3. From looking at these two Slasher film posters, it is clear that there are specific camera
techniques used within the Slasher sub-genre when promoting a Slasher horror film. One
of these common conventions is the use of a low angle shot. Low angle shots are not only
commonly used in film posters but also within trailers and the film itself. This is due to the
fact that the low angle shot on the antagonists emphasises the horror he generates. It
makes him appear larger, stronger and completely undefeatable. It also puts the audience
in the film, as the low angle shot appears from the perspective of the victim he is
tormenting. Allows the antagonist to come across as if he is blocking all escape for the
victims. This convention is reflected in both the Friday the 13th and Texas Chainsaw 3D
posters. The use of a low angle shot also, as reflected in the Texas Chainsaw, allows for the
antagonists weapon to be emphasised. The audiences focus is concentrated firstly on the
antagonists mask, and then on his weapon through a low angle shot. This will add to the
fear generated by the promotional package and the film itself. In contrast with this, it is
also common for Slasher films to use numerous high angle shots when focusing on the
victim. A high angle shot is effective in presenting the victims as weak, vulnerable and
helpless as the cower in the corner while the antagonist pursues them. This also helps to
emphasise the power and dominance that the antagonist has over his victims. Another
common camera technique used in Slasher films is the use of pans combined on a wide
shot to emphasise the emptiness of a specific location. This allows the audience to get a
clear idea of the location of the film. It also helps to add to the tension and increase the
audiences’ fear for the characters as they see the isolated location and begin to
understand that, as expected, there will be no escape for the victims of the antagonist.
4.
5. Like any film maker, I am aware that I need to use a range of
camera angles and movements to keep my audience’s
attention hooked on the screen and to match the action. I
will be using the basic camera shots such as close ups,
medium close ups, medium shots and point of view shots, to
show emotion and fear and to reflect how the victims will
have no escape. I will also use long shots and extreme long
shot’s to show the location and to also present the
characters whole costume. I also plan on using edits such as
eye line matches and shot reverse shots, allowing the
audience to feel involved in the action taking place and to
see the characters reactions to whatever horrific thing they
have just seen.
6. To ensure my trailer features conventional camera shots and movements used
within the Slasher sub-genre, my trailer will feature high and low angle shots. In
typical horror fashion, the low angle shots will be featured on the antagonist
while the high angle shots will be used on the victims. This will allow the
audience of my horror film to see the contrast in power and dominance between
the antagonist and his victims. It will allow me to present the victims as weak
and helpless. Whereas Jackson will appear as strong, powerful and completely
undefeatable. To reinforce this portrayal of Jackson as strong and undefeatable,
the majority of his shots will be long shots. He will be looking directly at the
camera, and his victim, to inform the audience that he is not to be messed with.
However, I will also use long shots on the final girl, Alex. This is because Alex is
the only teenage character who is smart enough and strong enough to defeat
Jackson. The long shots of Alex will feature predominately near the end of the
trailer when Alex confronts Jackson.
7. For my film poster, I am planning to use a medium close up of the antagonist,
Jackson. I chose to use a medium close up as it allows the audiences attention to
be focused solely on Jackson’s mask. His mask links the whole narrative
together; it links to the title, his back-story and the way in which he torments his
victims. This will allow my poster to instantly give the audience an insight into
the narrative, but still creates a sense of ambiguity that will make them want to
watch the film. Jackson’s mask is also the scariest part of his costume, so by
focusing on his mask, the poster will frighten and reel in the audience. A medium
close up will also allow for an image that fills the entire frame, but will give me
space to edit the image and make it look like a professional poster without
covering any part of Jackson’s mask.
For my front cover, I am planning to use a medium long shot. This will allow my
front cover to give the audience a clearer idea of the type of antagonist Jackson
is. It will present them with more of his costume which will suggest more about
his character. Combined with the film poster, the front cover will give the
audience a slight insight into the narrative of the film. The use of a medium long
shot will also leave more space for sell-lines and puffs to ensure the front cover
comes across as realistic and professional as I intend the film poster to.
