Symbolism within Horror

The Use of Symbolism within Horror Films

There has always been a ubiquitous link between religion and horror, stemming from many fictional pieces of Gothic Literature. The horror genre essentially introduces the viewer to their underlying fears and questions related to religion and spirituality, particularly as a result of the spiritual enlightenment in 18th Century Europe.

However, the relationship between religious and horror is frequently ambiguous - and this is particularly prominent in the fact that very few horror films explicitly tackle religious narratives or issues.

The codes and conventions of horror films often include symbols - these can be used for an eerie effect, and to give subliminal messages to the viewer. Popular symbols are often stemmed from medieval rituals and religions, as these are items that are regarded as mysterious and somewhat fascinating.

Many films include religious symbolism of some kind - more than we might imagine. Some might use more subliminal links to Biblical Tales, however some may explicitly use religious symbols.

Religious Allegories within the Horror Genre

One example of a film that uses a biblical allegory rather than explicit symbols could include The Truman Show, which is perhaps representative of the spiritual journey of the soul. The various images of light falling from the sky mimics the religious idea of light falling from heaven. Furthermore, the part where Truman has to cross a vast sea to reach the 'promise land' is similar to the story of Moses.

In our own opening sequence we could reference particular Biblical stories. Due to the fact that we live in a predominantly Christian society, these features would be fairly recognisable.

Religious Symbols within the Horror Genre

The Cross

The Cross is a religious symbol belonging to Christianity or Catholicism. It is used religiously to represent the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, however in horror films it can be used as a force against evil.

This symbol works well within supernatural horror films as it ties in with themes of exorcism and religious healing. The symbol of the cross is frequently turned upside down as a symbol of religious or spiritual unrest within a family or household, for example within The Conjuring 2 in the scene where the cross on the walls rotate upside down before falling off the walls.


Using the symbol of a cross in this way in our own horror sequence would be fairly easy to do, as the mise en scene required is fairly easily accessible.

The cross can also be used as a symbol of death, as it is commonly associated with gravestones and cemeteries. These types of locations are frequently used throughout the horror genre (especially Gothic horror) as the fear of death amongst the audience is artfully played upon. During our location scouting process we will consider locations like this as they often have a very eerie effect on the overall mise en scene of the sequence, whilst conforming to the common conventions of horror.

A Typically Eerie Cemetery

Stigmata

Stigmata is the term used to describe wounds or sensations of pain on the body that inhabit similar locations to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus Christ. The most common forms of stigmata occur on the hands, wrists and feet.

As a group, we discussed the topic of stigmata, and upon conversation we decided that we didn't have an equal understanding of how stigmata appears, and what it symbolises or means. To answer our queries, I did some further research and collated and summarised it below:

General Points to Note

• Stigmata is thought to be a 'mystical grace given by God'
• There sometimes appears an injury on the chest to represent Jesus' heart wound from the lance of the Roman soldiers
• There has been reported cases of a shoulder wound, from where Jesus carried the cross
• Injuries from a crown of thorns can also occur
• The injuries can appear individually or simultaneously
• Stigmata can be invisible, where one simply feels pain or discomfort in those areas
• In many reported cases of stigmata, a floral scent is released with the blood
• 90% of reported cases of stigmata have occurred within women

Where are the wounds situated?

• Hands or wrists (there has been some dispute as to whether the hands can actually support one's weight, so some believe Jesus was nailed through the wrists)
• Forehead
• Chest
• Shoulders
• Feet

What is the purpose of the wounds?

• Some argue that the wounds are placed to unite one with Jesus
• To understand Jesus' suffering 
• To make reparation for sins

-Anna Humphreys

Lighting

Lighting Techniques

Three Point Lighting

Three lighting is a common method used in all types of media. It is one of the most simple ways to achieve strong and complete lighting. There are types of lighting used in this technique known as key light, fill light and black light. Sometimes you may not use three lights, if that is the case, if you're only using one that will be the key light, if you're using two lights, the main will be the key light and the other will be fill or backlight.

Key Light

Usually, this is the main and the strongest light. It holds the most influence of the object in the scene. It is place to any see of the camera, to light one side and create a shadow among the other side. 

Fill Light

Fill light is the second light placed to the opposite side of the key light. It's use is to fill the shadows made by the key light. To do so it must be softer than the key light, so is usually further away from the object or has more of a flood light effect than the key.

Back Light

Unlike the fill and key, the back light is placed to the rear of the subject. It is used to provide definition around the subject as well as highlight the outlines of it. It does not provide direct lighting for the subject dissimilar to fill and key. By doing so, it creates a more three-dimensional look and removes the subjects from just being part of the background. 

Types of Lighting

Hard Light

Hard light is when the source is direct, such as from the sun. It is normally uninterrupted from the source from the subject. 

Soft Light

Soft light creates the affect of being around the subject. It often produces weak and less numerous shadows. 

Flood

A light not as narrowly focused usually is a broad beam of light with no direction. 

Spot

A focused and controlled light on the subject.

-Caera Mendez

Sound techniques

Sound techniques

Sound has a very effective purpose in films to create a certain atmosphere or to create a desired mood. Each sound included has a specific effect which is usually taken for granted by the audience as the most effective sounds tend to go unnoticed. The sound used has the ability to change the entire way the audience interprets a scene and therefore it is extremely important to critically choose the right sounds that compliment the scene being shown. As a film maker, sound is a key tool required to control the way your audience to feels. 

Diegetic sound
In film, diegetic sound is the sound you are able to hear in the world you are watching. The source of the sound will be visible on screen such as:

• a door closing
• voices of characters
• sound of objects within the film

The digits sound can either be on-screen of off-screen depending on weather the source of the sound in in the frame or outside the frame. The purpose of diegetic sound is to create a sense of realism for the audience for the to become aware about what is happening. 
An example of where diegetic sound is used is in the train fight scene in Spectre. This scene is embedded with a lot of diegetic sound to make the action taking place seem more realistic for the audience. It emphasises the gun shots and the sound of them punching and throwing each other about to exaggerate the intensity of the fight. We hear the sound of glass shattering, gun shots, punching, grunting, doors opening and these are all examples of diegetic sound. You are able to view the scene mentioned below: 

Non-Diegetic

Non diegetic sound is the sound added in post production. It is sound which its source is not visible within the scene. It is used to create a particular effect such as a soundtrack or voiceover as this techniques can create what the audience should be feeling. Without this sound, the scene would undoubtedly be rather confusing or boring as no effect will be given to support the visuals. Example of non-digeic sounds are:

• Sound effects added for tension
• Background music 
• Narrators voice

An example of where non-diegetic sound is used effectively is in the famous jaws scene.  The famous jaws music is an iconic piece that we instantly link to the scene of a shark attack. The simple two note piece effectively builds up tension and makes the audience aware of a danger that is occurring in the scene. An example of this famous Jaws sound is inserted below:

Basic Camera Techniques

Camera Techniques within Film

Before starting to plan and film our project, our group decided that it would be best to research different camera angles and movement and how each of them is used for effect. We will research the overall effect each camera angle gives, and how we can use them to our advantage within our project.

Camera Angles

Aerial Shot

• Usually taken from a helicopter
• Used at the beginning of films to establish the setting

We will not be able to use this shot, as we will not have access to any of the equipment required.

Bird's Eye View Shot

• Sets the scene and can be used to show the overall setting of the film
• Very unnatural angle
• Familiar objects such as umbrellas may look entirely unrecognisable from this angle.
• Puts the audience in a god-like position where people in shot can appear very small and insignificant

In our horror film opening we could use a bird's eye shot to establish the setting in the first few seconds of the sequence. However, bird's eye view shots are very difficult to execute without specialist equipment, so it may be impossible for us to include on in our sequence as helicopters or drones are not readily available to us.

High Angle Shot

• Not as extreme as the bird’s eye view
• The camera is elevated above the action using a crane to give a general overview
• High angles make the object photographed seem smaller and less significant

We could use this camera angle in our film opening to frame a victim from above, as though they are being watched from a villain above. This also is an uncomfortable viewing angle, so we could use it to add to the uneasiness. If we had a scene where the victim was unaware, a high angle shot will make the viewer feel external to the scene, building the tension.

Eye Level

• Probably the most commonly used shot
• Used for a sense of realism within the scene
• The camera will be placed roughly five to six feet from the ground

We could apply this camera frame to scenes with lots of action, as the viewer will feel as though they are actually there and involved in the scene.

Low Angle Shot

• These increase height (useful for short actors such as Tom Cruise) and give a sense of speeded motion
• Low angles give a sense of confusion to a viewer, and induce feelings of powerlessness within the action of a scene
• The background of a low angle shot will tend to be just sky or ceiling, which adds to the feeling of disorientation

We could use this camera angle to add height to our villain, to make him more fear-inducing. We could alternatively use this angle in a forest or outdoor setting, to make the trees/buildings seem more imposing and overpowering. This could be helpful to use in establishing shots

Oblique/canted angle

• The camera is tilted (not placed horizontally to floor level) to suggest imbalance, transition and instability (popular in horror movies)
• Indicates to the audience that the scene is unstable

We could apply this angle to a confrontation or scene to make the scene more ominous and unsettling.  We could alternatively use this technique in combination with the use of a handheld camera to increase the feeling of uneasiness.

Camera Framing

Extreme Long Shot

• Also referred to as an establishing shot
• Can be taken from as far as a quarter of a mile away
• Usually shows an exterior setting, for example a vast landscape or cityscape

In our horror film opening, we could start the sequence with an extreme long shot to establish the mood and setting of our piece. If we used this in combination with dark lighting (perhaps we could shoot in the evening) we could create an eerie effect.

Long Shot

• The long shot is typically used to give an 'actual size' effect when the film is viewed in a cinema. This means it can be quite difficult to use.
• The character on screen is fully shown, with their head near the top of the screen and their feet near to the bottom.
• The background is still visible at the sides of the screen

This shot is a very simple shot we could use to show our character walking or moving from one place to the other. In a scene where facial expressions and mode of address are key to the narrative, we will not use this shot.

Medium Shot

• Shows the character from the waist and upwards
• These shots are typically used during dialogue scenes, because you can see the character's expression and mode of address
• Very little setting is shown - the intention of this shot is to force the audience to concentrate mostly on the characters

If we use any medium shots in our sequence, we will priorly use a long shot to already establish the scene, to avoid any confusion surrounding the setting.

Over-the-Shoulder Shot

• Similar to the medium shot, except the camera is placed behind the shoulder of the character in then foreground
• Only the foreground character's head and shoulders are shown
• The camera is typically focused on the front-facing speaking character, so the foreground character often appears blurred

If we use any dialogue scenes within our sequence, we could use over-the-shoulder shots to show the continuous dialogue between the two characters.

Close Up Shot

• Concentrates on the face or another part of mise en scene
• Can be used to add emphasis to a particular facial expression 
• Often the background will be blurred to add further  emphasis to the item in shot, in a sense forcing the viewer to notice it

We could use this to show close ups of any stage makeup we do to emphasis its effect. We could also use a close up shot of any prominent mise en scene pieces, for example a letter.

Extreme Close Up Shot

• The purpose of an extreme close up shot is to magnify beyond the naked eye
• This adds a sense of uneasiness to the scene, as it is a very unfamiliar viewing angle
• Used for dramatic effect

In our own film sequence, we could add an extreme close up shot of a characters eye or mouth to emphasise their facial expression and mode of address. It could potentially be quite powerful to include a range of extreme close up shots in a montage.

Camera Movements

Pans

• Camera pans involve the camera scanning a setting horizontally
• Can be used to keep a moving object in the middle of the frame

We could use this to scan our scene, or keep up with any moving characters

Tilts

• Similar to a camera panning movement except it scans the scene vertically

We are unlikely to use this type of camera movement as it is typically used to show action that occurs across vast heights or depths. One opportunity to use this type of camera movement would include in our establishing shot - we could vertically scan the exterior of a tall building or forest.

Dolly Shot

• The camera is placed on a moving vehicle of some sort to show a fast moving subject
• The subject is able to be kept central in the frame

This is a difficult shot to execute, however with help we may be able to film a moving object or character.

Hand-Held Camera Shots

• The camera is moved and held by the cameraman\
• It rests on the shoulder for comfort and stability
• This technique makes the audience feel as though they are part of the action, seeing through the eyes of a character.

One possible use of this camera technique in our film opening could include a character being chased.  Someone could run after the person filming them, making it seem as though the viewer is watching through the eyes of the character. The jerky movements caused by the cameraman's footsteps would depict a sense of realism, adding uneasiness and terror.

Crane Shot

• Similar to a dolly shot except the camera is able to move in all directions, including up and down
• Used to ensure moving objects or characters are kept central in each shot

It is unlikely we will use this shot in our film opening as we won't have access to a crane. We may be able to create a makeshift crane using an extendable pole of some sort, however we will revisit this when planning our film opening.

Zoom Lens Shot

• Used to magnify a shot, even with the camera operator standing one or two metres away
• Used with a tripod and stabiliser
• Used to zoom into a character's face

We could use a zoom lens to zoom into a character's face to emphasise their facial expression. 

-Anna Humphreys

Research on Steve Neale's Theory of Repetition and Difference

Steve Neale's Theory of Repetition and Difference

Steve Neale came up with the theory that 'genres are instances of repetition and difference', and 'difference is absolutely essential to the economy of genre'. He decided that the genre of a particular film is determined by two things:

• How much it conforms with a genre's codes and conventions - he believed that a film must conform to its genre a substantial amount, in order to make it recognisably part of that genre
• How much it subverts a genre's codes and conventions - he believed that a film must subvert these conventions enough to make it unique, yet must still be identifiable.

An example of a film that subverts stereotypical conventions of horror would include 'It Follows', directed by David Robert Mitchell. Mitchell interestingly uses teenage sexuality as a force of harm rather than as a characteristic used to foreshadow death. The plot includes a stalking terror that is sexually transmitted, twisting the classic stereotypes of the promiscuous teenager resulting as the victim. However, the film conforms to typical horror conventions in the sense that it uses dark setting and lighting, and has a young female as the final girl. The use of an abandoned house further contributes to conforming to the conventions of horror. Overall, I think the slight twist of genre in this film is used to make it more unique and memorable whilst keeping it easy to identify as part of the horror genre.

The 2015 Official Trailer for 'It Follows'

-Anna Humphreys

Film trailer vs Film opening

Film Trailer vs Film Opening

Features of a film trailer-

• Trailers will present the story line of the film however not giving away the resolution
• Long shots to establish character, setting and the 'dilemma'
• Short shots and quick cuts of some of the most exciting moments from the film at its climax, the ‘events’ that lead to resolution but not necessarily in chronological order
• Accompanied with music often quiet music to establish a story and menacing music to highlight villains
• Sudden moments of quiet and silence between and after music and SFX, which have equal impact on mood and pace.
• Commonly fades of black may be used to suggest a shift in time
• Often uses shot cut pieces of speech not a full conversation 

Features of a film opening-

• The film  opening will need to establish the main idea of the plot and where the story line of the film will go
• May introduce the antagonist and protagonist early on 
• It will have to be arguably, one of the most tension building sequences in order to grasp the attention of the viewer

We need to ensure that our opening is not too trailer-like by exposing the main idea of our film very clearly. Furthermore, we will need to build up the tension throughout the short clip in order to hook the audience to the film early on. In addition we will try to limit the dialogue in the opening scene to attempt to build up focus on the suspense.

Music and Sound

Music & Sound

Here is a mini soundtrack I made for our coursework. We may not use it in the end product but just playing about it will help so I can see what is suitable. I found that a guitar was not very suitable so I may use a glockenspiel or a music box as this gives a creepy effect. Violin is also a Sound is very important in horror films as this creates certain atmosphere allowing us to feel the movie more emotionally. Disturbing & unexpected sounds can heighten suspense and terror.
Non-linear sounds
Non linear sounds range from distorted sounds to small squeals that may not be normally taken notice of. A recent study shows that horror films have the loudest female screams, whereas adventure films had screams more from men. Horror films also had a more variety of pitches and sudden changes in pitch. This was reported in the Royal Society journal Biology Letters.
In film, audiences are capable of listening to both diegetic and non-diegetic sounds i.e classical music, which may allow the audience to feel &experience the movie in a different way. The majority of horror films have a specific melody/tune which allowed the viewers to recognize the film.
Sound effects
Sound effects are also very useful as they create tension for example a quiet creaking door accompanied by a violin soundtrack in the background, is used to create tension within scenes when there is a key moment that is needed to be highlighted so that the audience figure out if there is any pending danger for characters. Music, accompanied by sound effects is used within the horror genre so that the audience can have a connection between the film and themselves so that the film can play with the viewers emotions and allow them to experience the movie in its fullness.

Todorov's theory of equilibrium

Todorov's theory of equilibrium

Tzvetan Todorov in 1969 simplified the idea of narrative theory into his own theory of equilibrium to apply the every film. He split this up into five stages called the equilibrium
disequilibrium, acknowledgement, the solution an then returing to the equilibrium once again.

The five stages can be summerised into:
1) A state of equilibrium where everything is as it should be in a state of solidarity
2) A disruption of that order by an event that damages the equilibrium
3) A recognition that the disorder has occurred
4) An attempt to create a solution for the disaster and repair the damage of the disruption
5) A return to the new equilibrium where things have been solved

This theory should be able to fit to any film which doesn't have a sequal as this may not necessarily end with and equilibrium.


A film that Todorov's theory fits perfectly with is Avatar:
1) War against Na'vi and Jake Sully is sent to become part of tribe.
2) Hometree is planned to be destroyed.
3) Hometree is destroyed.
4) Jake Sully unites the tribes of Pandora to fight back against the humans.
5) Jake decides to stay in his avatar permanently.

We can use the stages of this theory in our own film when creating a horror film as it is an effective way of portraying a storyline.

Character deconstruction

Character deconstruction - The Woman in black

There are many features about The Women in Black that are applied to make her an effective main character. I was interested in her character particularly as I feel she incorporates the genre of a gothic horror film extremely well.

Costume-

• The woman herself is dressed completely in black. This colour is usually representative of negative elements such as death and evil, portraying her as a more sinister character.
• This colour is useful to clearly identify who the antagonist is.
• Her outfit covers her head to toe and does not reveal much of her skin apart from her face. This could arguably create a sense of mystery as little about what she actually looks like is revealed.
• The Women in Black also wears long black gloves on her hands. Again this shields her true identity and covers her human features makes you question the 'human' aspect of her.
• The entity of her outfit including the old fashioned style of clothing all correlate to produce the impression that she is a dangerous character.

Make up-

• From the few glances you see of The Woman in Black's face, you can tell she is made to look extremely pale. This implies that she is ill or suffering from something terrible and with the absence of any life, warmth or happiness.
• The whiteness of her skin could indicate death, again portraying her as a dangerous character.
• Her eyes are made to look dark and deep suggesting a sense of evil.
• Several wrinkles and dark shades are added to her face to make her look old and wasting. This implies a sense of sickness about her and  her not being a character the audience would warm to. 

Masks-

• She wears a black wedding veil over her face concealing what she looks like as well as her facial features making you question is  she is human or not.
• This also keeps her identity hidden, portraying elements of secretiveness and the unknown, in turn creating an air of mystery.  

Body language-

• There is little physical interaction between The Woman in Black and any other character. instead we just see glimpses of her staring over people. This reveals little about her personality but you can see that she isn't the type to warmly interact.

 

 

Research on Propp's Character Theory

Propp's Character Theory

Vladimir Propp

Vladimir Propp was a Russian film critic who was particularly interested in films based on folk tales. He was active mainly during the 20s and 30s, and eventually divised a book called 'Morphology of a Folk Tale' to showcase his theory.

Propp's Theory 

Propp came up with a theory that consisted of seven different character types that are required to fill a story. These are:

• the villain - an antagonist who creates grief for the hero
• the hero - the character who resolves any wronghoods
• the Princess - the woman desired by the hero
• the false hero - the person who takes credit for the hero's actions
• the donor - the character who gives the hero some kind of precious object
• the dispatcher 
• the helper - a magical entity that assists the hero

According to his theory, the story should always feature conflict between the hero and the villain, and the villain is typically overcome (whether it be by physical or emotion means).

-Anna Humphreys

Character Deconstruction - Ghostface (Scream)

Character Research and Analysis of Ghostface from Scream (1996)

An iconic image of Ghostface (1996)

The Killer from the 1996 edition of Scream is shown wearing a black cloak, a white mask and carrying a bloodied knife. The mask itself has become an extremely popular icon of horror culture, as many reproductions of it have been made and sold to the public.  It features regularly in fancy dress outfits and is instantly recognisable as Ghostface.

Whilst researching the origins of the Ghostface mask, I found out that the mask was actually not designed by the costume designers of the film - in fact, it was found in a abandoned house when the film crew were scouting for a film location to use. After they found the mask they decided to trace it back to its source, Fun World - a costume company, and after intense negotiation they established an agreement to use the mask in the film.

Interestingly, while the negotiations were taking place the film crew manufactured their own mask which was similar enough to be recognisable but different enough to avoid the breach of copyright. This mask is actually used in the first few scenes in the film, and as you can see if you look closely, there are a few visible differences. The eyes and facial features of the mask are slightly more pronounced at the start of the film, and become less prominent after the first few scenes.

Ghostface as he appears in the first scenes of the film 

Costume Analysis 

Clothing

Ghostface wears a very simple black cloak, with black gloves. This prominent use of the colour black conceals the killer's identity, as well as contributing to the character's dark, concealed nature. The use of a long, dark cloak is a theme 'borrowed' from Gothic literature and culture, for example 'The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come' in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

The Mask

The mask is used for a number of reasons:

• dehumanises the killer
• removes the killer's identity, isolating him from the other characters
• fear-inducing facial expression
• the mask conceals the killer's hair, which again hides his identity as hair is often a personal feature that identifies everyone

-Anna Humphreys

My Bloody Valentine Main Character Costume Deconstruction

My Bloody Valentine Killer Costume Deconstruction

 

Make up:

• As seen in the photo, make up is not visible on the character due to his face being hidden behind a mask.

The character is dressed in all black for multiple reasons;

1. The first being to help hide him easier in darkness so he can approach his victims undetected.
2. The second being to cover any show of skin which dehumanises the character and makes him more monstrous and fearful towards the audience.
3. The third is to incorporate the eerie feeling from the mask and his actions into the rest of the body because black is a symbol of death and fear.

The mask:

1. The killer wears a mask to hide his identity which creates an atmospheric fear among the audience as well as the victims.
2. The masks also covers his facial features, which by covering creates an illusion that he is not human but more of a monstrous character, because facial features are a strong indication of whether a person is human.
3. As well as this, the mask is a gas mask, which is normally used to save someone's life, so by an antagonist using it to hide his identity whilst he is killing victims contradicts the idea of protection and safety. This creates a strong eerie feel amongst the audience because he is using something out of the norm (such as a balaclava) to hide his identity and instead is using something of protection, so confuses the audiences. By not using a balaclava or any other type of "scary" mask, the film is going against the usual codes and conventions of a horror film, suggesting that it may be a different outcome to a usual film of that genre.

• The character is seen wearing gloves, this suggests that he is attempting to cover his actions by not leaving any traces of finger prints. It also once again suggests that he is trying to cover his human features such as skin or fingers, to create the monstrous, more fearful effect.
• The character uses the same weapon the whole way through the film and you do not see him without it, suggesting that without the axe he feels powerless or weak. Because the prop is an axe and is usually used to cut things in a more innocence way it creates a feeling of fear amongst the reader because of the strong use of realism.

-Caera Mendez