LO1 – Micro-Analysing Horror Movies BTEC UNIT 10 LO1 – Micro-Analysing Horror Movies

WALT / WILF Understand how to micro analyse a scene of a film. Apply key terminology appropriately when analysing. Be able to explain key elements of the scene and the meaning they may convey to the audience linked to genre. Be able to identify key elements of the scene. Be able within the analysis to explain the meaning they may convey.

Two forms of analysis Micro – anlysis – analyse a scene in depth Macro anlysis – analyse the film as a whole. You will do both but todays focus is micro anlysis.

Mise-en-scene It is a french term and means everything within the frame this will include: Costume Props Setting – including the decoration and use of colour Lighting Even the way the actors move This becomes a very important element when analysing a scene as well as identifying characters as some films will have very unique mise-en-scene.

Screening After screening in groups analyse mise-en-scene of the scene Costume Props Setting – including the decoration and use of colour Lighting Even the way the actors move You must identify the following elements of mise-en-scene and describe how they are creating meaning for the audience.

Iconography Reoccuring symbols directly linked to a form / genre. Vampires – crosses, crucifix etc

Camera Shots Open additional Powerpoint – Camera Angles

Camera Movement The camera can be moved using a variety of methods of style of camera work. Hand-held (Chronicle, Blair Witch Project or Paranormal Activity) Steadicam – camera attached to the camera operator allows for smoother movement than hand-held Cinematic – using a variety of movements: Tracking Jib / Crane Tripod All of the previous mentioned where required.

Camera Movement Directors pick the types of camera work to convey a message or an emotion to the audience. Fast camera movements are often to make action exciting. Slow could be to add or build tension or in a horror build suspense for the audience. Screen short film on camera angles.

Sample Sample Scene – Evil Dead 2– this scene uses a lot of cantered angles and odd movements. In your table discuss the three questions Question How does the camera work make you feel when watching the scene? What techniques are being used? What might it be conveying about the character of Ash?

Editing – creating meaning The move from one shot to another is called a CUT. The editing is how the story is told to the audience, keeping a wide shot is boring it creates visual interest for the audience. The edit will also draw and move to what is of interest to the viewer.

Pace This is the speed of the cuts. It could be fast or slow, a film will often have a different pace for different scenes depending on what is happening. A conversation A fight The pace will often increase when more dramatic things are happening.

Transitions The use of an effect to move from one shot to another Dissolve Fade to Black Wipe

Additional Effects Images and graphics Text This is often used in foreign films to translate the language. It could also be used for a stylistic effect. Example – Indianna Jones What impact does the use of onscreen text have on this film? Do you like the effect or dislike it (offputting)?

CGI This can be used now for a variety of uses. Creating characters Creating backgrounds / worlds / universe Destroying things that would cost to much to do for real or would never be allowed.

DIEGETIC SOUND Sounds that can be heard in the diegesis (the world) of the film. Dialogue, explosions, music on a car radio etc. Example – Shaun of the Dead Ten minutes describe the various diegetic sounds used within the scene Sound within this category can not be added, it is worth noting however that even if the sound was created in post production like a gun shot if it belongs in the world of the movie then it remains diegetic sound.

NON-DIEGETIC SOUND Sounds that are outside the diegesis (the world) of the film. Soundtrack, External voiceover Many films will use narrators like Ash did this in the Evil Dead 2 clip Example – Evil Dead 2

You will in a group give a short presentation back to the class. Individual Screening Four short scenes will be presented you need to create a powerpoint as a group analysing the scene covering all the aspects that have been discussed. Mise-en-scene Also additional consider iconography and genre. Sound Camera Editing You will in a group give a short presentation back to the class.

Homework Select a horror film that you like and enjoy you will be focused on this film for at least three weeks. Select a scene of at least five minutes or longer – have start finish time in the film for the scene. For next Lesson - Friday