Sinister: Suspenseful Elements

How suspense is created through the movie sinister. Over view of Sinister: A struggling true-crime novelist stumbles into a grim supernatural mystery that threatens the lives of his entire family directed by Scott Derrickson . Ellison (Ethan Hawke) is seeking inspiration for his latest book when he moves his wife and children into a home, where he discovers old home videos which leads to a shocking discovery as the previous families living in the home have all been brutally murdered. Ellison investigates the case, the more he begins to fear he has stirred an ancient evil that won't rest until it has claimed his entire family.

Sound:

How sound creates suspense in Sinister.

There are two types of sound used in films: Diegetic and Non-diegetic. Diegetic sound: Sound which source is visible on the screen or whose source is implied to be presented by the action of the film. Non-diegetic sound: Sound whose source is neither visible on the screen nor has been implied to be presented in the action, such as commentary. Sound ambiguity: Is a play with diegetic and non-diegetic conventions can be used to create ambiguity or to surprise the audience.

How lighting creates suspense in sinister.

Lighting: High key lighting: When subject is fully lit, minimum to no shadows. Low key lighting: Lots of shadows, subject not fully lit.

By using low key lighting (shown in this scene) it creates suspense.

How mise-en-scene creates suspense in sinister.

Mise-en-scene: Is the set on scene. It can be shown through decor, costume, space, acting, lighting ect.

The costumes the director chooses for the girl and Mr. Boogie show that they are evil as they are covered in blood. By putting blood on the girls hands it shows that she has just committed a crime.

How camera shots and angles create suspense in Sinister.

Camera shots and angles: There are many camera shots and angles which are used to set the scene, show the surroundings, show beyond the human eye ect. Such as: •Extreme long shot•Long shot•Full shot •Medium shot •Extreme close up shot •High angle shot •Low angle shot •Point of view shot

The director uses a cut away shot to create and add suspense. In the scene the camera cuts away from the dads face and quickly goes to Mr. Boogie.

The director also uses a high angle shot. This occurs in the scene where the girl has tied up her family and is looking over her dad.