I decided to compare a short film to a feature film with similar narratives, to gain an understanding as to how easy it is to include the same elements in short films found in regular films, and if so, gain an understanding as to whether including these elements have the same effect in a short film as they do in a regular film. This comparison ultimately will give us an understanding of what we will need to include in our short film, to make it as effective as a normal length film. I also decided to focus on films in the horror thriller genre as this is the genre we are considering to choose for our short film. This will help us identify codes and conventions to include in our short film, taking inspiration from codes and conventions found in films, which will hopefully have the same effect when in a short film. Short Film- 'Skypemare''Skypemare' is a horror thriller short film based around a Skype call between two friends on halloween. The narrative involves one friend being pranked by the other, being convinced by the other friend through a series of annoymonous videos portraying her being attacked by an unknown figure. This prank as a result causes the stabbing of the protagonist. The short film begins with a news report, stating there is a murderer about on the night of halloween. This is a stereotypical convention of horrors; the film usually starts with an element of drama to trigger the rest of the narrative and the events that follow because of the drama. Likewise characters such as murderers are common in horror films. The element of drama and suspense is emphasised by the narrative being set on halloween night, where all conventions of horror are featured. The narrative involves two friends talking over Skype, supposedly both home alone. The fact they are both home alone on halloween night contributes to the notion of suspense throughout the short film as it makes them more vulnerable. A mid shot from the laptop camera's point of view reveals a shadow of an unknown figure to be behind the woman, who is supposed to be home alone. The dark mise-en-scene is typical in horror thrillers, and the shadow contributes to the thrill and suspense, creating the element of the unknown. By viewing this scene from the computer screen it appears as if the viewer is directly watching the scene, contributing to the viewers feeling of thrill, as if they are their witnessing what is happening, like the other friend on the other end of the Skype call. The friend receives an anonymous file, again contributing to the fear of the unknown, a stereotypical convention of horror thrillers. Sending the file also adds to the key role that technology is playing in the short film. As the narrative is primarily involved with technology, it shows modern aspects, offering modern codes and conventions which we may be able to take inspiration from in our short film. the anonymous clip reveals to be a gory video of the friend who has supposedly been brutally murdered. the use of blood is stereotypical in horror films. The bloody murder is a cliche ending of many horror films. Feature Film- 'Unfriended''Unfriended' is a horror thriller feature film based on a girl who kills herself due to a cyber attack after a video is posted anonymously of the girl embarrassing herself on a drunken night out. The narrative involves a group of friends a year on from her death, reuniting on a group Skype call, in which an anonymous caller enters the call and threatens the group in several ways online. This narrative is very similar to 'Skypemare' showing modern conventions of horrors, involving technology as a key role in the narrative. The film starts showing a news report on the suicide of Laura Barns who killed herself after a series of cyber attacks from her peers due to an unknown source posting an embarrassing video of her on a drunken night out. The introduction of this element of drama is a stereotypical convention of horror films as it allows the rest of the events to ensue from this. This was seen in 'Skypemare' when the news revealed a murderer was on the loose. During the friend's group Skype call, an unknown caller joins, which is unable to be removed from the call. This adds to the feeling of suspense and fear of the unknown, as neither the audience or the protagonists are aware who this person is and what is going to happen. Much like the unknown person in 'Skypemare'. From here on, the unknown source begins threatening the friends. Forcing them to partake in games such as '21 dares'. The use of death threats and force is common with horror films used to manipulate victims and add to the notion of fear and violence. The unknown antagonist continues their threats however starts to physically control things. For instance the friend's lights are suddenly turned off in their rooms. This contributes a sense of super natural activity, a stereotypical convention found within horror films, e.g 'Paranormal Acitvity' In one scene, one of the friends is forced to place their hand in a blender. This adds gore and violence into the mix of elements within the film, which further contributes to the genre of horror. Through the use of the fear of the unknown, gory violence, threats and supernatural/telekinetic power combined, the film creates the feeling of suspense, terror, alarm, mystery etc… for both the protagonists of the film as well as the audience who relate to the friend's by seeing everything form their point of view. Ultimately combining all stereotypical codes and conventions of horrors to ensure the film 'Unfriended' meets the expectations of its genre. Ultimately, both the short film 'Skypemare ' and 'Unfriended' the feature film, follow similar narratives involving stereotypical codes and conventions of horror films. However 'Skypemare' can be seen to follow more of a cliche narrative, using simpler codes and conventions having a more basic effect on audiences. Compared to 'Unfriended' containing a whole ranges of codes and conventions found within horrors, in a more detailed way to have a greater effect on audiences. So from this it has helped us recognise what codes and conventions we need to include in our short film as well as how to apply them in order for out short film to be successful.
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AuthorsMolly Broad Archives
February 2016
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