A Nightmare on Elm Street(1984)

Micro-analysis

Setting• The scene is set within a school boiler

room. This appears before in the film and links with the context of Freddy Krueger.

• As the scene progresses the Nancy gets closer to the source of fire which adds intensity as it makes the audience feel as if she is getting closer and closer to danger. In addition to this, it reminds the audience of what Freddy has done which makes them fear him more and makes them think that Nancy is in real danger.

Lighting• The scene starts with very dark and dull

lighting in the foreground this means Nancy’s face is only partially lit.

• The background contrasts the foreground and is warmly lit using orange tones which are motivated by the fire.

• This combination of lighting creates shadows and adds suspense as the audience cannot fully see the surroundings. Due to this they are led to believe that something is lurking in the shadows. This adds suspense as the audience is made to feel that something is going to happen and are left waiting.

Costume• The costume of the main character is

basic and matches the scene and the context of her being in a dream.

• She wears white, night clothes makes the audience view her as vulnerable. White is often seen as a form of purity therefore, by putting the character in white clothing she looks more vulnerable.

Props• Bloody headphones

• Crucifix

• The crucifix fits into symbolism of religion used within the film. The crucifix is shown at the beginning of the film and by showing it here it reminds the audience of what the villain, Freddy Krueger, has done throughout the course of the film.

Character Movement• The scene starts with slow character movement.• Nancy starts by moving slowly and cautiously through the setting, this

mixed with the camera movement helps to add suspense as the audience is left waiting for something to happen.

• Towards the end of the scene the character movement becomes faster and more frantic. This contrasts the rest of the scene and therefore adds energy and suspense as the audience get the reveal they were waiting for.

Sound• The non diegetic music helps to add suspense and mystery to the scene as

it build and builds until the reveal later in the scene. The music starts quite and simple and as the scene progresses more sounds are introduced and the piano chords become faster. Also, the child like nature of the music links to context of the villain, Freddy Krueger, who is a child murderer. By making the score childlike, the audience is reminded of what Freddy has done which puts them on edge for the entirety of the scene. • Diegetic sound is used within the scene to help create the feeling of

isolation. As Nancy moves throughout the scene various mechanical sounds are heard that match the location and add suspense by introducing the idea that she is not alone.

Camera/Cinematography• There is a lot of camera movement, mainly

Steadicam, following the Nancy through the location. The camera moves are slow and controlled which makes the audience feel as if they are moving with the character and are exploring the setting with them.

• Some camera shots also go from a wide shot into a close up using camera movement as well as character movement.

• A lot of space is left around the Nancy in many shots. This helps to add to the suspense as it makes her look isolated and makes the audience suspect that there is something hiding in the dark.

• Steadicam

• Tracking shot

• Handheld

• Dolly

• Pan

• Tilt

Wide Shot

Medium Close Up

Tilt+

Character Movement

Editing• At the beginning of the scene the pacing is very slow. There are many

long drawn out shots following the Nancy through the setting and very little cuts. This helps to create tension, suspense and mystery as the audience is made to feel that they are exploring the location her. Also, the fact that the scene never cuts away to show another character helps to add suspense as the audience is made to feel that they are isolated in the location.

• A jump cut is used at the end of the scene to transition location. This helps to add to the confusion of the dream state of Nancy.

• The whole scene uses practical effects from the make up of Freddy Krueger to the fire.