CJ - Film language, Media audiences and Institutional context

Sinister 2012 (opening equence)

Film Language:

• Mise en scene is the main feature in the opening sequence; the location and layout of the frame is used to potray a powerful and violent image of evil. This is made through the use of the cruel image, showing a family being hung from a tree in a misty dark garden.
• Throughout the whole sequence the camera stays static, keeping the concentration of the audience on the harsh scenes being shown in the frame. The size of the shot allows the subjects to be shown, whilst showing the tree falling on the other side.
• The soundtrack used in the sequence is simple and faded. Church bells are heard in the background every so often, giving it an eary effect. The noise of a radio out of tune is also heard, being harsh and cruel to the ear, complimenting the visuals.
• There is no dialogue throughout the opening sequence, therefore leaving NVC vital. The position and movement of the characters, shows them in a vunreable and fatal position.
• Other visual techniques are the flickering effects on the frame, depicting that it is beign played from an old celluloid camera reel of a projector. This effect finishes of the cruelty of the sequence and suits the visuals perfectly.

The Ring 2002 (opening sequence)

Media Audiences:

• The target audience would be 18-25 years old. They would be a common horror movie fan, loving the thrill and jumps of a classic horror story. Love to scare themselves, often with close friends.
• A probable reading is that the girl is going to walk into danger and soon there will be a sudden figure which will make the audience jump.
• A possible reading is that the television is being turned on by 'the ring' and eventually the girl is going to find her.
• Being a British teenager and growing up watching scary and violent films, I see the text being one in which has a strong narrative and pulls the audience into watching it. This is down to the tense scenes, making the audience eager to see what happens next.
• Being a 16 year old teenage boy, I believe I am more interested in this type of genre and enjoy the thrill of the text.

The devil inside 2012 (opening sequence)

Institutional Context:

• The actors used in the film are not big stars, playing both a benefit and a negative role. It is important to have a bankable star as it can attract a larger audience, however they are very expensive, meaning the costs are higher.
• The large industrial studio Paramount produced the film, allowing them to promote heavily and get more people involved.
• A very clever campaign was used to market the film. The film was shown in a real church infront of religious believers, giving them a chance to ask the priest about exorcism after the movie was played. This lead to a record screening of 34.5 million people in the first month.