This document outlines cinematography techniques used in horror films including chiaroscuro, realism, and examples from Open Water and Cabin in the Woods. Chiaroscuro uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume. Realism aims to present an unmanipulated mirror of the actual world using available lighting and handheld or stationary cameras. Examples of scenes are provided from Open Water during a night storm and Cabin in the Woods but no details are given. The document tasks recreating a still from one of the example clips.

1. LO: OUTLINE CINEMATOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES USED IN HORROR
CINEMATOGRAPHY

2. CHIAROSCURO
• in art is the use of strong contrasts
between light and dark, usually
bold contrasts affecting a whole
composition. Chiaroscuro also is a
technical term used by artists and
art historians for using contrasts of
light to achieve a sense of volume
in modelling three-dimensional
objects, such as the human body.
[1] Similar effects in the lighting of
cinema and photography also are
often called chiaroscuro.

3. REALISM
• Realism is about showing the truth. A realist will try to
preserve the illusion that their film world is
unmanipulated, an objective mirror of the actual world.
• They aim for a rough look, use of handheld camera or
simply a camera on a tripod.
• They find existing building or outdoor lights
• They use available lights

4. OPEN WATER
• http://movieclips.com/cUD2r-open-water-movie-night-
storm/

5. CABIN IN THE WOODS SCENES

6. TASK:
• Recreate ‘best shot’ or a still from one of the clips you
have watched.

7. TASK:
• Recreate ‘best shot’ or a still from one of the clips you
have watched.