Film Analysis of "Scream" and 'Friday the 13th'

'Scream'
'Scream' is a 1996 horror film about a masked killer who takes pleasure in terrorising his victims. In the opening two minutes of this film it uses a variety of camera angles and movements, which are used to make the opening of this intense over the shoulder shots and match on action are to create the impression that someone is watching but creates an enigma for the audience as we don’t know who it is. The match on action is used to continue the flow so it does not become boring for the audience, it helps continue the tension and keeps the audience interested. It uses sharp quick cuts to jump from scene to scene to build tension and engage the audience. It uses low key lighting as with all horror movies to create a dark mysterious mood it also establishes time of day its dark so we can safely assume its night. It uses diegetic sounds of the telephone and the villain on the phone to the victim. The villain speaks to hear in a dark daunting voice to intimidate the victim. Non diegetic sounds are also used, they are mostly stingers which helps engage the young audience as they are not likely to tell what is coming so they will be intrigued to find out what happens next
Scream represents teenagers as being careless and naive towards the killer. As there are times to avoid the killer but choose not to or don’t think about it. Females (blonds in particular) are stereotyped as unintelligent as the blond girl in the film easily loses focus on things. The world is being represented through scream as a place where you cannot trust anyone and also where everyone and anyone can be a suspect. Teenagers that are in relationships usually tend to be the more likely victims to be killed.
The target audience for this is an older audience as it is a horror it can be for persons of the age of 18 and above. It is aimed at teenagers and young adults as it uses actors of a similar age. Scream can be related to young people that is why they will find it more interesting compared to an older audience.
The morals for this film as with most horror films is to be suspicious and cautious of what your doing and who your with as anyone can a suspect even your friends. Phone lines tend to go dead so its important to have your mobile on you and be with people you know and can trust. The most important thing is to always be in a well lit area and never seclude yourself away from people.



'Friday The 13th'
Friday the 13th is a horror film about a group of teenagers/ young adults who go to a camp and it is here that they come across the lethal Jason Voorhees .In the opening two minutes of this film it uses a wide range of camera movements such as stills tracking and unsteady camera. It does this to allow the audience to see what it is like to be a killer. Tracking shots are used to make the audience aware that the victim in view is going to be attacked and this can give sympathy for the character as they are unaware that they are about to die whereas the audience knows and they are forced to witness the attack that is going to take place.
With most horror films low key lighting is used to create a dark and sinister atmosphere. Lighting is usually more bright on victims then on the villains. This is done to create a contrast between good and evil. Villains in most horror movies rarely talk and this film is no exception. It is most of the time the victims that are crying out for help and another diegetic sound would be of the weapon (usually a knife) going through the victim. With non diegetic sounds the score a lot of the time uses stingers to create anxiety for the audience.
The last aspect of the micro elements is the costume and props. In the opening few minutes of this film we can see the villain Jason holding a large machete whilst wearing a hockey mask to cover his identity. The length of his weapon would intimidate an audience member as they would not want to see a victim get attacked with this. Dark clothing is worn by Jason to add more mysteriousness to his character.
With the macro elements ‘Friday the 13th’ represents revenge and anger in the world but to an extreme extent. It can also represent injustice and cruelty as his mother was taken away from him and he gets his own back by killing teenagers.
The audience for this would be an over eighteen because of the level of violence and the amount of blood used. People who enjoy watching horror movies would be on the edge of their seats as they don’t know what will happen next or who will be killed and how. Its target audience would be teenagers they might not be able to relate to what’s going on but some teenagers can share similar characteristics of character in the film.