Film analysis of:  'The Omen'
Sequence time code: 21:18- 23:00
Source: DVD
Micro Techniques and relevance
 

• Over the shoulder and point of view shot to position the spectators
• Digetic sound- ‘blood curdling’ screams to portray the shock of Damien
• High angle to show how little Damien and ‘child like’ he is- and little we think he is capable
• ECU, LS, establishing shot
• Rapid cuts, shaky camera both create distortion and an unclear view as to what is going on
• Composition- all characters are fitted in the middle of frame and Damien is in the middle (suggests importance, vulnerability as his parents sit either side)
• Soundtrack is high pitched to create a tense atmosphere and a build up to what will happen next
• Zoom and CU to Damien (portrays his trouble facial expression)
• Dress code is smart and presentable- suggests maturity
• Location shot/establishing shot
• Some handheld camera shots to capture the parents in the shot and show the family in the frame

Characterisation and relevance

• Damien’s parents- (Cathy) dressed formally, very protective as they sit either side of
• Damien, affectionateDamien- petite, ununsual due to his reckless behavior towards his mother, violent and aggressive. Represented as quite petite through the high camera angles suggesting he’s not capable of much

Messages and values

• Horror (music, style, conventions)
• Religion
• Family values- going to church together

Narrative devices/features and relevance

• Transformation in the narrative- as Damien rapidly changes from an innocent child to aggressive and reckless
• Enigma codes- raises many questions as to why he is behaving in this particular way

FILM TITLE: The Babadook (2014) 

SEQUENCE TIME CODE: 1:14:06- 1:18:27 

SOURCE: DVD (Netflix)  

Micro techniques and relevance

• OTS shot, low angle to capture the mid close up of the mother in distress 
• Dim, minimal lighting to represent the mood and atmosphere. Bland grey and black colours also represent the situation (creepy, frightening, anticipation) 
• Some rapid jump cuts to show the stabbing of the mother 
• Digetic sound- dialogue interrupted by non digetic music that syncs in with the stabbing scene 
• Darkened shadows create silhouettes  
• Soundtrack matches the mood of the scene (when the mother is being beaten by her son) 
• Use of blood and bruises- connotes to violence 
• Costumes/dress code is ragged and grubby- suggests lack of care and self awareness /hygiene  
• Handheld and shaky camera raises the tension 
• POV shot puts the spectators in Amelia's position

Characterisation and relevance 

• Sam- very sheepish towards his mother, defensive and speechless, apprehensive. Keeps himself to himself. Quite brave and has a moment where he is fearless
• Amelia- Opposite of motherly, careless due to how strange she Is acting, possessed. She is very frightened of herself and also Sam (and Babadook

Messages and values

• Themes of violence, murder 
• Gives the message of a mother who is scared of herself and her child, scared of what she might do to home
• Sam feels the need to step in and stick up for himself

Narrative and relevance

• Rapid transformation of Sam, sheepish and vulnerable then quickly sticks up for himself towards his mother and changes his attitude very quickly
• Creates enigma codes- why is the mother acting this way? Who is possessing Amelia? 

FILM TITLE: Case 39 (2009) 

SEQUENCE TIME CODE: 1:30:27- 1:34:10 

SOURCE: DVD (Netflix)  

Micro techniques and relevance

• Use of direct address engages the spectators. As if she is staring directly into the camera at them 
• High angle, pov shot looking down at Lilith showing that a person so small can be very intimidating 
• Pov shots put the spectators in Emily's, we feel the same fear as her because we're watching it from her perspective 
• Very high angle shows how small Emily is compared the room and how she is trapped with no way out 
• Rapid jump cuts portray the suspense and build up tension in the scene as Lilith is getting closer and closer, high anticipation 
• Close ups and ecu portray the emotional response from characters, particularly Emily as she is frightened, look of torment and horror 
• Diegetic sounds- banging gets louder and louder and reacts with Emily which builds up the tension as Lilith is approaching in a forceful manner, change in volume and pitch in Lilith's voice is very sinister

Characterisation and relevance 

• Lilith is very stubborn, manipulative and likes to get her own way whether it effects others or not. 
• Emily acts very courageous by standing up to Lilith when she is being manipulated and intimidated by her, however she quickly cowers to strong actions performed by Lilith in the event to scare Emily. Attempts to stick up for herself- brave 
• Its relevance tells the audience who is more powerful and holds dominance

Messages and Values

• It gives off a message that children can be quite manipulative and stubborn towards their parents/guardians. Its relevance shows how it links to everyday life/the norm because some children can be like this. 
• The look innocence, children can get away with more because of their innocence and vulnerability  
• Parents fears come to life, their child turning on them 

Narrative and Relevance

• Rapid change in characters for Lilith, her sinister and demonic side appears the angry she gets making the story more interesting as it is unexpected 
• Enigma codes 
• Restricted narration, we only see her feet but not her face