2. How character is set up
Character is set up to show the audience the relationship between each character. The
relationship between the woman (Anna) and the man (Malcolm) is a close
relationship and this is shown through how they interact with each other. In one
scene, they are shown to be sitting close to each other in a two shot, which indicates
to the audience that nothing can get in-between them and that they’re happy
together. Their facial expressions also tells the audience this as they’re smiling and
chatting cheerfully.
Also, Anna is shown to be a character who is easily worried due to the close up shot of
when she’s getting the wine from the basement. Her facial expression tells the
audience that she’s worried that there’s something behind her.
3. How narrative is set up
The narrative in set up through the use of diegetic speech. After Anna gets the wine from
the basement and joins Malcolm, she reads out the award that her husband received for his
work. This sets the tone of the story for the audience as we get information about the work
that Malcolm has done. This also gives the audience a hint about what could happen during
the rest of the film.
4. How setting is set up
At the very beginning of the film, we see a
light bulb slowly heating up. This gives out
the symbolic idea of presence of ghosts
within the film as the light bulb gives out a
dull glow. This foreshadows what might
happen during the rest of the film. The
audience feel tension knowing what might
happen later on.
This also gives the audience a clue as to
what mysterious characters will later on be
introduced in the film.
Also, the dull colours in this scene
sets the setting as the atmosphere is
cold and spine-chilling. Anna is also
seen to be shivering which
exaggerates the atmosphere.
5. How enigma is set up
Enigma is set up when Anna gets the wine
from the basement. As she retrieves the wine,
she suddenly turns around as if expecting to
find something there. This negative space
creates unease and tension as well as the
audience questioning what could have
alarmed her.
Also, the fact that Malcolm gets shot a few minutes
into the film builds up this enigma. The audience
then see in the next fade out and fade in shot that
it’s the next year and he’s ok and at work, which
gets the audience questioning what happened
when he got shot.
6. How titles are used
The black background sets the films tone as
the audience can feel the suspense as each
fade in and fade out of the titles are in white
which boldly stands out from the
background. The film title fades onto the
screen quicker than the rest of the credits as
this creates the mood of the film for the
audience. The director has done this to build
suspense and curiosity within the audience.
The non-diegetic music that also
goes with the opening credits
creates suspense and tension for
the audience. Also, the fact that
the opening goes on for a few
minutes builds this up and keeps
the audience interested.
7. Technical elements-camera work
During the beginning, the camera follows
Anna’s movements. The camera slowly
zooms in on her face and the audience can
clearly see her alarmed facial expression. The
director has done this to show that not
everything is as it appears.
After the next couple of shots, the camera
slowly zooms on the award until the
audience can see Anna’s and Malcolm’s
reflection in it, which creates a two shot.
This way the audience can see the award
but also see their facial expressions. This
involves the audience to be part of the
film.
8. Technical elements-editing
After the opening credits, there’s a medium
shot of Anna as she gets the wine. She is
important as she’s the first character that
the audience is introduced to. The shot
then cuts to a negative space frame when
she turns around. The fact that she looks
worried tells the audience that there could
be something there and this is emphasised
due to the negative space frame.
A few seconds later there’s a close up
match on action shot of Malcolm
touching his award for his work. The
audience can see from this that he’s
proud of his work and that he’s
honoured for the award.
9. Next, a medium shot has been used for the two
shot frame. This tells the audience that they
have a close relationship and that they’re
content together. Also, Anna’s facial expression
tells the audience that she’s happy for Malcolm
for receiving his award.
This eye-line match is
shown as Anna and
Malcolm look at the award,
as there’s a shot of the
award. The director has
done this to tell the
audience more about what
type of characters they are.
10. Technical elements-mise en scene
In the first scene, the dark colours and dull lighting
gives the scene a cold and eerie feeling. This
foreshadows the chills and feelings that are later
to come in the film. Due to this the audience can
feel the chill within the scene as though they’re
part of it.
The next shot shows some candles which contrasts
with the previous scene as this connotes warmth
and romance. The bright colours and lighting also
show this. The colour red can also symbolise the
danger that’s to come later in the film.
Malcolm is dressed formally (suit trousers, shirt and
vest) and Anna is in a dress with her hair styled up.
This gives the impression to the audience that it’s a
special occasion that they’re celebrating. This could
also suggest that they present themselves well and
that they care what their appearance is like.
11. Technical elements-sound
During the opening credits, the eerie non-
diegetic music (strings) gets louder and
then suddenly quieter. The audience can
grasp the genre of the film and know what
to expect as the sound is spine chilling. This
also creates suspense and tension due to
the pitch of the music changing.
After the opening credits, the
audience hears Anna’s diegetic
footsteps as she walks down and
up the basement steps. A few
minutes later, the audience sees
and hears the two characters
diegetic speech. This makes the
audience feel part of the film as it
interests them more as to what is
going on. The audience also want
to know what they’re talking
about.
