differences of Godzilla, Halloween and Candyman trailers. Previously I analyzed Korean horror trailers but they have different conventions to mainstream trailers so I picked iconic trailers and deconstructed them.





















Godzilla trailer (1954)

Halloween (1978)

Candyman (1992)

Below I also identified the key camerawork, mise en scene, editing and sound which stood out to me while watching the trailers. Analyzing and identifying aspects of horror movies will allow me to find a pattern in unconventional aspects and conventional aspects, which I can possibly use as inspiration when creating my own trailer.

Day 5 : Who influenced who?

Asian horror has pioneered to the screens of people all over the world within the last 10 years. Japanese horror in particular has made iconic movies, in which resulted in them being known for creating the creepiest, twisted and spine tingling horror movies. The western horror movie scene has definitely been influenced by Japanese movies, in relation to ghosts. Most Japanese horror movies use ghosts or demons. This is a convention of Japanese horror movies, as they’re mainly known for the paranormal thriller hybrid of horror.

Japanese movies also have western influences, for example Frankenstein influenced Ishiro Hinda to write Godzilla in March 1951. Due to the destruction of the atomic power in Japan, the public began to fear what effect science could have on peoples lifes. This relates to horror movies being successful due to the fear of the unknown reaction evoked from the viewers. 

Many foreign movies have been adapted into western remakes. Here are a few examples below.
*Click on the mute button to play music*

Regardless of where the director or the story is from movies will never fail to have influences from other movies or a directors style. In relation to my trailer I think the concept of being inspired by a director or a particular movie will help create a strong effective trailer.

Day 4 : Deconstructing Horror movie trailers

Here's a video I made deconstructing 2 horror movie trailers. These trailers are in some ways different, however in terms of editing they both illustrate the same techniques which shows a general convention of horror movie trailers. Although they are similar in this aspect it doesn't mean that they all follow this particular convention in regards to editing. Analyzing these trailers will help me find conventional and unconventional aspects of horrors so I can gain influences when creating my horror trailer and magazine.

I analyzed Asian horror movies e.g Korean and Japanese because mainstream movies often have an influence, similar to the influence of eastern europe. For example there has been American adaptions of Japanese movies such as The Grudge, One Missed Call, The Uninvited and The Ring. So I thought it would be interesting to analyze these horror trailers in particular. I analyzed these trailers however I plan to analyze mainstream trailers and compare them.

The Doll Master Trailer




The Wishing Stairs Trailer

Day 3 : Analyzing Horror movie posters

In terms of research I deconstructed Horror posters to find similarities and differences. While deconstructing these posters I realized that there are key colours, camera techniques, mise and scene and layout Horror posters like follow.

 Analyzing the similarities and differences between Horror movie posters made me realize that the posters regardless of the colours used, only have a specific variety of shots or angles. For example in "The others" poster above the positioning of the words fits well with the image. Her expression reinforces the idea that we should be scared of "The Others" and a lot of horror movies present the fear of the unknown in their posters as they make you as a viewer question what the protagonist/protagonists may face in the film. 

Day 2: The History of Horror

The genre of horror originates from Gothic Literature, with iconic novels such as The Turn of the Screw by Henry James, Frankenstein by Marry Shelly and The Strange Case of  Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Original elements of Gothic Literature has had an influence on contemporary Horror movies, especially in terms of trops/characters you see represented. Today in class we watched the opening of Nosferatu the first ever Horror movie created in 1922. The movie may have lacked a variety of angles with mainly mid shots and long takes, however in terms of mise en scene the characters are very similar compared to the roles and casted actresses and actors you see in 21st century Horror movies. 

Carrie (1976) and Nosferatu (1922)

Similarities

• Both films start of peaceful and normal as if nothing bad is going to happen
• There's subtle hints of a power or an abnormal knowledge they possess
•  In  terms of mise en scene both of the characters look conventionally scary

Differences 

• Carrie has more variety of angles, camera shots and angles.
• There's more ellipse of time in Carrie 
• The structure of Noferatu is more conventional to horror as it sets the scene quicker, however Carrie reinforces the genre of Horror through the changing turn of events towards the end of the movie.

Analyzing the representation of angles, camera shots and the narrative of both movies strengthens my understanding of how horror movies have changed but also how they can be similar and different. For example in terms of mise en scene Nosferatu and Carrie both have characters which originally are fragile, however their circumstances lead to them becoming "The Villain" on their stories. This understanding will be potentially useful when creating a Horror trailer and magazine cover.

                          

Day 1: Introduction

Hi, my name's Chloe and this is my media studies A2 blog.
For our project we're going to be creating a horror trailer with a magazine or poster.
This involves detailed research on the origin of horror movies but also the conventions
and unconventional things they portray, to back up are reasons for using a particular style
or icon, camera shot or aspect of mise en scene.

Personally when I watch horror movies I prefer the supernatural genre, which often consists
of ghosts or urban legends being caught on camera. I dislike horror movies which involve the squirting of blood and spilling of guts as it scares me the most due to its realistic nature, particularly when there's serial killers.

 Please look out for more posts