knowing analysis

14
Knowing Paranormal/Thriller

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Page 1: Knowing analysis

KnowingParanormal/Thriller

Page 2: Knowing analysis

This opening shot is a mid-long shot of a classroom in the year 1959 as the text shows. The fact that the date is shown suggests that the film is set either before or after this time, otherwise the audience would be left to assume the era by way of iconography, mise en scene etc. there is a strong surface realism here as the costumes and props used clearly represents a historical era.

Page 3: Knowing analysis

This shot is a bird’s-eye-view of a time capsule being unveiled. It is evident that the time has now progressed and this is emphasized through the use of a sound bridge of the 50’s teacher talking about what to put into the capsule. “what you think the future will look like” are the instructions she gives. We can see on the capsule that the year is now 2009.

Page 4: Knowing analysis

here we are introduced to the protagonist, it is a wide shot with the main character standing very central in order to catch the audience’s eye and establish him as the main character. This shot also presents accurate continuity as the characters in the mise en scene are wearing costumes that are appropriate to the year they are now in. (2009)

Page 5: Knowing analysis

This mid-long shot shows, what the audience would assume to be, the deuteroganist who is opening an envelope from the time capsule. The wide, open space behind this character gives the sense of isolation and provides an air of mystery. This helps meet the typical connotations of the paranormal/thriller genre.

Page 6: Knowing analysis

This close up – also used as a match on action – shows the contents of the envelope. As this item is shown a slight zoom is used to intrigue the audience as well as an eerie sound effect used in synchronisation to the sudden change of contrast in the 2ndscreenshot. This is used to provoke curiosity within the audience, allowing them to question what these numbers mean, at the same time emphasizing the mystery of the scene.

Page 7: Knowing analysis

A long shot is then used to once again put the protagonist under the spotlight, this is highlighted with the use of depth of field, blurring out the unnecessary characters surrounding him. Despite the many faces bustling around the scene, the depth of field allows the effect of isolation to once again be used.

Page 8: Knowing analysis

Once again we see the deuteroganist now in a close up in order to allow the audience to see the worried facial expression. This makes the audience want to find out what the numbers mean and why it has left this character so concerned. It also highlights the mystery and helps build up to the codes and conventions of a paranormal/thriller.

Page 9: Knowing analysis

An over-the-shoulder shot is used and this shows the protagonist obsessing over the numbers desperate to find out what they mean, at the same time causing the audience to take on the same characteristics.

Page 10: Knowing analysis

A fast paced montage is used showing images of disasters whereby many people have died. At the same time a, high tempo beat is played in synchronisation with the changing of images. This creates tension within the audience, another connotation of a thriller. On top of this, a sound bridge of the protagonist’s voice is playing, depicting the link between the disasters and the numbers. “I've matched these numbers to the dates of every major disaster in the last 50 years.”

Page 11: Knowing analysis

The concerned facial expression on this character, makes her seem vulnerable and weak. In terms of stereotypical roles of gender, this matches up well. The feminist point of view would be one of disapproval, as they fight to be treated equally to men.

Page 12: Knowing analysis

The low angle here makes the male protagonist seem strong and powerful, this further emphasizes the previous shot in which feminists would react strongly to.

Page 13: Knowing analysis

The over the shoulder shot here once again shows the concerned facial expression of this character. “what happens when the numbers run out?” is the dialogue used in this shot. This creates a vast sense of intrigue within the audience as they too will be asking that question. In typical thrillers, there is usually a twist in the plot of the movie, this line seems like it could be a hint at what that twist might entail.

Page 14: Knowing analysis

As with almost all film trailers, the title is revealed last. The font, and effects surrounding the text, have a paranormal glow about it and help construct the conventions of a film of this genre.