Quarto 38
- 1. Comprehensive Textual Analysis – Quarto 38 Storyline/ Narrative: Quarto 38 translated to English means Room 38, is short 25 min Brazilian movie. The synopsis; A group of friends find themselves circling in time. Welcome to room 38. Within its confines time becomes scattered and loops back on it's self, memory becomes useless, and survival carries an entirely different meaning. Almost everyone has experienced a moment when they feel that something out of their scope of understanding has occurred - almost as though for a moment, the dream world and the world we live in were the same thing. Time seems to shift back and forth, things take place out of order, our memories seem almost meaningless. We almost never express them, and usually dismiss them as simple "absent-mindedness" - but there are places where these moments cannot be ignored. Places where the no voices can be heard, only echoes. Places like this. Remember - you can't leave, if you never arrive. "Quarto 38 captures a moment somewhere between Lynch and Hitchcock." - Global Independent Short Film Review The multiple killings confirm the storyline to be of a serial killer who is murdering women and studying his findings then documenting them though the use of still images and notes. The shots of newspapers give clues to the killers intelligence. The establishing shot of the bed covered in blood suggests that his killings are routine. The shot of his various instruments and knifes suggest he may be medically learnt. The killer seems to be asking for forgiveness of his misdeeds as he murmurs a prayer through out the opening credits. It seems as though he knows he is doing something wrong but he cannot help it. Camera work: The clip begins with a hand held zoom shot of lit candles that disorientates the audience and then focuses on a religious icon of Jesus. The icon seems to symbolise the killer’s belief in religion. The hand held shot creates a sense of uneasiness in the viewer. A tracking close up shot is used to display the various newspapers stuck to the wall, thus suggesting the killer is interested in a specific incident and is also learnt. All the shots seem to zoom in to various objects such as newspapers, bottles, photos etc. The technique therefore only lets the audience focus on these objects. The objects symbolise different things that the director is trying to get across to the viewer. There objects allow the viewer to learn more about the killer and his victims. The zoom shot of the killer cutting photos exhibits that he is recording his victims. The birds eye view shot of the killers equipment states he knows what he is doing and gives the impression that he is killing in cold blood as he must be planning how to kill his victims. Manual focus is used through out the clip once again to direct the audience focus on what they need to see to understand the clip. the An over the shoulder shot of the killer suffocating his victim creates an
- 2. impersonal and sterile atmosphere, giving the assumption that the killer is not feeling any remorse as he holds the plastic down. Many shots of the killer’s hands are used, in the video we never see the killer’s face therefore leaving the audience to wonder what does this monster look like? This adds to the tension and suspense in the clip. Multiple times after the victims are dead the killer stores their valuables in a small box. The zoom shots of the watch and bracelet being put in the box create a sense of closure. The objects are what is left of the victim. The sudden mid shot of the naked women creates shock and embarrassment in the audience at the perverse element in the scene. Each time the killer is murdering the victim we see a zoom shot of straight after of the dead victim, thus affecting the viewers nerves. The various aerial shots seem to detach the viewer from the scene, thus they are only observers in this cruel story nothing more. The shot of the killer stroking the victim’s eye is in contrast to his normally detached actions, as the shot suggests he has an attachment to either the victim or the killing. The blurred shot of the hanging line displays empty clips where photos will be clipped on to, suggesting there will be more victims. Mise en scene: The location – where the victim is kept is empty room space with an old metal bed coated in blood from previous victims. The space represents coldness and darkness. The place seems rundown and abandoned. The killer’s space is adorned with various candles and godly icons. His equipment ranging from knifes to saws display his crude personality. The dirty walls and rusted metal add to the atmosphere. The clip displays an antique atmosphere with old objects everywhere. The cold hard white walls of the victims room are similar to a mental patients room. Costumes & Props – The victims are not wearing clothing thus suggesting they do not have personalities. The killer may feel that with out clothing the women they are just objects he can study or kill. The killers clothing is simple and dark representing his personality. In thrillers stereotypically the antagonists wear dark clothing to symbolise their dark nature. Props in this clip are the main element in understand the killer. The candles suggest an old worldly theme; the statue of Jesus gives the impression of the killer’s link to religion. The bed hints that there is more than once victim. The use of photos and thick book insinuates one again that there is more than once victim. The victims watch and bracelet represent their only clothing and make them seem more human, therefore intensifying the killers actions. Lighting – The lighting is dull and artificial. Created by candles around the room the shadows seem to take over the space and add to the mood. Editing: The suspense and tension is created through the use of editing. The stop motion technique makes the audience feel uneasy and tense. Through out the clip the shots have a less saturation in them making them cold and harsh. The cuts are fast paced and the sense sped up to create a sense of urgency. Using an old film filter the scenes are made to look antique as flashing words overlap the images. The viewers are led to question and wonder what was written. There is lots of crosscutting between two different scenes to keep the audiences attention. Therefore they have to concentrate to understand what is
- 3. going on. Using editing the credits are placed to become part of the scene, following the diagonal lines of the toolbox or to float above the bed. Soundtrack: The soundtrack is an instrumental that collaborates well with the visual images, the volume and intensity increasing when the shots reverse to the opening credits. The technique of synaesthesia as the drums creates a visual atmosphere of tribal rituals. Diegetic sound: The killer’s voice continuously plays through out the clip as he prays to god for forgiveness. His voice as low as a murmur it never raises as he kills his victims. The voice add to the atmosphere are create a twisted feeling as he prays while kills. Added over the soundtrack the it is very effective in creating a suspenseful atmosphere. Opening titles: In black and red the opening title backgrounds are very powerful. The stop motion lettering collaborates with the vibrations of the soundtrack. The red blood seems to be pouring in to the black, symbolising pain and torture. The font is bold and rustic, adding to the atmosphere. Representation: Stereotypes are used through out the movie – A very conventional crime thriller, similar to Hannibal lector. The use of religion sometimes included in other thriller too. The isolated location a traditional location and the props and tools laid out also symbolic in many other trailers. Using props and other images in a conventional way has allowed the audience to understand straightaway what the thriller is and clue as to what the story line could be about.