Horror Still Shot Analysis

1) Describe your shot and identify in what way it could be seen as representing horror?

The shot is a MS at level angle, of a young/teenage girl peering out of a door. The girl has a frightened but cautious look on her face, and the action suggests she is slowly making her move as if hiding from someone and on the lookout. The room behind her is pitch black with the light coming from outside the door. The darkness in the room and the shadow across half her face represents horror and mystery, as if she is hiding something sinister, whilst her action suggests she is hiding - a typical horror plotline. Her being behind the dorr also creates a claustrophobic effect on the audience, whilst the MS is enough to capture her expression as well as the whole action.

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2) What did you actually do to achieve this effect?

Our group chose a location with strong lighting from outside the room, but a small room behind the door with the light switched off to create a pitch black effect from behind. We had one small film light, which we shone towards the subject out of shot, angled half behind the door frame, casting a shadow across half the girls face. We used this effect in all the shots and tried placing the subject in many different actions/poses, this one being one of the best and most effective.

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3) What is successful about your shot?

The shadow across half the girls face is extremely effective in contrast to the other half of her face, which is sharpened and expressive, whilst creating a catch light in her eye. The harsh shadow and pitch black behind her engulf most of her body, hiding alot of the character from the audience. This suggests she could be hiding something, giving her a sinister and msyterious side despite the scared look. The light emphasises the fact the girl is pretty without much make up, and her skin is shiny suggesting she could be sweating as if she has been chased. The empty space on the left hand side and her look towards this space suggest something is there, building up tension and making the audience want to know what the girl is running away from.

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4) What would you do differently in hindsight?

I would frame the shot with more care, so that the door frame was completely vertical and maybe making the shot and MCU to add even more expression (whilst cutting out some of the door frame including the handle - little objects like these slightly taking away focus from the main subject). I would also try and insert a bit more fear into her face, whilst adding more effects to her look such as fake dirt, scratches and brusies, as well as tears and running make up. This would make sure the audience knows the girl is the victim as the shot is slightly ambiguious as to her role in the horror film. Better use of props could add more detail to the storyline without giving away the plot, and would be iconic so the audience would instantly associate these with the film. Props such as a silk gown, teddybear or expensive ring could add more depth to the story and create more audience interest.