The Conjuring and Devil's Due trailer analysis

1. Analysis of existing film trailers

2. Mise-en-scene
The mise-en-scene is very important to use in horror movies because it helps increase the intense
atmosphere that is needed to ensure the horror frightens the audience. I have decided to analysis two
paranormal horror film trailers these are:
The Conjuring(2013) Devil’s Due(2014)

3. Setting(The Conjuring)
Horror movies use mise-en-scene to create the setting in which the
action of the film takes place. The setting is usually a place that looks
ordinary which gives the impression to the audience that horror can
happen anywhere and too anyone.
For example, the setting for ‘the conjuring’ is a large family farm house
in Rhode Island. However, this shot shown on the right shows that the
farmhouse is very isolated which implies that the people living in it are
vulnerable . The shot also is also taken during daylight which makes the
house more idyllic to look at. This creates a more pleasant atmosphere
for the audience at the start of trailer. The shot underneath is also
from the conjuring. It shows that a basement of a house where there
are old objects stored. The chair and piano that are focused are dated.
Clearly showing that someone has abandoned them for a long period of
time. It shows that the house is dated and old but also emphasises that
the house has not been occupied for a while. The other image that help
to set the scene in the conjuring is the mounted family photo. In the
trailer we are introduced to the characters through this family photo.
The photo suggest to the audience that they are a normal, happy family
which makes everything seem at ease with the family. Therefore, they
are unlikely to expect what is going to happen in the film. Also, this shot
near the beginning of the trailer suggests the family have a very close
relationship and all the siblings get along. It emphasises the fact that
the family are living a normal life. Overall, adding to the pleasant
atmosphere that is not usually associated with a horror film.

4. Setting(Devil’s Due)
We are introduced to the main characters in Devil's due at
the start of the trailer through a series of clips showing
previous life events. For example, their recent wedding
day. (shown as a print screen to the left.) This creates a
hopeful, happy atmosphere at the beginning of the
trailer.
The setting is set through the shot on the left of their home.
It is not a full-shot of the house but from what we can see it
is either detached or semi detached. The shot makes the
house seem large which means that because there are only
two of them it is likely that inside the house it will feel
empty and not occupied.
The series of clips shown at the beginning of the film show that the couple are very content with their lives and
everything seems normal. The trailer portrays that the couple are ordinary which implies to the audience that
horrific/paranormal events can happen to anybody.
The first shot is a shot of the newly-wed couple videoing
themselves in a mirror. It clearly shows that they are in a
bathroom and that they are alone which suggests that they
live together in their own home. They are living
independently which makes them an easier victim.

5. Lighting(Devil’s Due)
During the trailer the lighting changes frequently . Throughout most of the trailer the lighting is made to look
very naturalistic. For example, a lot of the shots are done using natural lighting if inside e.g. lamps or daylight
shining through the windows . However, shots are outside then sunlight create a natural light. Lighting is
used in horror movie’s to create a mysterious atmosphere, darkness is usually associated with horror because
it is more likely for violent/scary events to occur when there is low-level/dark lighting. E.g. at night time. The
shot to underneath shows the lighting used in the Devils’ Due film trailer. The shot shows a figure in the
distance but due to the dark lighting we are unable to identify who it is and what they look like. The audience
are only able to see an outline of person which makes the person seems more mysterious and dangerous.
Furthermore, the lighting is drawing attention to the figure and not the surroundings.
In the trailer, another form of lighting has been created using candles. Candles were used as a source of light
in the past. Therefore, suggesting that there is a hidden past to the story. The candles also create minimal
lighting which means that it is still very dark which continues to create a tense, mysterious atmosphere for
the viewers.

6. Lighting(The Conjuring)
Lighting can have a huge impact in a horror movie. For instance, night-time is usually associated with horror
movies whereas daylight is not. This is because darkness is more scary as it creates a sense of mystery and
being surrounded in the unknown.
Lighting has the effect to change the way that the audience view a
place. For example, the house used in the conjuring is both shown
to the audience in daylight and at night-time. The use of both dark
and natural lighting show the house to the audience in a different
perspective. For example, the first image shows the house at night-
time when there is minimal lighting. The gloomy, dark atmosphere
represents the house as being creepy which gives the impression
that it is haunted. the image underneath shows an shot of the
house in the daylight. The use of natural lighting which makes the
house more idyllic to look at. The lighting makes the audience view
the house as being an ideal family house set in a peaceful
environment. Therefore, people are unlikely to expect what is going
to happen within the house.
The first shot in the conjuring trailer shows the ghost hunters
searching for paranormal evidence in a basement. Dark
lighting is used to suggest that they are surrounded by the
unknown. This implies that they do not know what is about to
happen which makes the audience feel tense and
apprehensive.

7. Costume(Devil’s Due and The Conjuring)
Costume is another aspect of mise-en-scene that can tell
the audience lot about the characters. For example, the
costumes that the couple wear are just the usual
standard clothing that people would wear on a daily
basis. Through their costume the couple are made to
seem like ordinary people. This suggests to the audience
that horrific paranormal events can happen to anyone.
Furthermore, the costume helps to show that the film is
set in a modern time.
Whereas, the warren couple (ghost hunters) costumes in
the conjuring are not as modern which suggests that the
film was set in a different time. For example, the costume
that the ghost hunters include neutral coloured suit and
dress . This gives the impression to the audience that there
is more of a past and history to the film.

8. Facial expressions and Body Language(The Conjuring)
These two shots from ‘the conjuring’ trailer show facial expressions from both a victim and the spiritual hunters
that are trying to help the family. Their facial expressions are stern. They are both staring. Staring shows that they
are focusing on something/someone which makes the audience. Both of the ladies facial expressions show a
sense of concern and fear which is then portrayed to the audience. This makes the audience feel concerned for
them.
Throughout the trailer we see various facial expressions. The
majority of the facial expressions do not give off a happy
impression. For example, the image to the right shows one of the
children curled up on her bed whilst screaming and crying. The
fact that she is sat curled up with her kegs and arms crossed
shows that she is being defensive, this shows that she is
defending herself from something or someone. Her facial
expressions show that she is screaming and crying. It shows that
she is feeling scared and afraid. By showing her emotions through
her facial expressions the audience are able to relate to her
emotions. It creates a tense atmosphere which makes the
audience feel scared and frightened of what is about to happen.

9. Facial expressions and Body Language(Devil’s Due)
For example, in ‘Devil’s Due’ we are then introduced to the
couple's family when they break the news to them that they are
expecting a baby. The reaction of the couple suggest that they
are overwhelmed by the news which suggests to the audience
that they have a supportive family. It also shows that they have
a very close relationship with their family.
Facial expressions and body language play a big role in horror
movies. It is important that an actor/actress shows certain facial
expressions and body language throughout the film as it
portrays their emption to the audience.
However, we also see the effect that the pregnancy is having on the
couple through their facial expressions and body language. For
example, the image shows the women crying whilst the husband
comforts her. The crying suggests that she is unhappy and also implies
that there may be an underlying problem. Consequently, making the
audience feel worried for her.
As the trailer progresses negative body language and facial
expressions are portrayed by the couple which shows that something
is not right and the baby may not be normal. For example, the image
shows what the baby does when the lady is sleeping which is not
known to be normal, ordinary during pregnancy. The women's body
language shows that she does not react which implied to the audience
that she is unaware of what is happening.

10. Props(The Conjuring)
Props are very important to use in horror movies. For
example, at the beginning of the conjuring we are
introduced to the ghost hunters. Th prop shown is an
old-fashioned microphone which is being used to pick
up electronic voice phenomena from any paranormal
activity that is taking place. This prop suggests that
these people know what they are doing and have
experience with similar paranormal cases.
Another prop that is focused on in the trailer is an old
grandfather clock. Not only does this emphasise the
times in which this event is taking pace but it shows
that the time stops at 3:07am. This shows that time
stops which implies that the family are trapped and
that there is no easy way to escape from the
paranormal activity in their home.
The film also focuses on old objects. For example, the
shot to the left shows the ghosthunter holding an old
children music toy and the image to the right shows
an old, abandoned piano. The focus on old objects
helps to set the time in which the film is taking place
but also draws attention to object which children are
likely to use which suggests that the children will be
involved in paranormal occurrences. Overall, making
the audience feel anxious for the children.

11. Props(Devil’s Due)
In the devil’s due trailer we see weapons being used that give portrays
violence. For example, the lady in the image to the right is holding a knife.
The knife shows the violent intentions towards the animal. When she turns
around we see that that the lady holding the knife is not her normal self.
The way she looks around at the camera shows that the lady is acting as if
she been demonised and possessed into hurting the animal.
The use of a video camera as a prop creates a more realistic
view on their lives as they have reordered these clips
themselves. Th beginning of the trailer show moments in
their lives that have happened previously and have been
recorded by themselves. This gives the impression that all
the horror footage has been documented by them. This
means that people are likely to view the film as being more
realistic which will have a bigger impact on how the audience
react because they will think that the film is real.
Other props commonly used in horror movies are religious
symbols. In Devil’s Due trailer a man is seen to be wearing a
cross which suggests that the story could have a religious
past and history. From showing the religious paintings
behind him on the wall and the crucifix necklace around his
neck it shows that he is a priest. By including the priest in
the trailer it gives a sense of hope for the couple as it is
likely that he can try and help them with the evilness that
they are dealing with.