1. Analysis of The Eye
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOxzXVGaEY8
Abbi Allen
2. USP
I think that USP for this film is the fact that the main character is blind, this
doesn’t happen in many films. Even though the audience learn that she does
get new eyes so that she can see, they continue to still see through her eyes
at points in the film. Also it’s a different type of horror/thriller, it hasn’t been
done before. Most films within this genre are just regurgitations of all the
other horror films that have been made before. This is a new, fresh idea for a
horror and something that I’m sure would draw audience into watching it.
3. Sound
The trailer starts straight away with a clap of thunder and the music straight away is
creepy and typical to that of a horror film. After the first bits of dialogue where
Sydney (the main character) is coming round from having her new eyes fitted. The
music calms down as she is happy that she can now see somewhat. When her friends
yell “surprise” and they all start talking to Sydney she becomes confused and
delirious, this is portrayed through the music as well as it blurs to a certain extent and
coincides with how the main character is feeling. As certain intertitles pop up in the
trailer a loud roaring/whispering sound can be heard this could also be seen as what
Sydney is experiencing when she says “I’m seeing things I shouldn’t see”, claiming it is
her new eyes. As the trailer gets more action packed the music gets faster and louder
and towards the end there is a whisper “you have to believe me”. This will all get the
audience drawn in and attached to the trailer leading them into watching the film
when it’s out. Right at the end there is a voiceover that says “They Eye” which is the
name of the film and the only bit of voiceover there is in the trailer. By using this at
the end the audience will remember the name of the film.
4. Editing
The editing at the beginning of the film is slow and the transitions fade
smoothly from shot to shot. This continues for the first 55 seconds. As Sydney
begins to feel confused and overwhelmed when all of her friends are asking if
she recognises them the editing portrays this as well by giving off a dizzy vibe
and as if the audience will be able to feel similar to what Sydney is feeling at
that point. After this the transitions are still smooth and fading between
shots. Then when Sydney begins to see things she’s not supposed to be
seeing the shots transition a lot quicker as if they are flashing. As the pace of
action picks up so does the editing, the shots move into each other a lot
quicker. And the shots become shorter and more frequent.
5. Credits and Intertitles
The first intertitle states that the
trailer is appropriate for all ages.
An Intertitle to show the
company involved with the film.
Another company involved.
6. Credits and Intertitles
The actresses name who plays the main
character Sydney. A famous actress that might
draw people into the film even more.
The film is called The Eye so mentioning some harrowing words about her eyes
gives the audience some sort of clue as to what’s going to happen in the film.
7. Credits and Intertitles
The name of the film. Shown at the
end of the trailer so that the
audience remember the name of it.
So that they can watch it when it
comes out.
“coming soon” it doesn’t specify a date so
the audience will be on the look out for
the release date. A web address is also
shown so if the audience want to learn
more about the film they can at this
website.
At the bottom the companies involved in
the film are given credit.
9. Shot types/camera angles and
movement
Many establishing/wide shots are used throughout this trailer and a good mix
of mid shots.
From this establishing we
can tell that the story is
based in a city.
We know that the main
character is blind.
Some shots are seen through
the main characters eyes.
Rules of thirds.
10. Mise-en-scene
Lighting:
From the beginning shot the lighting is dull. The opening scene is a rainy street and the whole grey/dull
lighting seems to carry on throughout the film. When Sydney is in hospital the lighting is dark and
clinical, this coincides with the things she is seeing. Towards the end the lighting becomes warmer with
flames as there is explosions and fire.
Costume:
The costumes are modern and standard clothing, Sydney wears normal clothes like jeans, jumpers and
jackets and she is in a hospital gown for some of the film, this creates verisimilitude to the film as if it’s a
real story and this is happening to someone in real life.
Props:
Sydney uses an umbrella at the beginning and this is a good prop to use at the beginning of the film
because amongst all the other umbrellas it creates a sea of umbrellas; a good effect. Props are used to
create verisimilitude because they are what everyday life consists of; beds, tv’s, sinks etc.
Location:
Inner city apartment is where Sydney lives, then the hospital becomes the location for a significant
chunk of the trailer. These are all real places and again add to the verisimilitude.
Make up:
Natural make up is used on Sydney when she is blind at the beginning. After she has her new eyes fitted
she looks worse/ill.
Hair:
Her hair looks the same throughout the film, long brown hair that’s down. Other characters hair
is normal, well groomed as well.
11. Genre
The genre of this film is supernatural horror, it conforms to the codes and
conventions of this genre by using specific things like tension for example; this
trailer uses sound and slow transitions to create tension and atmosphere for
the audience. They do this successfully throughout the trailer.
(Target) audience
The films certificate is a 15 and having seen the film I think this is appropriate.
There are some quite terrifying images in the film that could scare anyone.
Especially people younger than that of 15. The target audience I would say is
probably 15-30+ because teenagers would watch this but I know from experience
that the film was recommended to me by my mum who watched it before me.
12. Narrative
I think that Barthes narrative theory applies to this trailer.
Enigma – a narrative device that teases the audience by presenting a puzzle
or riddle to be solved. Works to delay the story's ending pleasurably.
I think that this theory applies to this trailer because the main character is
blind and she gets new eyes, the audience don’t know what is going on with
her seeing these images that are shown in the trailer, teasing the audience
and intriguing them. This is the presenting of a puzzle or riddle for the
audience to solve (later revealed and further explained in the trailer and film).
Representation
This is a non stereotypical horror film, the protagonist is a blind female and she is seen
to be very independent throughout the trailer. She is represented differently to other
females in horror films which are typically represented as weak and unable to deal
with the things that happen to them. Another film starring a similar character (strong
female protagonist) is Unborn.