Day 32 : Silent Hill (2006)

Silent Hill is a Horror film directed by Christophe Gans and written by Roger Avary. It is a film adaption of Konami’s video game series Silent Hill. In terms of genre it's a hybrid Horror movie, as it is a mixture of  the psychological and supernatural genre.

The Trailer

Key aspetcs I liked in the trailer 

- Straight away the trailer states the main aspect of the narrative through the dialogue. This is a good technique, as the viewer is most likely to be grabbed in due to the curiosity of what could happen next e.g “Honey when you go to sleep you go on a little walk” and the daughter says “I don’t remember”.

- The establishing shot as they're driving in the car sets the scene, followed by text which says "Toluca County, West Virginia. This sets the scene of where the story is about to occur almost like a crime has taken place. This is reminiscent of Psycho, as in the opening scene there's also the use of text which shows location. 

- The diegetic sound of the radio increasing in pitch, sounds unbearable and jarring which highlights to the audience that something bad is going to happen without the use of background music. As a viewer you almost feel like you're in the car with them, which is why the sound is more effective.

- When the car crashes it's almost as if the camera is crashing into us as a viewer, as it's placed in an objective view in which we have no say in. I also like the way the whole screen becomes black, in terms of editing it's almost as if the camera is in the perspective of the mother unconscious from the crash. 

Conclusion

Analysing trailers enables me to understand what makes a good trailer, which is why I believed picking out aspects which stood out to me the most would be a good idea. When creating my trailer I hope to gain inspiration from some of the Horror trailers I've deconstructed, in terms of setting, angles, camera shots, editing and sound. 

Reference : http://i500.listal.com/image/5467363/500full.jpg , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silent_Hill_(film)

Day 31 : Barthes' Enigma Code Theory

An "Enigma" is a puzzle you have to work out. It's a mystery and has a sense of ambiguity.  Ronald Barthes came up with a theory, in which he believed described the use of enigmas in narratives. Below is  a mindmap I made using text2mindmap.com.

Barthes Enigma Code theory is evident in Horror trailers, specifically the Hermeneutic code as they can often give the audience little clues to what will occur in the narrative (although a full truth is never revealed). When deciding the narrative for my trailer, it would be good to consider Barthes theory as it could contribute to what makes a narrative appealing to the audience. 

Day 30 part 2 : Cabin in the Woods (2012)

Cabin in the Woods is an extremely recent Horror movie, as it was released in 2012.

The story consists of aspects which seem conventional, e.g. a group of teenagers going on a road trip, but there are clear subversions in this film. The main twist in Cabin in the Woods, would be the company who is presented voyeuristically watching the teens every move before and after they reach the cabin. This essay will analyse elements which I found interesting in the trailer, but also the movie.

Conventions and Subversions:

Cabin in the Woods subverts traditional Horror, as the narrative consists of a company who has to sacrifice people in order for the earth to be safe from the God’s.  The genre is a hybrid, as there are Supernatural aspects in terms of mythology and it occasionally seems like a Teen Comedy. In terms of characters you have the conventional “Blonde Slut” trop (Jules), who is shown encouraging hedonistic activities when drinking and dancing provocatively. This is a traditional aspect of Horror, which is why as a viewer I knew she would die. In Horror movies women who have had sex, often die first as they’re seen as impure and demonic. 

When first watching this film, I was surprised that there was an intelligent male (Holden) and female (Dana), as usually you either have one or the other within the group of friends. This was unconventional, however the way the other characters treated them added an element of convention, e.g. the “Jock” Curt assumed the intelligent girl would pick truth in Truth of Dare. Marty who at first appears to be an unintelligent“junkie”, is actually the first character to question their safety at the cabin. This is unconventionally as in films like Scream and Halloween, the characters who take drugs, drunk alcohol or had sex were portrayed as people who deserved to die due to their sinful behaviour. Marty breaks this stereotype and almost survives till the very end with Dana.

What I found Interesting:

A scene which I found interesting was at the start of the film, where Dana is in her underwear standing in front of a window. The wide shot emphasises a sense of voyeurism which is consistently presented in Horror. This shot was odd to me as usually it isn't the virgin who is presented as vulnerable by being half naked, especially at the very start of a film.  This scene reminded me of Alien, when Ripely was shown her underwear, however it is slightly different as her lack of clothes represented the danger which was about to occur due to the alien appearing.

Films it pays homage to/Theories:

- It reminds me of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, as there are a bunch of teens going on a road trip. The pan shot of the scenery is extremely similar Texas Chainsaw Massacre, as the nature adds emphasises to the isolated location.

- There's a a picture of Lillith from Case 39 in the cellar. This reinforces the idea that Cabin in the Woods is repeating traditional aspects of the Horror genre with difference (Steave Neale). Typically Horror films don't reference other Horror films, but like Cabin in the Woods Scream also uses satire by playing on the expected conventions. 

- The wolf on the wall mirrors the hawk in Norman Bates room. They're both used as symbols of the characters being in danger, as wolfs and hawks watch their prey from afar and slowly seek them.

- The Hermeneutic Code by Barthes is portrayed in the trailer, as it suggests that you will see something unexpected and different but it is left a mystery to what causes distress for the protagonists.

Conclusion

While studying the Horror genre, you need to be able to consider every moment of change or repetition throughout the years.  Cabin in the Woods is a good example, as it strengthens the idea that in order for something to be new it has to have elements of the old in order to create something new. 

Reference:http://powerlisting.wikia.com/wiki/File:The-Virgin-the-cabin-in-the-woods-32022810-500-200.gif , http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/32000000/The-Whore-the-cabin-in-the-woods-32022718-500-200.gif

Day 30 : Audience Theories

Below is a presentation I made using Prezi. It contains all the key audience theorists and how they link to the genre of Horror.


Considering how media images can affect your audience is necessary while creating a Horror trailer. I believe having an understanding of each theorists beliefs, will enable you evaluate your audiences responses and if they react how you intended as a director or editor.

Day 29 part 2 : Ferdinand Saussure - The Signifer and Signified

Ferdinand de Saussure is often dubbed the founder of modern linguistics. Saussure's theory names "concept" or "meaning" which is interlinked with association/impression of a "thing" which is "signified". This highlights the idea that Saussure believed words can have "sound images", which have a "mental linguistic sign" as a "signifier" is created in our minds.

An example 

"McDonalds" is a sign which conveys a meaning, it's then signified in our minds when we think of it. The signifier is "I'm lovin' it" and the Mc Donald's "M" as are words an image which give meaning.

Summary 

- A Signifier : The form which the the sign takes

- The Signified : The concept is represents

In realtion to Horror

Saussure's concept links to the Horror genre in terms of mise en scene, as there are various "signs" that are "signified" in our minds and are "signifiers". E.g a crucifix relates to the theme of religion which is often in Horror. It could connote Christianity  but also the idea that someone could be a religious fundamentalist.

In my Horror trailer, magazine and poster there could be symbols and signs which present a specific theme to minds of the viewers. Saussure's concept highlights this process, as signs link to word and sound meanings.

Reference: http://www.decodedscience.com/ferdinand-de-saussure-the-linguistic-unit-sign-signified-and-signifier-explained/20876 , http://massthink.wordpress.com/2007/06/03/the-signifier-the-signified-and-the-sign/ ,  http://musclesfrombrussels.wordpress.com/2012/12/07/teorama/

Day 29 : Exploring different Camera Angles

Recently I realised that when done successfully, subversions are often what a Horror film can become known for. Researching different angles and shots will help me gain a perspective of what could work well, for a Horror magazine and poster.

Digitalcameraworld.com did a post on the impact different camera angles can have on the viewer.

1. Shoot straight up

This angle puts the viewer in a unique position. In terms of Horror I could imagine this angle being a POV, as the main protagonist could have fallen running away from the villain. It also relates to Horror in terms of setting, as the sky is a faint blue and the trees connote an isolated location which is prominent in Horror films. I would definitely like to recreate this angle.

2. Exaggerated features

Twisting the camera can make an ordinary object look extremely different. In terms of Horror they often use canted angles which in result makes the audience feel uncomfortable, due to the unbalanced atmosphere and potential danger which is about to occur.

When creating my final piece in groups I may refer back to this research for inspiration.

Reference : http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2013/03/20/camera-angles-5-ways-to-add-impact-with-unusual-perspectives/

Day 28 part 2 : The Blair Witch Project (1999)

The Blair Witch Project is a 1999 American Psychological/Supernatural Horror film, written and directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez. The film is presented in the style of a mockumentary, which portrays the story of three students. 

In the film, the blair witch according to an urban legend is the ghost of Elly Kedward, a woman who was banished from the Blair Township (latter-day Burkittsville) for witchcraft in 1785. The directors incorporated part of the legend, along with the salem witch trails. 

- The element of darkness makes the movie more scary for the audience, as there are various times when we don't know what is happening. For example when the main female protagonist runs away with the camera, when can only see the darkness of the night and grass. This emphisises the theme of the unknown which is often presented in Horror.

- In terms of sound there's often alot of heavy breathing, this evokes a reaction of fear from the audience as we feel as if we're in her shoes. 

- The perspective the camera takes of each character's camcorder, makes the audience feel as if they're in their shoes. I think this is particularly cleaver as by the end of the film, I felt connected with the characters as them surviving was almost like me surviving. 

- There was an aspect of mythology behind the movie. The filmmakers decided to make the characters names near anagrams, e.g the witch Elly Keward is Edward Kelly a 16th century mystic who believed in occultism. 

- When promoting The Blair Witch Project, the poster was a missing notice for the 3 main protagonists. They chose to use the actors and actresses real names, which created a sense of panic for those who knew them. In terms of movie promotion this is a clear subversion of a typical Horror poster, however it works extremely well. When creating my final poster it would be interesting if I could gain inspiration from this.

- I found it interesting that they use no iconography (weapons), the teens/young adults aren't hedonistic, the villain is female and there is no final girl. This film is full of unconventional aspects however they work extremely well, especially since you never actually see the witch but the element of fear is still prevalent. 

The Blair Witch Project symbolises a monumental change in the Horror industry, as it proves that you don't have to follow the traditional aspects of Horror in order for the film to be successful. Personally I believe it is the differences which make The Blair Witch Project such a good film, which is why in terms of  a mockumentray, mise en scene with characters and the female villain are aspects I would love to gain inspiration from when creating ideas for narratives and characters.

Day 28 : Horror Trailer + magazine reaction research

Previously I did my own reaction to a Horror trailer, however I am a easily scared which resulted in my reaction representing someone who enjoys Horror however can't watch graphic scenes without being shocked. This is why I decided to do a video reaction of the same trailer, from someone who also likes Horror but is not frightened while watching. It will also enable me to understand what makes a Horror movie effective and ineffective, in relation to the opinions of someone who likes graphic elements Horror.

I also decided to ask Aniisah a few questions, on what stood out the most to her on magazines which feature Horror. This will also be useful when I'm in my group in the creation process, as I could refer back to this interview for some aspects in terms of what makes a successful magazine cover.

Day 27 part 2 : "The Last Final Girl" - How Danielle Harris Survived The Transition From Child Star To Scream Queen

"The Last Final Girl", is a article written by Louis Petizman which interviews actress Danielle Harris and her journey through the industry of Horror movies. I have picked out a series of key quotes in which relate to the current state of the Horror movie industry. 

These quotes highlight the difficulties in which women often face in the film industry, as a whole due to the directors being male it's often constructed from a judgmental perspective. This relates to the idea that women can only get certain roles, if they look a certain way which interlinks with Laura Mulvey's Male Gaze theory as the victim is often typically attractive and placed only for the male viewer's pleasure. This article is extremely useful for gaining a perspective on how actresses see the Horror industry. In the contemporary Horror industry considering how women are perceived and treated is a key aspect. 

Day 27 : The Murder of James Bulger - Child's Play

Child's Play is a (1988) film, about a evil and twisted doll named Chuckie. This Horror film was found in the house, of Robert Thompson and Jon Venables who murdered and tortured a 2 year old named James Bulger. They were said to have recreated a scene from the film, however there was no evidence to support this theory.

Why were the general public and media fixated on this case?

Moral panic was created due to the issue of the mass media, including films influencing children's minds making them more prone to committing crimes. People started to worry about age ratings and what they should allow their children to watch, as it could possibly end in bad behavior being learnt subconsciously. This relates to audience theories as in media, there are various views which explore the ability for the audience to be influenced passively or with choice. In the future I will make a post on these theorists, as it can interlink with what makes a film scary and how your Horror movie can effect those who watch it.

Reference: http://s294.photobucket.com/user/ashantikat/media/cool%20pics/street.gif.html

Day 26 : Reaction to "INBRED" (2012) Horror trailer

I've decided to record my reaction to a Horror trailer. My reactions relate strongly to the research I will have to conduct, when we're in groups and start the creation process. This is just a starting point as I haven't considered my target audience yet, so I just wanted to find out what makes me as a viewer scared and what makes me excited to find out more about the movies. INBRED is the first British Horror trailer I have seen during the time this course, so it will be interesting to see how it may vary to American Horror trailers

Overall INBRED is very similar to American trailers, especially the way the sound builds as if a temperature is rising until it bursts. This is reflected in the nature of the sound, as it synchronizes with the violent actions, which adds a greater effect as you can see from my reaction in my video. In terms of angles and camera techniques it was the same, as there was establishing shots of the scenery and tracking shots and pans of the location. These are used to set the scene which non surprisingly is isolated in terms of Horror conventions.
In terms of angles there are low angles which highlight the dominance of the "othered" individuals, which links to mise en scene as you have the typical hedonistic youths with a British twist.  In terms of editing a point which stood out to me, would be the quick jump cuts which appeared when everything started to go down hill for the protagonists.

The reaction of the audience is extremely important when creating Horror trailers, as through what you portray on the screen can effect and evoke a specific reaction from your audience.

Day 25 part 2 : Postmodernism

Postmodernism relates to the postmodern movement, in arts and associated cultural movements.

They often analyze and critique aspects of culture, literature, fiction and economics.

Below is a podcast I did exploring the concept of postmodernism in film.

Record and upload voice >>

In the final trailer it would be refreshing to create it from a postmodern perspective, as personally I think Horror has a better impact on the audience when it creates something new out of something old and challenges the typical conventions.

Reference : Ruth Reichl, Cook's November 1989; American Heritage Dictionary's definition of "postmodern

Day 25 : Stanley Cohen "Moral Panics" - Audience Theory

Stanley Cohen explores the concept, of the media being responsible for a range of social problems.

In this post I will be relating this concept to Horror but also contemporary examples. 

Below is Cohen's explanation of the concept "Moral Panics"

In some ways this interlinks with Horror, as the villains are often outcasts because of their 

physical appearance. Their difference is often considered a motive for their crimes, so to a certain extent it does emphasize his theory. For example in terms of "The Self Fulfilling Prophecy", they're labeled as ugly, odd and monstrous which is why they end up doing negative things. Carrie and Frankenstein are clear examples of a self fulfilling prophecy, as they both experienced being "othered" from society therefore when marginalized they acted with revenge. This does proves that even in Horror the medias definition of what is beauty, effects those who are outside the accepted box which is they result in deviance.

Here's a collage I made which highlights contemporary moral panics. It highlights the horse meat scandal, immigration, online bullying, terrorism and video games.

Stanley Cohen identified a classic structure of which Moral Panic occurs.

The different stages of moral panics reflects Horror's impact on the audience, as the directors often reflect societies fears in the themes of the movie. E.g Psycho (1960) created moral panic as people were disturbed at the thought, that someone that appeared so normal could be a killer. Alfred Hitchcock was inspired by Ed Ghine a psychotic killer, who appeared like a normal guy but was actually a psychotic killer. Cohen's concept is interesting as in my Horror trailer I could use a contemporary moral panic, as the main theme through the my narrative.

Day 24 part 3 : The Rules of Survival

Scream was one of the first Horror movies, to create a twist by satirizing the typical conventions in Horror movies. To satire, means to play and spoof common occurrences which generally happen and make it 

more exciting and new for the audience.

The characters often do or say things which reinforces conventions presented in most Horror movies, e.g if the character hears a sound, they'll go and investigate saying "its not a Horror movie so obviously I'll be okay" (It creates comic irony). The diagram I made below, highlights key elements of satire I spotted whilst watching Scream. 

This diagram highlights the idea that in terms of genre Scream follows the typical conventions of Horror, however they create something new out of something old thus reinforcing Steve Neale's genre theory. Steve Neale believed genre, is "instances of repetition and difference" and Scream is a clear example of his theory.
When planning and creating my trailer I need to consider whether I want to use satire, or follow the traditional conventions of Horror.

Here's a song I made about surviving in Horror movies.

Reference : http://slashermania.tripod.com/html/guidebook.html, http://giphy.com/gifs/pH80Qran7ooo0/

Day 24 part 2 : Short film - (The Sleepover) analysis

The Sleepover is a short Horror movie, which was entered into the 2012 Official selection from Fantastic Fest, Shriekfest, Knoxville Horror Fest, Vassar FilmFest, and winner of "The Cabin In the Woods"/Lionsgate/Vimeo contest. 

Below is an analysis, on scenes and shots which stood out to me the most while watching.

This is a short movie, however it's amazing how much they could include in terms of shots, mise en scene and movements throughout a limited duration.  Watching short movies is a good process as I could use this film as inspiration in my trailer.

Day 24 : "The Digital Film Making Handbook" by Mark Brindle

Mark Brindle's book explores every aspect you need to consider, while getting the best from digital film making technology and techniques.

In his article on "Special effects" and make-up, Brindle explores how to make fake blood which is done by mixing red and black food colouring together with golden syrup. For black and white scenes you can use chocolate sauce which was illustrated by Hitchcock in Psycho. Bloodstains is made by moulding Gelatine and then spraying it in order to give it colour. Oil based products make the effects blend into the skin without ruining the effect which is used for multiple takes.

When creating my own trailer I will have to take aspects such as special effects, into consideration which is why I thought reading this extract of Mark Bindle's work would be beneficial to my progress throughout this course.

Day 23 : Going on a Recce

I went on a Recce to think about what characters I could present in my trailer. 

Here are some of the items I believe characters in Horror movies/trailers would own, conventionally but also unconventionally. 

I chose to take a picture of a skull and a doll, as I have seen both of these items in Horror movies.

-In terms of the doll it's usually presented as the object, in which a creepy possessed child may own or it's

the reason that bad things happen. For example in Child's Play Chuckie is an evil doll which murders.

-Skulls represent death which is one of the most monumental themes in Horror. While taking a picture of it, I visualized perhaps the "Bitter old mother" character owning this, as she could have items in her house which link to witchcraft and black magic.

In terms of the rose and skull shirt I took a picture of them, as I believe they could potentially represent a girl who's an outcast in society. In terms of subcultures the character could be fascinated with Gothic style, which makes her different to the mainstream culture. She could possibly be a killer due to her differences, as most Horror villains are deviant to societies normal standards. This would be conventional but unconventional, as most Horror movie villains are male.

Going on a recce was interesting, as it helped me gain a perspective of how everything a character owns and even wears can suggest things about their character. When creating my trailer I will have to take every aspect into consideration, to make sure the personality and back story of the character is clear to the viewers.

Day 22 part 2 : Genre Theories

Throughout Horror there are influences, ranging through all different time periods. E.g Halloween from Psycho and Scream from Halloween. The chain of influence is a never ending cycle. I believe every movie has some element of originality, however they add their own twist on it, whether it’s through genre, camera techniques or how characters are portrayed.  

Below is a video I made using a screen recorder, it presents Neale's and Todorov's genre
theories and my views on them.

To summarize, I agree with Todorov's genre theory the most. I believe a new genre can always be formed by the mixture of other genres. Horror is a genre which consistently explores different genres, this is often reflected in the narrative but also the conventions they follow. I agree with Neale's theory in terms of difference, however it's implied that everything is repeated and Horror movies often have unique twists and representations of characters e.g "Final Girl.

Day 22 : Scream (1998)

Scream was directed by Wes Craven, it ridicules the cliches presented in typical Horror movies by breaking traditional conventions. Scream was credited with revitalizing the genre of Horror, as 70's Horror was extremely successful. People lost interest in later years, however Scream brought the genre back to life.

Here's the opening scene in which I deconstructed :

In this picture I pin pointed the main elements, however there are more aspects in terms of conventions. For example the villain is a man and men are mainly the role of the villains, the parents return home when it's too late (This is a common element in Horror, as authority never fulfills its role of maintaining social order. This reinforces the isolating position of the victim due to the location), the chase scene in which concludes in her falling, makes the audience feel empathy towards her and in relation to sound, the sound of her screaming is a conventional aspect of Horror.

In terms of what films it references, there's a strong similarity to Psycho. Drew Barrymore, the headline star dies during the first 5 minutes of the movie which leaves the audience confused to what will happen next. In Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock had the same effect on the audience when Marion (played by Janet Leigh) was killed in the first 20 minutes.

Scream is an iconic movie, in which I hope to gain inspiration from when creating my final trailer.
It helped bring back societies love of Slashers, with its use of satire and irony which is hard not to
love. When creating my trailer I hope to subvert or manipulate a convention to my benefit.

Reference (Scream image) : http://virtualgurl.tumblr.com/

Day 21 : Analysis of Horror movie magazines

In year 12 we researched and analysed the conventions of magazines, so my knowledge of conventions is developed however Horror movie magazines follow different conventions. This post will present my deconstructions of Horror magazines, as part of our project includes creating a magazine with a Horror element so I need to construct research beforehand. This will be useful so when I create my magazine I have a idea of what conventions to follow and if I subvert some, the reason behind why I made that choice.

While analysing these Horror magazine, patterns I found was the use of low angle mid shots, as magazines often want to present the villain as dominant over the viewer. This puts us in the position of the victim. I also found that red is used often in terms of the masthead and the especially if it’s in the center, or if not it’s fitted around the image if it’s dominant in terms of layout. The last magazine which features Freddy Krueger is unconventional in terms of colour, as it uses green, white, yellow and red. Magazines usually use 3 colours which often include either black or white. Personally I think the use of red was unnecessary as it clashes and doesn't harmonize well with the other colours. 

Day 20 : Key elements from movies I've watched

This presentation explores some movies I've watched and key aspects I found interesting while watching them. I hope to recreate some angles and shots in the future.

Day 19 : Halloween & The Final Girl - Carol J Clover

In this video I'm talking about key facts which will be useful in my project. It includes Halloween (1978), Carol J Clover Her Body,Himself and The Final Girl theory and how it interlinks.

Overall I believe Halloween is cleverly constructed, especially in terms of sound as Mychael consistently has a theme tune which warns the audience of his presence. The use of sound makes the audience unsettled and curious to what will happen next, I believe this element of suspense and surprise is important when creating a Horror trailer and movie.

Day 18 part 3: Halloween - Opening Scene

Earlier today I deconstructed the opening scene of Halloween, directed by John Carpenter who has dedicated his career to the Horror genre. I represented my information in a table below.

From analysing this scene I realised that every aspect in terms of point of view, music and sound, mise en scene, camera angles and editing is extremely important when making a Horror movie. Specifically as every aspect you use creates a different reaction and possible perspective for the view. For example the use of point of view shots in the opening scene, makes the audience feel uncomfortable and forces them to be in Mychael's shoes which is an element I would hope to present to my target audience.

I also answered 3 questions in relation to this scene, which are presented in a mindmap I made

using bubbl.us below.

Something which stood out to me the most while analyzing the opening scene, would be the use of objective point of view shots. It would be interesting to try and recreate these shots before I start my final piece, aswell as the mask vision shots as they're perfect at getting a specific reaction from the audience, in terms of fear, confusion and building tension.

Day 18 : Cynthia A Freeland - Feminist Frameworks for Horror

Cynthia A. Freeland is an essay which analyzes the representation of women in Horror films. Unlike other feminists Freeland believes Ripley’s role is of “a maternal role” therefore reinforcing the gender constructions of women, whereas other critics have concluded she’s a pioneer for the representation of women in Horror. Freeland also explores other reactions from feminists in her essay, e.g. “For Kristeva, horror is fundamentally about boundaries-about the threat of transgressing then, and about the need to do so. Hence she emphasizes the duality of our attraction/repulsion to the horrific”. This ideology relates to “The Final Girl” as Ripley is masculine, strong and intelligent, which could come across unattractive to some male viewers however the fact that Ridley Scott makes a scene of her undressing, crosses the boundary of what a women must do in Horror to appeal to the male viewers even if they aren't the conventional female.

Creed also offers an explanation to why the final scenes of Alien show Ripley getting changed. She believes it illustrates the idea to the audience that “Ripley’s body is pleasurable and reassuring to look at” as “she signifies the “acceptable” form and shape of a woman”.

I agree with Creed and Kristeva’s responses to the representation of Ripley, as they both reinforce the idea that women in Horror will not have value in the eyes of the male viewer (which people argue is the main viewer), if they don’t take off their clothes and become sexualised for the heterosexual male.

Reference : http://uffilmanalysis.pbworks.com/f/Freeland742-763.pdf

Day 17 part 2 : Feminist Horror movies

Some argue that Horror movies are made with men in mind, in terms of mise en scene and camera techniques due to women having no interest in the Horror genre. Clearly this isn't true as women are not a homogeneous group, some are avid viewers of Horror just like some men like Horror. A lot of the critiques believed that women did not watch Horror, because they believed they wouldn't have anyone to relate to in terms of characters, which is why I decided to research some feminist Horror movies.

I did research about May and Teeth. May is said to be a feminist Horror movie, due to its hybrid genre as it has a teen movie aspect with the message behind May's story as she struggles to fit in. Similarly teeth reflects how dominant men can be and the pressures of society, however she has the upper hand due to her monstrous aspects.

Researching feminist Horror movies will enable me to gain perspective, of what directors and writers to in the mainstream film industry when they subvert conventional portrayals of women. It makes to curious to whether I would subvert the mainstream feminist movies, aswell as the misogynist Horror movies who typically present women as sexualised victims.

Day 17 : A Mock Plan for poster

I decided to create a mock plan for a potential Horror poster, as you have to create different layers whilst using Photoshop. I numbered them as when creating magazines and posters on Photoshop, it's useful to number each layer so you can easily fix and adjust any element if necessary. When creating a poster it's important to consider camera shots, text and mise en scene which is why I included different elements I observed when analyzing posters.  Throughout the creation process of my final piece I plan to create another plan. 

I gained inspiration for this plan using The Doll Master's promotional poster.

Day 16 : The Relevance of Mulvey's theory and The Female Gaze

In this video I made using my phone, I used an editing programme called Movavi which left a watermark effect. I'm addressing whether on not Laura Mulvey's theory can still be applied to the contemporary age, but also Female Gaze and critique and theory.




Researching different perspectives and viewpoints, allows me to think about what aspects I would like to follow and subvert as the theorists and critics could be my motivation and influence in specific sections of this project.

Day 15 part 2 : Using Photoshop part 2

Here's another photo I had taken in Yr 12 A level media studies

I added the font "Nameless" in which I hope would evoke
a reaction from the viewer, as they'll be curious to why
she's "Nameless".

I got an effect of scribbles from Google in which I changed the properties
to "Multiply", so that it would appear without the background on my edit.

I used the scratch effects in the background to make
the aura more scary in terms of mise en scene. In terms 
of mise en scene, in Horror movies I noticed that when someone was possessed 
or being haunted there would be a scratched out photo.

I then changed the properties and this was the result.
I feel as if this poster was more successful compared to the other poster I did, as
it has a specific vibe of fear in confusion in which I hope to evoke from
the audience in my final poster and magazine.