Scene Analysis Movie: Annabelle (2014) 1-Starting your scene: Scene Title Basement Scene Who is in the scene? In this scene the only character we see are the main character (Mia Form) and the Demon. What is the effect? The effect and purpose of this scene to build suspense because as a reader, we realise whenever the main character Mia Form is left alone something tragic and suspicious happens. It also creates suspense as we see how the main character is close to being stuck in the basement and as a viewer we fear for how she is going to escape, especially that she is alone. What are they doing? In this scene the main character goes down to the basement alone and in the process of doing this the demon haunts her. She tries to run away by going back to her apartment but fails when the elevator won’t work and she has to run up the stairs through the emergency exit, which is where the suspicious noises where first coming from.
Transcript
Scene Analysis
Movie: Annabelle (2014)
1-Starting your scene:
Scene Title Basement Scene
Who is in the scene? In this scene the only character we see are the main character (Mia Form) and the Demon.
What is the effect? The effect and purpose of this scene to build suspense because as a reader, we realise whenever the main character Mia Form is left alone something tragic and suspicious happens. It also creates suspense as we see how the main character is close to being stuck in the basement and as a viewer we fear for how she is going to escape, especially that she is alone.
What are they doing? In this scene the main character goes down to the basement alone and in the process of doing this the demon haunts her. She tries to run away by going back to her apartment but fails when the elevator won’t work and she has to run up the stairs through the emergency exit, which is where the suspicious noises where first coming from.
2- Setting:
Where is it set? This scene is set in the basement of the main characters second home, which is an apartment. The fact that the main characters and her family moved to a new setting shows that it is not their old home that is haunted but that the demon will actually follow wherever the main character goes. The props that are used in this scene are the torch that the main character uses to see, as the basement is dark. This increases the tension as we don’t see the setting very clearly. Furthermore, the fact that the colours that are used in this setting are very dull and dark also increases tension within the scene.
What effect does the setting have on the viewer? The tone and environment of this setting creates a gothic and horror atmosphere. The basement has residual value as we all have a little fear of darkness and basements. The fact that the director (John R. Leonetti) uses both elements of what we all fear really brings the genre of the film.
Explain the amount of lighting used in this scene is it night or day? In this scene we can tell that it’s late at night because the main character is using a torch to see what she is doing and where she is going and also from the windows we can see its dark, making the room have minimal light. The main light that we see in this scene is at the start in the elevator and in the end when she goes back to her apartment.
Is it focused on a subject or spread out? The light is focused because as the audience we can tell that the further the character is away from the elevator the darker it gets. In the end of the scene when the main character starts running to the exit to go back to her apartment the lights keeps flashing. This creates tension because as a character we miss a few bits when the screen is all black.
What effect does it have on the viewers? The flashing strobe lights cut the scene and make each shot shorter. This creates tension because the main character moves between the flashing lights.
3-Camera angles and shot
What camera angles are used? In this scene different camera angles and shots are used. At the start tilt camera shots are used when the main character walks into the basement. This helps the viewers to be aware and know the characters surroundings. The camera shots are short at first, changing from long to shorts and angles are changed more frequently towards the end, which creates more tension as we don’t get time to look at the background and what is happening in detail. At the start of the scene the camera movement is very gradual and slow, however at the end when the tension arises the movement is very quick and the shots are quicker which increases the tension of the scene as everything moves quick.
Why are they used? What effects does it have on the viewer? The different camera shots and angles are used in order to create suspense and tension within the scene. The movement of the camera shots are very slow and gradual, which allows the viewer to be aware and look more into detail of the background and what is happening in the scene. Camera movement’s track with the character making it seem like the camera is someone following the main character, which also creates suspense.
4- Music and sound effectsAt the start of the scene not a lot of sound effects and music are used within the scene. The only sounds we hear is the diegetic sound in the scene. For example, 1- Sound of the elevator doors opening. 2- Sounds of the main characters footsteps. 3-Sounds of the garage door opening. 4- Key Sounds.
Then as the scene goes on we start to hear more sounds in the backgrounds. For example, 1- Baby Crying 2- The raining and wind outside. 3- And the baby pram wheels squeaking.
The sound of the baby crying is odd and creates suspense because the main character just had a baby and there is no baby in the scene, which later emphasised with the baby pram coming in from the background.
When the baby pram enters the scene the music and sound effects in the scene increases. The sound of a baby crying increases, however when the main character reaches the baby pram the crying abruptly stops. The low drum sound in the background also stops when she opens the blanket to see what is under. The silence is then broken and the background music gets louder and the main character starts screaming.
This is all stopped again when the main character gets into the elevator and the sound effects and music are similar to the start of the diegetic sounds of the scene. We only hear what is happening in the scene such as the elevator sounds, main characters breathing and the torch sounds and the lights flashing on and off. This creates suspense and tension and we don’t know what is going to happen next.
At the end of the scene when the main character realises the elevator is not working and starts to run to the exit door is when the loud sound effects and music start. We hear drums, baby crying sounds, screaming sounds, running footsteps, door squeaking, glass breaking, animal growling sounds, banging doors and heavy breathing.
All of these sounds effects are used at the same time in order create suspense and tension as so much is happening at the time and we wonder what is going to happen next. Furthermore the sound effects shape the actions of the scene to increase drama at appropriate moments of actions.
At the start of the scene, sound is not used greatly and the only sound we hear is from the main characters actions. For example, walking, pressing the elevator buttons, and opening the basements gates. This gives the essence that she is alone. The main character realises the odd things occur such as a baby pram appearing from nowhere, elevator and basement lights start to flash off and on and the elevator working. The base notes sparks more non-diegetic music sounds increasing the volume in result increasing the tension that the viewer feels.
When the main character tries to get the elevator to go back to her apartment room but fails so has to take the exit doors the editing is short and fast paced non-diegetic noise which does not match the scene action. This diegetic screaming associates the film greatly with the horror genre. When the baby pram comes out, the sound of the baby screaming fades in and becomes louder and louder as the pace gets faster, which worlds well together as it creates more tension.
Furthermore the echoed voices helped heighted the audiences sense of fear towards the film which can give a demonic ghostly feel.
Link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmxcGQf2vJ4
This picture shows a different angle of the scene that we don’t see on the final production. It shows the minimal light used in the scene and how a large proportion of the light is coming from the torch used
This is a screenshot of the scene and as we can see there is minimal lighting in this scene. The fact that you can’t see everything in clearly in the shot presents the main theme of horror within the film. Furthermore, the way that the camera is places as if it has dropped also creates tension as the viewpoint of the scene is odd
This screenshot shows the flashing lightning as Mia runs to go to the emergency exit. The fact that the director uses flashing light presents the main theme and genre of horror as there is something about darkness and lightning that we are all afraid of
Movie: Scream 2 ( 1997)
Starting your scene: Scene Title: Movie Theatre Scene
Who is in the scene? In this scene there are numerous people in the background as it is set in the movie theatre, the ghost face (Scream) and Maureen Evans.
What is the effect? The effect and purpose of this scene is to build suspense because as a reader we expect people to be murdered when they are alone, whereas in this case Maureen Evans character is killed in a public setting in front of the entire movie theatre. It also creates suspense as we see how the main character is trying to run away but everyone in the theatre fails to notice the fact that she is getting stabbed to death.
What are they doing? In this scene Maureen’s character is in a movie theatre watching a new popular scary movie and she sitting close to the person next to her, which Is dressed in the ghost face (Scream) Costume. The fact that she doesn’t notice anything weird is because most people in the theatre are dress in the same costume which makes the real person killing her unrecognisable. She turns her head away from the theatre screen and then realises that there is blood all over her hands. As she shocked and confused she doesn’t move which leads to ghost face to stab her in her stomach. She tries to run away, but no one notices as the entire theatre is pretending to kill them selves so no one see’s the reality that is actually being killed. When she steps on the stage the people in the theatre then calm down and notice her.
2- Setting:
Where is it set? This scene is set in the Movie theatre with a large crowd watching a popular movie on Ghost face (Scream) which is ironic as the real Ghost face is in the room stabbing someone innocent. The props that are used are the costumes that most people in the theatre are wearing which is similar to the real Ghost face costume making him unrecognizable. Also the fake plastic knifes that everyone using is another prop used in this scene
What effect does it have on the viewer? The tone and environment of this setting is very ironic to how we would expect someone to be murdered, as it is in a public place in front of a large crowd. The fact that the director (Wes Craven) picked such a public place for the Maureen’s death shows how close the Ghost face it to others without them noticing
Explain the amount of lighting used in this scene, is it night or Day? In this scene no natural light is used as it is in a movie theatre and they tend to be dark. However the light that is used in this scene is the reflection from the film that they are watching. The fact that even though there is some light and that a large crowd still fails to see someone being stabbed to death is what is horrific and presents the tone and environment of a gothic and horror atmosphere in an ordinary unexpected setting.
Is it focused on a subject or spread out? The lighting in this scene is spread out however random light flashes every so often from the film that is being played. This presents the idea of thunder and lightning, which could also increase the tension as there is a small part of us that fears lightning and thunder. Furthermore, the fact that the thunder from the film increases the amount of light in the theatre room and the people around Maureen still fail to notice what is really happening emphasises the shock in how she was killed in such as public place.
What effect does it have on the reader? The flashing strobe lights make the shots look shorter which creates tension within the scene.
3- Camera angles and shots: What camera angles are used? In this scene numerous camera angles and shots are used. For instance at the start when we see Maureen’s character and the ghost face watching the movie. Eye level camera angles are used from behind them and in front of them. When the camera angles switches to show the entire audience the camera angles changes to high angle.
Why are they used and what effect does it have on the viewer? The use of eye level camera angles allows the camera to be positioned as though it is a human actually observing the scene. Furthermore, the use of high angle allows the camera to be elevated about the action using a crane to give a general overview of the setting. Furthermore, High angles, make the audience less significant and scary.
4- Music and Sound effects
At the start of the scene when Maureen is watching the film the sound effects is mostly coming from the movie and the crowd, as everyone is cheering and screaming too which makes Maureen’s scream unnoticeable. When she later gets up the sound of the crowed is lowered and her screaming and the sound of her getting stabbed are clearer. This allows the horror to create a specific mood to the scene. The effective use of sound effects and music helps support even more emotions to the audience watching. The use of isolated instruments helps introduce the idea of fear, powerlessness and vulnerability to the audience as well as the extreme but intentional changes of pitch tones. For instance when she gets up to try and escape long brass notes suddenly change fast from low pitch to high pitch sounds and notes which immediately makes the audience feel tense.
Furthermore, music and sound effect are used as an advantage when the ghost is stabbing Maureen’s character as we don’t see the knife really going into the
skin but we hear the sounds which makes it more frightening and the sounds is so abrupt and loud.
Link to the Scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnTckzsYgg0
Analysing screenshots of the scene:
In this picture we can see the Maureen getting killed in the movie theatre. In the background of this picture we can see how the people in the back ground are enjoying their time and not recognising that Maureen is actually getting killed in front of them.
Furthermore, from this picture we can Cleary seen that there are numerous people in the movie theatre dressed as the ghost face (Scream). This present the genre and theme of the film as we don’t know who is really behind each mask; either an individual dressed up for the movie or if it is the actual ghost face.
Movie: The exorcist
1-Starting your scene
Scene Title: Bed scene
Who is in the scene? The characters in this scene are Regan MacNeil, who is an innocent twelve year -old daughter of Chris MacNeil. Regan displays numerous aggressive and odd behaviours after playing with an Ouija board, which is later discovered as early indications of demonic possession. Her mother, Chris, tries to help her daughter but referring a neurosurgeon, psychiatrists and finally a catholic priest.
What is the effect? The effect and purpose of this scene displays to the audience the demonic possession as a man’s voice coming out of a 12 year old and the fact that she is stabbing herself and trying to kill her shows the unhuman-like nature. Furthermore, the fact that Regan is screaming at the start of the scene also emphasises the demonic possession. It also terrifies the reader from the amount of blood Regan is covered in.
What are they doing? At the start of the scene Regan’s mother Chris is by herself down stairs walking around the house when she hears Regan screaming ‘NO’ ‘PLEASE DON’T’ continuously, sounds of glass smashing and also a deep males voice shouting. She runs upstairs and sees Regan stabbing herself with a knife and tries to take the knife away from her but struggles as the demon inside of her daughter is stronger and ends up slapping Chris to the floor. Other characters try to run in to help but a chair moves in front of the door, blocking anyone from entering.
A wardrobe then moves to Chris and nearly falls on her. At the end of the scene the camera shot then moves to Regan on the bed facing the other way but turns her head 180 degrees round and shouts ‘Do you know what she did? ‘Your cunting daughter’.
1-Setting Where is it set? The scene is set at Regan and Chris’s home, in Regan’s room. A sharp cross, which Regan stabs herself with. This terrifies the reader as something so sacred is used to hurt someone. The numerous furniture in the room is uses as an advantage as the chair blocks the door and the wardrobe nearly falls on Chris.
What effect does it have on the viewer? The fact that there is a demon controlling Regan creates tension as we don’t know what will happen next. Also, when Chris walks in to Regan’s screaming with blood all over her introduces the tone and environment of the gothic and horror genre.
Explain the amount of lighting used in this scene is it night or day? The viewer can tell that it is either early in the morning or afternoon as natural light is used throughout the scene. For example, when Chris runs into Regan’s room the first thing we see is the window and we can see the natural light coming through. The fact that the director presents the idea of natural light in this scene creates tension due to the fact that the viewer expects horrific things to only happen in the night. By doing the opposite and creating this scene in the day terrifies the viewer as anything could happen at any point during the day, not only in the night.
Is it focused on a subject or spread out? What effect does it have on the viewer? The lighting in this scene is spread out and not focused on one specific area. This is useful as it allows the viewer to take in the entire environment.
3- Camera angles and shots
What camera angles are used?
In this scene numerous different angles and shots are used. At the start tracking shots are used when Chris is walking around the house and the running upstairs. By using tracking shots it allows the viewer to focus on Chris and not anything else and she is the focus point.
When Chris then runs into the Regan’s bedroom close up camera shots are then used. After, extreme close up camera shots. This allows the viewer to see how fast she is running and to really see her facial expression as she runs into the room.
After that pan camera shot is used allowing the reader to take in the environment of the Regan’s room as everything is flying around her room.
Bird’s eye close up camera shot is then used allowing the reader to see that Regan is laid down on the bed. When Chris is then thrown to the floor low angle camera shots are then used which gives a sense of powerlessness within the Chris’s character. Furthermore, it also shows Regan’s viewpoint from above empathising Chris’s powerlessness.
4- Music and Sound Effects:At the start of the scene when Chris is walking around the house we don’t hear anything apart from her movement which are diegetic sounds.
However that is interrupted by numerous background sound effects. For example, 1- sounds of things being thrown onto the walls 2-Regan screaming 3- Deep voice of male shouting (Which is the demon)
When Chris then runs into the room, different sound effect are then introduced. For example, 1- Deep male voice shouting louder 2- Glass shattering 3-Sound of knife stabbing into skin
After that more sound effects are you to make the environment more realistic such as the slap sound effect when Regan slaps Chris, the door slamming and the wardrobe moving to Chris. Also, when the wardrobe moves closer to Chris the sound effects become louder and louder making it more realistic.
The sound of glass smashing is increased when Chris walks into the room which increases the tension as we don’t know what is causing is. Also when Chris walks into the room regains screaming sound are overlapped by the demons shouting. The sounds of glass smashing and things flying across the room are later stops when the camera shot is facing Regan. The effect and purpose of this is so the sound of the cross stabbing Regan is more clear.
Another sound effect that is used is the a cracking sound when Regan’s head turns 180 degrees round, which creates the films genre as it is not something human like.
Furthermore, the voice used to portray the demons voice is well suited to the film as it creates tension and fear as it is a very distinctive voice, which consequently stands out from other characters voices in the film. Furthermore, the demons voice creates an instant sense of fear, power, and intimidation as it has a deep husky filter.
Analysing Pictures and Screenshots of the Scene:
In this picture we can see Regan’s face turned 180 degrees round. From this picture we can see from the left side that the things on the night stand have been pushed as the lamp is falling down. Also, at the top right of the photo we can see how a picture frame has been tilted. This represents the fact that at the start of the scene as everything was thrown across the room. Furthermore, the fact that Regan is positioned in an unhuman matter present the horrific nature of this film. Moreover, the fact that there is blood all over the pillow, bed sheet her hand, leg, dress also present the horrific nature of the scene.
Link to the scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JUS23RCOfc
From the numerous amount of research that we have done such as the questionnaires and scene analysis we are able to use what we’ve researched and learnt into our planning for our main task. For instance, from the scene analysis of ‘The Exorcist’ we understand that putting a young individual in a scary position makes the scene look more horrific. Furthermore, the plan on using fake blood in our main task as we found It to be very effective in ‘The Exorcist’ scene
We also learnt how and why important digital technology is. Furthermore, the use of questionnaires allowed us to find out who are our target audience and what they found interesting and scary.
Moreover, from our questionnaire, we were able to learnt the most teenagers enjoyed the gruesome aspects in horror movies so we understand that we will use that in our main task
