Response to Analysis of Short Films; Three

Iconography mainly represents death and danger which are typical parts in a thriller on which we we try and recreate in ours.



Mise-en-scene settings for the short film are all areas that would typically generate suspense (deserted, dark places) which is key for a thriller film. The casual clothes worn by the teenagers suggest that it was a typical day before the strange events happened and that is a key scenario in thriller films - unexpected events. The dark lighting generates suspense and fear, especially when the teenagers walk into the darkest/blacked out areas - this shows the teenagers walking into the unknown and therefore this causes suspense. The photos and newspaper articles that explain why the club is haunted let the viewers in on key information that the majority of the characters in the film do not know, this helps the viewers to understand more and keeps them in fear and suspense as to whether the characters will find out this information, this is sometimes an aspect of a thriller film. At the end of the film the last teen alive is eventually killed and this is symbolised by all the lights turning off one by one as she tries to escape, the darkness catches up to her and eventually consumes her, the aspect of everybody dieing is sometimes a feature in thriller films e.g. the Final Destination series.


Sounds in a typical thriller films include the characters' worried conversations which helps to add to the tense atmosphere that the film is trying to generate. People screaming for help is also very common in thriller films. Sounds coming from unknown sources and general loud sounds such as the doors banging, in quiet scenes helps to generate the tense atmosphere the film is trying to create. The mobile phone being featured suggests that (ignoring the extraordinary events) it is a typical day in common society - in thriller films they generally begin with the day being relatively normal for the main characters before the strange events occur, therefore the mobile helps to conform to the guidelines of thriller films. Deep breaths help to create a strong tension which is key for thrillers as they aim to keep the viewers on the edge of their seats. Non-diagetically the dark and screaming-like music is a common feature in this particular genre of film and is effective to keep the viewers tense and aware that strange events are occurring.


Narrative at first is the norm which is occurring according to the teenagers lifestyle except after a while everything changes for the worst and becomes a dark atmosphere to intrigue viewers to watch the short film.


Camera, such as the quick cuts used in the film make the atmosphere more tense as they happen during major events such as a person being killed, and it suggests the fast-pacedness of these events. The close ups help to show the characters' terrified expressions, which is a common feature in horror/thriller films. The shots of CCTV footage as well as the shots looking down on the teens gives the feel that they are being watched which adds to the tension and mystery commonly felt in thriller films. Eye-line shots used can generate a tension for the viewers as they are intrigued to find out what the characters can see whilst at the same time they are hoping that the characters find some significant details to explain why the strange events are occuring. Furthermore when the camera tilts down at the stairs (in the opposite direction of where the characters have gone) it generates fear and tension as it gives the feel that there is someone following the characters/ coming after them and as the characters have moved in the other direction they are unaware of this.