Representation in Horror Films

Horror has been a long running genre ever since the beginning of the film industry the representation of Horror has evolved over the years. In modern times, from the 70's onward, representation has changed drastically. From here, it went on to represent teenagers and young adults. This opened up various different ways Horrors are represented

There were often two lead roles in Horrors, the Antagonist, who was often the murderer or the spirit, and often the case a One female Protagonist, who would be one of the few characters not to be killed, and often deals with the antagonist, an example of where this can be seen is Nightmare on Elms Street.

Representation in Film Noire

Representation of the Femme Fatale

The Femme Fatale is a common sight in Film Noire. They are represented in a vastly different way to what was seen in society at this time. The Femme Fatale is dangerous, manipulative and selfish character, only out to benefit herself, nomatter who's strings she has to pull. However, Hays Code which was pushed into films during the 30's onwards, made it so the Femme Fatale or any other villain of the film has to suffer punishment at the end. Throughout the genre, it is always the femme fatale who always manipulates the main character to do has she wishes, be that to steal or kill. This is interesting as it takes a spin on the power balance which was seen in American society in this time. Women were suppose to remain within the household to do chores while the male of the household works. This is different in Film Noire, as the Femme Fatale is strong and independant, doing her own thing for herself.

Feedback November

Your script shows much promise and an awareness of the codes and conventions of the genre.

You are working at level 2 for research and planning but can achieve level 4 if you publish all your posts as your group work is very promising.

 

To reach level you must publish your;

• Maltese Falcon analysis
• Analysis of the opening sequence of 'Seven'
• Discuss the codes and conventions of film noir in more detail
• Preliminary task
• Storyboard

Targets for November

Film

Risk assessment

Edit

Consider sound and titles to add meaning and atmosphere

Manage your time effectively

Ensure that the web-log reflects your planning and research fully

AS Media Production Research

A good media production must keep to a certain set of rules in order to have good quality. I have watched productions done by other students and picked out various strengths which help the film and weaknesses which hold the film back.
Some strengths included suitable costume. This is very important to make your film seem like effort is put into it. An example of this that if you were filming a Film Noire, it would be expected that the character playing a detective should have a costume that fits the genre. If you had a detective in casual clothes, it would be outside of the genres conventions.
Another strength I noticed was use of setting. Similar to the costume, the setting must match the type of film. In the one of opening sequences I watched, the setting went very well with the film, and did not seem out of place. Setting can often be set in the wrong location, which takes away from the illusion, such as filming a horror film in a busy park.

Film Noire Screenplay

The Drowned Man

Int Detective Office - Mid-day

Dark room with only a blinded window letting in blades of light, which are shining on the main detective, smoking a thick cigar and looking idly around the office.

Mcgriff :(Narrative) The names Vance Mcgriff, Chief detective of the New York Police Department, years' 1922, February, and its been a pretty dry month.

Close up on the telephone, as it begins to ring - all is silent beside the ringing of the phone. Then switches to a over the shoulder shot as Mcgriff reaches for the phone

Mcgriff : N-Y-P-D Detective department, this is Detective Mcgruff speaking, how can I help you?

Woman : The drowned man is in the lake -

The call ends abruptly, before Mcgruff has even a chance to speak, in anger, he throws down the phone, looking back at the window

Mcgriff : (Narrative) The same damn call almost everyday now for two weeks, cryptic. We've investigated but have no clue what it could mean, In the office we think its just some prank, but its hard to say. We don't even got any reports of a missing persons. Nor  report of a drowned person.

Mcgruff turns around, we have an over the shoulder shot of him looking at the door as there is a loud knock. This is followed by a closeup of the door as the knocking continues, then a Policeman enters through the door, he is a large, burly man, with a thick mustache and sideburns, speaking in a serious yet concerned tone.

Police Chief : Detective Mcgriff, you got any time on your hands? There has been a body fished up from the lake, it looks pretty fresh too, you need to come investigate!

Mcgriff : You say fresh, you mean like it seems pretty recent?

Police Chief : Yeah, it was found washed up by the banks by some guy walking his dog,

Mcgriff : I see -

Police Chief : You coming?

Mcgriff : Yeah, yeah, I'll be  minute, let me get my stuff and I'll be right out

Police Chief : 'Right, Just hurry up about it.

The Police Chief exits through the door, leaving it open behind him, letting in light from the interior corridor. Mcgriff slowly walks over the the window, and peaks out the blinds, looking out of the city, this develops into an establishing show of the city, through his eyes.

Mcgriff : (Narrative) This city... This city... What a crazy place...

Mcgriff takes a gun, notepad and pen, and his detective badge from his desk and walks slowly towards the open door, exiting, he then slams it behind him/ Dramatic music begins to play as the shot begins do fade into the title screen.

Conventions of Film Noire

Film Noire is a genre of films which became popular round the 20's. During this time, Film Noire films were made very cheap using minimal lighting, setting and characters. These sort of film became popular party because so many were produced, nearly all following the same structure: Detective, Deputy and a Femme Fatale.
The Detective: This was often the main character, he is often played by a gruff sounding male actor. The narrative is often told by this character.
The Deputy: This is often a disposable character - which leads on to more important plot devices. Though we'd assume this was an important part character, we will find that plot more focuses around on the more important, main detective.
The Femme Fatale: This is often the min female lead role,playing a sly and manipulative who manages to sway the detective to do what she wants him to. This happens though most the film with the detective unaware of this until near the end of the film, where she is discovered for what she is.

Film Noire films often have the detective searching for someone or something, if something, it is often a valuable stolen item

One of the most famous conventions for this the minimal lighting used. It is common that only two set lights are used. There are often used to only show one side of the face, this is used to set the dark tones which many Film Noire films contain. This is called low key lighting.

Another convention is the costumes of the main characters. The detective is seen wearing a trench coat and a hat. There is rarely a film of this genre which does not have this. This conveys mystery about the character.

Feedback 1

You are beginning to demonstrate analytical skill when de-constructing texts.  You make some good points using images to support them. You identify shot types and begin to explain how the director creates meaning.

You now need to go into detail and analyse the whole clip as these are 'rich' texts which will reward detailed analysis.

Publish the tasks that have been asked for and complete the analysis of opening sequences studied as  group activity.