Camera ideas and analysis 2
- 1. Camera Ideas and Analysis
- 3. From looking at these two Slasher film posters, it is clear that there are specific camera techniques used within the Slasher sub-genre when promoting a Slasher horror film. One of these common conventions is the use of a low angle shot. Low angle shots are not only commonly used in film posters but also within trailers and the film itself. This is due to the fact that the low angle shot on the antagonists emphasises the horror he generates. It makes him appear larger, stronger and completely undefeatable. It also puts the audience in the film, as the low angle shot appears from the perspective of the victim he is tormenting. This allows the antagonist to come across as if he is blocking all escape for the victims. This convention is reflected in both the Friday the 13th and Texas Chainsaw 3D posters. The use of a low angle shot also, as reflected in the Texas Chainsaw, allows for the antagonists weapon to be emphasised. The audiences focus is concentrated firstly on the antagonists mask, and then on his weapon through a low angle shot. This will add to the fear generated by the promotional package and the film itself. In contrast with this, it is also common for Slasher films to use numerous high angle shots when focusing on the victim. A high angle shot is effective in presenting the victims as weak, vulnerable and helpless as the cower in the corner while the antagonist pursues them. This also helps to emphasise the power and dominance that the antagonist has over his victims. Another common camera technique used in Slasher films is the use of pans combined on a wide shot to emphasise the emptiness of a specific location. This allows the audience to get a clear idea of the location of the film. It also helps to add to the tension and increase the audiences’ fear for the characters as they see the isolated location and begin to understand that, as expected, there will be no escape for the victims of the antagonist.
- 5. Similarly to film posters, Slasher film trailers have conventional camera shots and angles used throughout. When focusing on the antagonist, it is conventional to use low angle shots of the antagonist, followed by a tilt to emphasise his mask. For example in the Nightmare on Elm street trailer we are presented with a high angle shot of Kris, with Freddie Crougar towering over her. This shows the contrast between them, Kris is vulnerable and weak as she cowers underneath him whereas Freddie appears in control and strong. This presents the antagonist as dominant and strong. It shows the power he has over his victims and the fact that he is the one in control throughout the film. A conventional camera movement of horror trailers is the use of pans. These are most effective in showing the emptiness and isolation of a particular location. A pan is effective at the beginning of the trailer as it instantly sets the scene and the feeling of discomfort among the audience as they know what is coming.
- 6. Like any film maker, I am aware that I need to use a range of camera angles and movements to keep my audience’s attention hooked on the screen and to match the action. I will be using the basic camera shots such as close ups, medium close ups, medium shots and point of view shots, to show emotion and fear and to reflect how the victims will have no escape. I will also use long shots and extreme long shot’s to show the location and to also present the characters whole costume. I also plan on combining my camera ideas with edits such as eye line matches and shot reverse shots, allowing the audience to feel involved in the action taking place and to see the characters reactions to whatever horrific thing they have just seen.
- 7. To ensure my trailer features conventional camera shots and movements used within the Slasher sub-genre, my trailer will feature high and low angle shots. In typical horror fashion, the low angle shots will be featured on the antagonist while the high angle shots will be used on the victims. This will allow the audience of my horror film to see the contrast in power and dominance between the antagonist and his victims. It will allow me to present the victims as weak and helpless. Whereas Jackson will appear as strong, powerful and completely undefeatable. To reinforce this portrayal of Jackson as strong and undefeatable, the majority of his shots will be long shots. He will be looking directly at the camera, and his victim, to inform the audience that he is not to be messed with. However, I will also use long shots on the final girl, Alex. This is because Alex is the only teenage character who is smart enough and strong enough to defeat Jackson. The long shots of Alex will feature predominately near the end of the trailer when Alex confronts Jackson.
- 8. For my film poster, I am planning to use a medium close up of the antagonist, Jackson. I chose to use a medium close up as it allows the audiences attention to be focused solely on Jackson’s mask. His mask links the whole narrative together; it links to the title, his back-story and the way in which he torments his victims. This will allow my poster to instantly give the audience an insight into the narrative, but still creates a sense of ambiguity that will make them want to watch the film. Jackson’s mask is also the scariest part of his costume, so by focusing on his mask, the poster will frighten and reel in the audience. A medium close up will also allow for an image that fills the entire frame, but will give me space to edit the image and make it look like a professional poster without covering any part of Jackson’s mask. For my front cover, I am planning to use a medium long shot. This will allow my front cover to give the audience a clearer idea of the type of antagonist Jackson is. It will present them with more of his costume which will suggest more about his character. Combined with the film poster, the front cover will give the audience a slight insight into the narrative of the film. The use of a medium long shot will also leave more space for sell-lines and puffs to ensure the front cover comes across as realistic and professional as I intend the film poster to.