2. Male antagonist –
represented negatively
men are residually seen as strong
regressive
Young male protagonist –
represented positively
victim is stereotypically female (emergent ideology); this
storyline is progressive (Scream – 1996 – Wes Craven)
3. Binary opposition (antagonist and protagonist) is achieved by the
way the characters are portrayed.
-The antagonist is wearing a mask (Saw
– 2004 – James Wan), seems to be
controlling the character the audience
has been introduced to (who has shown
emotion; we feel sympathy)
- His colour scheme is associated with
darkness and alarm (red background,
black and white suit and black
writing).
- The use of sound (creepy children’s
song) makes the antagonist look
increasingly sinister.(The Woman In
Black – 2012 – James Watkins)
Binary opposition
4. Binary opposition
The protagonist is seen as the
‘goodie’ as the audience sees him
getting confused and reacting (scared)
to the happenings such as:
- his hand being cut
- the flashback
- creepy pictures (numbers) being left
around the house (vulnerable and being
victimised in his own home).
5. Binary opposition
- The lighting is light compared to
the antagonist’s dark lighting;
lighter light is associated with
purity and goodness. The High-Key
lighting was inspired by Brick as a
sense of foreboding was still
introduced effectively but in light
lighting.
- The audience is also positioned with
Alex (the protagonist) with the close-
up shots from the beginning and the
POV shots (28 Days Later – 2002 –
Danny Boyle).
- We also see Alex’s face (character
exposition); he is more relatable
compared to the masked antagonist
(emotions are relatable).
6. Binary opposition
- Alex’s face is the establishing
shot; we are instantly positioned with
him.
- The reaction shots also emphasise
what Alex is feeling (the audience
feel empathy) (Paranormal Activity –
2007 – Oren Peli)
