By Millie Wheeler

1. IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT

USE, DEVELOP OR CHALLENGE FORMS AND

CONVENTIONS OF REAL MEDIA PRODUCTS?

CONVENTIONS OF THRILLER/HORROR FILMS

Titles that reflect an aspect of the antagonists

psychological state

THEMES OF IDENTITY

After seeing the full face of the doll with

closed eyed, we then see the old lady with

her eyes closed showing she feels she is

the doll.

Insidious: this is another horror that focuses

on the antagonists need/taking of the

protagonists identity. This film focuses on the

dead taking the bodies of the living.

In the same way, the Old woman is taking

Bella’s body externally and making her a doll,

so she is able to control her movement and

pretend that she is her.

Throughout the title sequence at no stage is June’s full identity

revealed, but suggested at through mes en scene of slippers, wrinkles

and glasses that hint towards her being of old age. The mystery of her

identity is common in horror films as the unknown is often more

concerning than what is clearly stated.

THEMES OF IDENTITY

As well as using some of the common notions implied by the themes of identity, I also challenged some of these within my coursework.

In many horror films the villain is presented as strong and brutal using their strength or weapons to attack victims, such as ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’. I have challenged this typical identification of an antagonist as my villain is not strong or violent but psychologically challenged and obsessive.

Another way in which I have challenged the typical themes of identity, is that the protagonists personality is less of a focus at the beginning that it would be towards the end of the film as she plots escape.

Traditional horror films would establish a relationship between the protagonist and audience then learn about the enemy throughout the film such as ‘woman in black’. However in this case the victims identity is quickly taken away from her and we learn of Junes obsession, and therefore know little about Bella at this stage.

TITLES THAT REFLECT AN ASPECT OF THE

ANTAGONISTS PSYCHOLOGICAL STATE.

Titles were edited to appear in sync

with certain movements of June .

The titles were also in a dainty, elegant

font. This reflects Junes psychological

state as she is obsessed with her doll

being prefect, young and beautiful and

therefore this compulsion is reflected in

the titles as they reflect the ‘prettiness’ she

wishes to attain.

EXTRAORDINARY THINGS HAPPENING IN ORDINARY

SITUATIONS During the sequence as Bella is looking around the room, it

seems to become clear that is just in an ordinary room- the

only concerning feature being the broken window, and of

course her imprisonment in it. However, due to the fact

that this is June’s mind is a

‘dollhouse’ the floral

wallpaper and wooden floor

reflect through mes en

scene its purpose and

slightly challenge the

normality of the setting. This is similar to ‘Vacancy’

which takes place in a

hotel, a very normal place.

However once you

understand the purpose of

the employees, fits their

motivation to the point of

becoming unusual.

CLOSE-UP AND HEAD SHOTS

Head shots were also

used to show Bella

distress, and change

in appearance.

In many horror films, part of what

is horrific about what happens to

characters is the tragedy of this

and therefore involves their

emotion. Due to this close ups and

head shots are often used to

establish a characters feelings and

also show what is taking place.

I have frequently used close ups

throughout my sequence to

establish the absurdity of what is

being done to Bella – particularly

during the make up sequence.

However one of the most significant close ups in the

sequence, for me was the establishing shot of the protagonists

eye. This enabled the audience to understand the confusion of

the victim and gave an insight, despite her mysterious identity,

to how she is feeling and despite not knowing her well at this

stage- sympathise for her distress.

I used close ups of the antagonists features in

order to fulfil the previously mentioned themes of

identity.

VOYEURISM

• Voyeurism is a convention frequently seen in horror films.

• I have not directly used this convention, however have used it in a slightly different way

and whilst June is focused on Bella’s appearance, Bella is aware that she is being viewed

rather than the typical idea of being seen without knowing.