Reflective Analysis

Reflective Analysis

In this essay, I will be analysing the micro elements of cinematography, editing, sound and mise-en-scene in my storyboard and how they create use and meaning.

The genre for my storyboard is a thriller/horror. This is clearly shown through the cinematography as the camera shots are very stereotypical of the horror genre; close ups and point of view shots are used to create suspense and mystery as it does not show the whole surroundings; it limits the amount of information that the audience can see which makes the audience anxious and fearful because key information is concealed away. The point of view shots also make the protagonist look vulnerable and weak. The high-angled shots used occasionally throughout my storyboard also make the protagonist appear weak and the low-angled shots of the antagonist make him look and feel more powerful and dominant as he is positioned as a bigger threat; I use these shots to position the characters and to convey information such as making the protagonist appear defenceless. I want the audience to feel empathetic towards the protagonist which is why I mainly use a high-angled shot on her because it makes her look fragile and weak. The editing is also typical of the horror genre as I use a majority of cuts to make it fast-paced and rapid. For the sound, I frequently use non-diegetic sound effects as it creates tension because it will put the audience on edge because it suggests that something is about to develop. I consistently use the non-diegetic sound of violins because it intensifies each shot and it also makes them vivid and tense. Lastly, for the mise-en-scene, it is again very typical of the horror genre. The lighting is very low-key which adds to the eerie atmosphere. It also helps the audience distinguish between the protagonist and the antagonist as the light illustrates many codes and conventions about the character. The costumes the characters are wearing are mostly dark, which helps to create and show mystery to the characters. I only use two settings in my storyboard - an empty area that is secluded from human life and an abandoned house that the protagonist comes across. I chose to use the main codes and conventions of a thriller because it meets the expectations of the audience.

The first shot I use for my storyboard is a low-key establishing shot of a empty and deserted road. I use low-key lighting because it creates a dramatic and eerie atmosphere which puts the audience on edge straightaway. The actual darkness of the setting helps to build the tension and uneasiness. I also added the diegetic sound of footsteps and wind into the shot to express how abandoned the area is, it also creates suspense because it feels like someone is being followed. I also use low-key lighting in shot 5, which is a close up shot of the antagonist. I used the low-key lighting to imply that he is the antagonist because the darkness has connotations of evilness and mystery. The close up shot is used to form a connection with the antagonist and the audience, and also to make him appear more threatening and sinister because he dominates the area around him which is shown by the fact that he fills the whole frame. For the shots that are mostly of the protagonist I surround her with light because it implies that she is innocent and pure as opposed to the antagonist. This also helps to distinguish between the two of them, and it makes it easier for the audience to follow. In shots such as 8 and 11, I used high and low angled shots to make the protagonist appear weak and the antagonist appear powerful and vigorous. In shot 12, it is clear that the antagonist is the more dominant between the two of them, this is shown by the fact that the protagonist is unaware about the antagonist's presence, it is again reinforced by the essence of the gun that the antagonist is carrying. For shot 6, I used a point of view shot from the antagonist looking at the protagonist who is oblivious that she is being watched. I put the audience into the position of the antagonist to create tension and the fear of the unknown. One of my favourite shots that I used is shot number 7 because it helps to identify the characters. It also builds up suspense and tension because it is where the action begins to evolve. I added the tracking shot towards the protagonist's face so that the audience actually knows that she has acknowledged the killer and it also makes the shot feel more dramatic. For the protagonist's costume I wanted her to be dressed as casual as possible to represent that she is just a normal individual, whereas for the antagonist I wanted him dressed in dark and black clothes because it makes him appear more threatening and villainous; the dark clothing also helps to mask their identity. The last key shot that I have picked out is shot 17, I used this extreme close up of the finger on the trigger to show that the killer is not afraid and is determined on settling the protagonist's fate. I also used non-diegetic sound of a clock ticking to reinforce that her time is almost up; this creates anticipation and uneasiness as the audience are literally waiting for the gun to be fired.

In conclusion, I feel that my storyboard is satisfactory. It does show the main codes and conventions of the horror genre so it will appeal and meet the audiences' expectations. For my pictures, I captured the different shots at night as I wanted to get the low-key lighting perfect. The darkness also helps to create the eerie and dramatic atmosphere. If I was to redo my storyboard I would improve a few of the pictures because some of them were taken at different orientations and stretched. I would also add more detail to why I have used certain aspects. Overall, I have enjoyed creating my project and with a bit more work on it, it will be more effective.

Word Count: 1031