Horror/Thriller film research

‘STRAIGHTHEADS’

Plot: After surviving a gang rape and mugging, a middle aged businesswoman and her 23 year old

boyfriend plot to murder their attackers, but find themselves conflicted about carrying out their

plans.

Conventions:

Props

Many props are used throughout including weapons such as guns, crow bars, and batons. The crow

bars and batons emphasise the pain felt by the victim as the process is drawn out unlike a gun,

which can kill someone in one shot. The sound of the baton hitting Adam repeatedly is a lot harsher

on the ears than a single gun shot. The use of sniper rifles indicates the planning gone into the

revenge, and indicate that they want to keep there distance. Torches are also used to emphasis the

darkness and also create a sharp contrast in colours on screen. The man in the bottom right picture

Is shown with one crutch, which could be used as a weapon, which creates anxiety and/or also show

that this is not the first time they’ve attacked as he could be injured from a previous attack. Adam is

reguarly seen holding a bottle of alcohol after the attack, showing how he is suffering mentally.

Costumes

Typically, white is seen as a colour of purity and black of evil. This is represented through Adam, who

has done nothing wrong, is wearing a white shirt and the four men who exit the vehicle are all

wearing dark colours, resembling evil. However the bottom right picture may contradict the theory,

but It could also indicate that because she has been raped and abused Alice is no longer pure. Also

the white shirt clearly shows the blood on Adam and likewise the contrast of the dark clothing and

the pale face of Alice show her shock and coldness.

Setting

The opening scenes of the film are filmed in modern buildings in urban areas, and the shots include a

variety of bright natural colours. These factors give of a feeling of security, reality and warmth.

However as the film progresses, the majority of scenes are set in a wooded area or the derelict farm

house, where when in the dark create a feeling of loneliness and anxiety and when shot in the

daytime, the setting appears cold and unwelcoming due to the lack of colours and overcast sky. Also

in the bottom right picture the bright headlights of the vehicle hide the identity of the people inside

therefore creating suspense.

Stock characters

In thrillers/horrors, there is almost always a villain and a victim. In this case the woman is the victim

and the 4 men who get out the jeep and beat/rape Alice are the villains. Typically the victim is

usually a young woman like Alice- blonde, attractive. The villains are usually the opposite- old un

attractive men. These stock characters fit into Vladimir Propp’s narrative theory.

Stock events

Likewise there are always stock events, such as brutal violence, or someone driving through dark

woods and then something happening, for example the car breaking down, obstruction or in this

case hitting an animal which make the drivers stop and get out their car, which leaves them

vulnerable and exposed. Another stock event is that the story is based around revenge, which is

apparent in Straightheads. Stock events in this fit in with Todorov’s narrative theory that everything

starts in equilibrium, and then an outside force causes disequilibrium.

Codes:

Titles

The titles are written in a blue font, which can represent the depressing and cold feeling throughout

the movie. The font is pixelated and the effects make it very jumpy and suddenly zoom in on the

letters, like the bottom right picture. The black background means there is no distraction, therefore

the audience concentrate on the writing which then has effect when it suddenly zooms in. It is very

dramatic and prepares the audience for the movie by putting them at unease. It is the opposite of

relaxing. The use of a sans serif font represents the modern feel of this film.

Camera angles

A range of camera angles are used to add effect to a situation. The bottom left picture is from the

POV of the woman, looking at her husband who is about to be attacked by four men. It gives the

viewer her perspective of the situation. In the picture through the sniper aim, it makes the man

targeted look vulnerable, and creates suspense whether Alice will shoot or not. The picture in the

bottom right is from a low camera angle, making the villain look powerful and even more evil,

looking down on his vulnerable victim.

Camera range

There are a different range of camera shots in the film. The majority of close ups occur when

something dramatic is happening, and can show the reaction of someones feelings. For example the

picture below shows the helplessness and shock that the woman feels as she watches her boyfriend

being brutally beaten up. The establishing shots usually start a new scene, and show the setting. For

example the picture below shows a long shot of the woman driving through woodland, indicating

she is far from any help if needed, and is isolated.

Composition

The shot below has both partners in frame showing the harm that has been done to both of them

and the pain they are feeling, unable to look at each other. This is in contrast to the other picture

where they are both smiling.

Lighting

When the villains attacked it took place at night therefore the lighting was dark which emphasised

the eeriness. The morning after the attack involved a bright daylight scene which is a harsh contrast

to the scene before, and can represent the sudden change that has taken place in Alice and Adams

life because of the attack.

Narrative theories

Todorov’s narrative theory can be seen in Straightheads as the film begins in equilibrium as life is

normal with husband and wife going to a party. Normality is then disrupted by an outside force (the

rapists) which causes disequilibrium.

‘GONE’

Plot: Jill Parish comes home from a night shift to discover her sister Molly has been abducted. Jill,

who had escaped from a kidnapper a year before, is convinced that the same serial killer has come

back for her sister. Afraid that Molly will be dead by sundown, Jill embarks on a heart-pounding

chase to find the killer, expose his secrets and save her sister.

Conventions

Props

Various props are used in the film Gone, however the only weapon used as a prop is a gun. This can

symbolise the fact that it is an abduction, as pain and torture isn’t intended. It can be used to keep

the victim under control by scaring them, and likewise can provide a sudden death unlike a drawn

out painful one. The gaffa tape also acts as a hint that someone has been abducted as it can be

placed over their mouth to stop them making noise. The torch is used in the dark woods to

emphasise the lack of light, and the creates a sense of erriness that can be felt in the woods. A

mobile phone is used at the end when Jill is on the phone to the kidnapper, which can create

suspense as they cannot be seen but their voice can be heard, therefore the audience assume what

he will look like.

Costumes

All of the costumes worn throughout the movie are mainly either black and white, which portrays

the contrast between good an evil that is present in the storyline. There is no colourful clothing

which would lighten the mood. It is all very serious. Also Jill is shown wearing white showing her

innocence and representing that she was a victim, however she is also shown wearing black when in

persuit of the kidnapper, showing he desire to get revenge with a sense of evil. The kidnapper is also

shot briefly from behind and he is wearing a black hoody. This represents his sinister approach and

how he is hiding his identity.

Setting

Different settings are used throughout the film to enhance the reality of the story. For example the

bottom right picture is a shot of a city building in the day time that will be similar to what viewers

would see in everyday life. There is a constant change between urban and remote areas which

emphasises the isolation of these places to the viewers.

Stock characters

In Gone the Villian is the kidnapper who through the phone sounds middle aged, and the victims are

Jill and her sister who are innocent attractive young adults. These fit in with Propp’s theory that

there is always a villain, victim and hero.

Stock events

Stock events include the actual kidnapping, the mobile phone call at the end, the violence and the

scenes in the woods.

Codes:

Titles

The background of the titles can be seen as representing the mud/ dirt found on the bottom of the

hole In the woods where the kidnapped girls are supposedly kept. It is merged with black which

represents the darkness felt throughout the film. The font is big and bold, highlighting the fact the

girl is “Gone” . The font could represent the girl as it looks clean and pure compared to the dark dirty

background.

Camera angles

Different camera angles are used to enhance the suspense and action throughout the film. In the 2

left hand pictures below the camera angle is from above, making Jill look vulnerable and weak. The

far right picture below shows a POV of what Jill can see from within the hole, looking upwards. The

other 2 pictures of Jill and her sister on the phone are shot from an angle that could be the POV of

the kidnapper spying on them, therefore have the eyes of the kidnapper.

Camera range

A variety of camera ranges are used throughout the film for different reasons that all contribute to

the horror feeling. The Extreme long shots set the scene, for example the picture of the city shows

the vast area, densely populated, which is in contrast to the large area of woodland that neighbours

the city. A long shot is used to show the specific location of the house, indicating it is in quite a

secluded rural area, which creates the sense of lonliness and fear. Extreme close ups are used on Jill

to emphasise her pain and suffering. A close up is also used to show how she is walking bare footed

at night in a wet woodland. This creates susspicion and curiosity as to why this is so.

Lighting

It consistently skips from the comforting urban areas, which are predominantly filmed in daylight to

the remote location of the house which is situated in and around woodland. These scenes are

predominantly filmed at night time, which enhances the eeriness of the secluded location. There is

also a scene in an abandoned house which creates curiosity and anxiety, because of the large empty

spaces and unfamiliarity. Also the lighting is very dim, as only a little amount of daylight shines

through the window, creating shadows and glare. Also when Jill is taking a shower, there is very little

lighting which creates a contrast of the darkness with the white shower curtain, which reveals the

spooky silhouette. A lot of the film is shot in woodland which again enhances the isolation and

helplessness of the character.

BABYSITTER WANTED

Plot: Her job is simple: watch after the sleeping boy until his parents return. But the Stanton's house is enormous, and it

isn't long before Angie is at the mercy of her own fears. Suddenly, the serine country silence is broken by the ringing

telephone. But who is the anonymous caller on the other end? As if the frightening telephone calls weren't enough to

shred Angie's nerve, now there's a mysterious figure lurking around in the darkness outside. There's a killer stalking this

small town, and it doesn't take Angie long to realize that the same person who's peering in at her through the window is

likely the same creep who's been butchering the local girls for months.

Conventions:

Props

Various props are used throughout the film for effect. At the start of the film a notice is shown

indicating a girl is missing. This builds tension and hints the storyline of the film. Later on in the more

dramatic scenes weapons are used to give the actor power and creates suspense for the audience,

Eg. Whether she will shoot the gun. Also dangerous utilities such as Saws are used which make the

scenario more gruesome as they provide more of a torture. The phone is also used as it creates

anxiety because you can hear the voice of the villain, but cannot see him.

Costumes

As seen in the picture below, Angie is wearing a bright jumper, representing her innocence, but also

indicating that she is likely to be the victim. The muderer is dressed in a contrasting black, once again

showing his evil, dark and sinister personality. At the start of the film people are wearing casual

everyday clothing. This allows the audience to relate to everyday life, making the story more

realistic.

Setting

The first half of the film is mainly set in daylight, in a town with lots of people around, creating

security and comfort, however as the film progresses, Angie drives to the remote isolated house

which is far from any other humans which creates isolation and makes the audience anxious. Also

once at the isolated house, it is filmed at night time which creates eeriness and uncertainty.

Stock characters and events

Stock characters in this film include Angie who is an innocent woman who turns out to be the victim.

There is also the villain who is the murderer on the loose. Stock events include Angie driving away

from safety, to the remote eerie house in the countryside. Also the phone ringing and the villain

speaking on the other end is a stock event.

Codes:

Titles

The titles are written in a red font, which represents blood and stands out against the dark black

background. The writing is enclosed in a box, which could represent how Angie was trapped by the

villain. Also usually that font and the word “Wanted” are used to try finding a killer/criminal.

However it is the Babysitter that is wanted, who turns out to be the victim of a killer.

Camera angles:

The bottom left picture shows someone looking down on the tools from their POV, making it seem

as though the audience is choosing, and therefore the villain. The middle picture is also from POV

from a distance as if they are spying on Angie on the phone. The bottom right picture is from a low

camera angle, looking up at Angie with the gun showing that she now has power because of the gun.

Camera range:

The picture of the car is from a Extreme long shot as it shows the setting, and that it is in the middle

of nowhere, with no humans near. The picture of Angie is a close up as it focuses on her look of

concern as to who is following her.

‘PSYCHO’

Plot: Phoenix office worker Marion Crane (Leigh) is fed up with the way life has treated her. She has to meet her lover Sam

(Gavin) in lunch breaks and they cannot get married because Sam has to give most of his money away in alimony. One

Friday Marion is trusted to bank $40,000 by her employer. Seeing the opportunity to take the money and start a new life,

Marion leaves town and heads towards Sam's California store. Tired after the long drive and caught in a storm, she gets off

the main highway and pulls into The Bates Motel. The motel is managed by a quiet young man called Norman Bates

(Perkins) who seems to be dominated by his mother.

Conventions:

Props

The prop used in the famous shower scene of Phsyco is a knife. Emphasis is on the knife as the

woman repeatedly gets stabbed by it. The knife makes Marion extremely vulnerable and helpless,

therefore resulting in her death. Other props used in Phsyco include Stuffed birds of prey that are

purposely placed in the same shot as Norman which represents that he is a killer.

Costumes

As seen in the picture below, Norman is predominantly seen wearing a heavy trench coat, despite

being inside which represents his cold and sinister personality. In contrast to this Marion is wearing a

summer dress, which shows her femininity and warmth.

Setting

The film is set in “A quiet little motel, tucked away” from anything else which adds to the suspense

and isolation. Lighting is used in the shower scene that make the killer appear as a silouetter, making

them look dark and sinister, where as in contrast Marion is clearly lit up, making her look pure and

innocent.

Stock characters and events

Stock characters in Phsyco include Norman, who is a lonely psychopath who murders innocent

women. Also Marion is the innocent woman who gets brutally murdered. Stock events include

Marion driving alone at night, arriving at a run down, isolated motel. The murders are also stock

events.

Codes:

Titles

The font used in the titles is spilt. This can represent Norman’s split personality, one being his

normal side, and the other being his psychopathic mental side. The white writing on a black

background emphasises the good v evil in the film. The animations are also very jolty which is similar

to the murder in the shower where there a lots of quick short shots that make the scene more

dramatic.

Camera angles

A POV camera angle is used to give the first impressions Marion gets as she arrives at the motel. It is

dark, raining and doesn’t look very welcoming, therefore the audience sympathises for her. The shot

of the house is taken from a low camera angle, making it look even more bigger and sinister than it

already is. Various points in the shower scene are taking from a high camera angle, making Marion

look small and vulnerable.

Camera range

In the dramatic shower scene, the use of camera range is used excellently for effect. Within a few

seconds the shot goes from a medium close up, to a close up, and then to an extreme close up that

focuses on the mouth which indicates the fear and panic of the scene.

Composition

Throughout the parlour scene, Hitchcock is clearly using visual composition to tell the audience

about the characters. Norman – surrounded by sinister birds – is clearly characterised as a murderer.

Marion – generously lit and framed with small, stuffed finches – is clearly going to become his victim.

Although many people don’t recognise this on first viewing the film, when you watch the movie

again, it is clear what Hitchcock was conveying through his use of visual composition.

Editing

For most of the film simple continuity editing is used so that it goes unnoticed to the audience.

However in the scene where Marion gets stabbed there is fast paced editing that is done on purpose

to enhance the drama and effect on the audience and keeps up with the tempo of the music.

Narrative theories

Todorov’s narrative theory can be seen in Psycho. The state of equilibrium is Marion stealing money

from her job. The disruption to the equilibrium is her being murder by an unknown character. There

is then recognition when her sister and police find out she is missing. There is than an attempt to

repair damage as they search for evidence at hotel owners’ house. They then return to a new

equilibrium when Norman is arrested.