Evaluation of storyboard

Structuralism is an ideology that can be applied to film theory. Structuralist film theory emphasizes how films convey meaning through the use of codes and conventions. A structuralist film has specific paradigms that convey meaning and through this the slasher sub genre is shown. Audiences establish these paradigms therefore have a set of expectations when consuming a set of texts, paradigms may be grouped such as iconography this includes characters, props, props and setting these are the main signs and signifier that the audience see and hear. The next group is the structure this evolves  around the plot of the film, this is the way the film is put together  and the shape it takes, the last group for a structuralist film is  theme, this includes the issues and ideas the film deals with. overall if the discussed elements are used one would be able to construct a text and shape it according to a specific genre for example for a horror film one may use a blonde female in a isolated house in the suburban these set of paradigms will automatically be sensed by the audience and make them aware of the genre.

I am now going to evaluate my chase scene I have constructed in accordance to the horror genre. In my first scene I have used a blonde female which is my first paradigm, as blonde females are stereotyped as weak, stupid and the typical victim for a horror film. In addition to my first scene I have placed the character in a isolated house the result of this is that it starts to build up suspense and tension amongst the audience as they start to witness the paradigms projected to them. In contrast to the audiences feelings and emotions the character in the scene is taking a bath with candles and steam surrounding her, this manipulates the setting  and atmosphere for the character as it portrays a false sense of security and comfortableness. My main reason of choosing a house for the setting is because a house is recognised as one place where there is security  for everyone therefore I have used a house to play on the audiences fears and make them feel at unease which is the main aim of a horror film to make the audience feel scared and insecure. I have used a long shot for this scene to make the audience aware of the surroundings and be able to watch the paradigms exhibited  to them.

In the following scene the character and setting are the same whereas in contrast to the first scene, the second scene becomes more steamy, this is designed to reduce viability and increase anticipation and tension amongst the audience. Further to this the lights turn off this is another paradigm as it plays on the audiences fear as you never know what is lurking around in the dark. I have used a close up to make the audience feel more intimate with the character and put them into her position. In the third scene scene the character slowly gets out of the overflowing bath and grabs a towel, she walks towards the mirror through the thick steam and realises someone has written a message on the mirror. I have used this specific setting 'the bathroom' as its common in very household which makes it easier to relate to it. For this scene I have used a medium shot to establish and capture the characters emotions.

The fourth scene is a close up of the character, this is when she walks closer to the mirror and violently wipes the message off. She sobs to herself this is when Freud's theory is used to create voyeurism this creates deriving gratification from watching others, I have used this for the audience to identify with the victim. In the fifth scene the setting is the same, the main prop used in this scene is the mirror, the mirror plays an important role in this scene as though the mirror we witness the killer. I have followed two very common horror paradigms a 'knife' and a 'mask' for the killer. The use of the knife automatically signifies danger as it is used out of context i.e. the kitchen, when seeing the knife the audience recognise it as the murder weapon. The second paradigm used in the scene was a 'mask', the main reason for using a mask for the killer is to keep the identity of the killer hidden in order to keep the continuous flow of the mystery till the end.

The next scene displays both victim and killer on screen, this shows the intensity between the two character and show who's in controls. I have used a medium shot for this scene to capture both characters personalities and emotions, this scene is a build up to the chase scene therefore non-diegetic  sound amplifies to create a tensed atmosphere. The chase scene begins when the 'weak' and 'vulnerable' victim pushes the killer out of the way in order to escape, the non diegetic sound amplifies more and the use of the unsteadiness of the camera projects the chaotic atmosphere and places the audience in the victims shoes and shows the chaotic thoughts and emotions running through her mind. Whilst the victim runs down the stairs to escape the camera is placed at a high angle to show she's inferior whereas the killer is still at the stop which shows he holds the power in the scene.

The last scene shows the victim falling over and this is when the non-diegetic sound slows down this shows the intensity and seriousness of the event. Diegetic sound is used for the killers footsteps this helps to build up tension in scene. The killer consists of two common paradigms the'knife' and the 'mask', the knife shows the eagerness to kill with his identity hidden which raises the question who is the killer? A close up shot is used to show the victims incapableness and helplessness to save herself, the killer leans towards the victim and gazes at her this makes the audience think whether we already know the killer. The killer eventually stabs her repeatedly in the heart, the use of stabbing the victim in the heart makes the attack more personal, in addition another paradigm is used 'blood' this helps to create the slasher sub-genre.

Scream Analysis - Todorov's Narrative theory

How does the opening of scream follow the structuralist theory of the horror genre?

Structuralism is the ideology, theory or the way of thinking about the world that can be applied to the film theory. Genre and structuralism go hand in hand, those that believe that genre exists then they are identified as a structuralist. Structuralist’s film theory highlights how films convey meaning through codes and conventions. A structuralist  theory has specific paradigms convey meaning and through this the slasher sub genre is shown. A prime example of this structuralist theory is scream. This is shown through the plot, theme, setting, character, props, sound and editing.

The opening scene follows’ the paradigms of a horror movie as it  is set in an isolated environment and the choice of character is also linked to the theory as the main character/ prey is a vulnerable blonde girl playing the role of a typical victim. The opening scene tires to challenge the codes and convections of a horror movie as the main character flirts with the killer this is ironic as this is a horror film. The repetition of the phone ringing creates an uncomfortable and edgy atmosphere, during the phone conversation knifes are shown for at least 15-20 seconds first near towards the camera then into the background although knife’s are a domestic tool in any household this is a archetypal paradigm. This creates meaning as it gives the audience a clue that the knife may be the murder weapon used by the killer, this is a classic iconography of horror. The character plays with the knife whilst talking about another horror movie with the mystery man; this is ironic as she is the one in a horror movie. The use of mise en scene as popcorn helps us identify with the character as this is natural thing to do when watching a horror film almost creates a realistic feel to the film as the audience may also be eating popcorn whilst watching the movie. The use of the popcorn is another iconology as when the popcorn burns there is smoke everywhere this shows symbolises danger. The use of this dialogue “I’ll cut you up like a fish” confirms that the murder weapon is the knife and comparing her to an animal that is expected to be cut up sometime or later this shows that she had it coming.

The lighting throughout the opening of scream is dimmed and when she moves around the house lamps are used this creates dark space’s and grant the killer to hide more easily this is another paradigm of a horror film. As the attack is place in the home it makes it more intimate for the audience and victim as the home is one place as everyone would identify to be a safe place to be in. The use of the character turning the patio light on shows her eagerness to find out who the mystery man is and locking all the doors shows her fear and her method to protection, the use of non diagetic sound amplifies to express how she’s feeling and the atmosphere around her which is chaotic and frenzied.  The dialogue “who’s there?” is another paradigm of a horror film as this dialogue is recognised to be the last words of a character before they are killed.  Another iconography is revealed when the killer is shown, he wears a mask this continues the mystery of who the killer is, and the disguise keeps the audience unsettled till the end when the killer is revealed.

The chase scene is set outside of her house, where it is dark and foggy; this is typical for chase scene for a horror film. The chase scene plays on the audience’s fears as no one knows what lies in wait in the dark.  Overall the film has used Todorov’s approach to narrate the film as it moves from equilibrium to disturbance and then back to a new equilibrium.