Deconstruction On Editing Effects Used In Paranormal Activity

Visual effects have mainly been used throughout the film. One key example is of the CCTV effect. The CCTV effect connotes the idea of the film being filmed like a documentary. This helps to create realism.



Other visual effects have been applied such as the "black eyes". The effect is a convention used for many supernatural horror/possession films such "The Devil Inside" and "The Possession". It is therefore, useful in conveying the genre and more specifically, the sub-genre of a horror film - supernatural horror.
The effect is useful in representing a possessed character, as the black, gloomy colour carries  negative connotations such as evilness.



Sound:

• Off-screen diegetic sound of a roar has been applied to the possessed woman (at 1:46s). The sound effect signifies possessive movement.

Evaluation:

• The CCTV effect can easily be achieved on Final Cut Pro. A green filter can be applied to create a CCTV effect similar to the one from "Paranormal Activity".
• The visual effect of people being dragged cannot be achieved through Final Cut Pro. However, in my group's opening, the possessive movement which we have included requires fast movement to convey bone clicking, possession etc. Instead my group and I have sped up the possession parts in our opening. Our sped up clips appeared out quite well, meaning having the "dragging" effect absent should be okay.
• The "black eyes" is a visual effect which would be helpful in our opening. The effect is effective in further building on the idea of possession.

Drag Me to Hell Deconstruction - Demon

I decided to take a closer look at a demon and possession sequence from the film 'Drag Me to Hell'. I felt that exploring other films to see what kind of demons they use would be useful for us and coming up with our own. The attention to detail they have regarding the demons and spirits is very precise and they obviously thoroughly research them first, to make sure they make them seem as scary as possible.

In this film there is mention of a demon called 'Lamia', who haunts you for 3 days and then drags you to hell. This is a real mythological demon who was a beautiful queen but turned into a child-eating demon. There is also the appearance of an old woman with one blind eye, rotting teeth and scraggly grey hair, who altogether looks very frightening and old. She curses a button, which sets off all the possession type activity that occurs. 

During the film they keep the appearance of the demon quite ambiguous. They only show it in shadow form, which is quite effective accompanied with screeching non-diegetic sounds (string), as it keeps the demon as a supernatural unknown being, meaning it could take any form, which will ultimately scare the audience. Furthermore, they give the demon a quite stereotypical translated name - 'the black goat'. 

It is quite stereotypical to associate evil with black. Also, many people associate goats with Satan-worship, due to some old symbols. As well as this, the film uses other generic demonic things, like flies, which can be seen in many others films e.g. The Ring. This insect is usually regarded as filthy and so watching it go into a woman's mouth makes the audience feel unpleasant and disgusted. 

They also use old scripture type books in the film to show the audience what the demon looks like in mythology. Again, it is a goat, which links to the Satanic idea that they are trying to put across. They also use this to tell the story, as the images help depict what the man is explaining. 

The demon also has the ability to possess and this is done in a conventional way. When the woman is possessed her eyes roll back into her head and she begins speaking in a way that sounds unnatural and contrapuntal to the woman's appearance. He also possesses a man and gives him the ability to fly, which is not something that we'd be able to recreate as it would be impossible for us, given our minimal budget. However, this just makes the demon seem scarier as it is able to do unnatural things. 

Sound Deconstruction On The Devil Inside

• The sequence first begins with off-screen diegetic sound of screaming (at 0.00s). The screaming creates an enigma within the audience, as the audience cannot see who is screaming and where it is coming from.
• The audience can also hear off-diegetic sounds of objects smashing (at 0.03s). This further builds to the climax.
• At 0.06s the audience hear on-screen diegetic sound of a woman roaring. The audience can also hear on-screen diegetic dialogue which is quite fast paced e.g. "we need to get her under control" (at 0.14s). Therefore, the audience can see this scene to be quite tense. From the use of diegetic sound such as the roaring, the audience can also note the genre of the film.
• The on-screen diegetic sounds of the woman clicking her bones (at 0.18s) is conventional to the sub-genre, allowing the audience to build their understanding of the narrative. Furthermore, by the identifying the sub-genre (a possession film), the audience can note a possessive movement is taking place.
•  The absence of non-diegetic sound creates more realism, making the scene more realistic. 

Sound Deconstruction of The Woman in Black

This sequence is taken from the 2012 horror film The Woman In Black directed by James Watkins. 

• The sequence starts with non-diegetic sound consisting of a high pitched whirling sound along with occasional, quieter low-pitched drum beats (from 0:00) which plays in the background. This high-pitched whirling sound creates an instant eerie tone and creates suspense for the audience. The low-pitched non-diegetic drum beats also build tension and suspense as they allude to the climax on-screen. The single and double drum beats also hold some connotations of a heart beat which adds to the tension being created by the other sounds being played over the visual. 

• The diegetic mechanical sound of several automatons being started also begins at the start of the sequence (also from 0:00). These raw, metallic sounds contrast audibly with the high-pitched non-diegetic whirling sounds although they also add to the eerie and quite sinister feeling created within the scene. Children's automatons are commonly used in horror films, especially those set in the Victorian Era, to create eeriness and the sound they make add to the ghostly and mysterious effect. Some of these automatons create a more melodic and peaceful sound (e.g. 0:15) which is contrapuntal to the scary nature of the scene however again create eeriness. 

• Arthur Kipps, the main character of the film, mutters the words "Come on" under his breath at 0:25. The way the character says these words makes the audience feel the same anticipation as he does in the scene which adds to the general suspense of the scene.

• The exaggerated diegetic sound of Arthur Kipps' foot steps (0:45), which is heard after the diegetic and non-diegetic sounds of the background music and that of the children's automatons has stopped, conveys to the audience his anxiety due to the situation he's in. It also adds to the build up of tension and suspense as this is the main sound the audience hears as they watch the events unfold on screen.

• The non-diegetic sound which starts at 0:54 is similar to the high-pitched whirling sound featured nearer the beginning of the clip. This is the height of the clip in terms of suspense and reaching a climax and this very mysterious and sinister sound adds a huge amount of tension to the audience, especially when the scary visual plot line of this scene is taken into account. The low-pitched drum beats are heard again, however this time they get louder and create a crescendo, and is parallel to the suspense being created on screen. 

Deconstruction Of Exorcism Scene In The Conuring

The following is a deconstruction of the exorcism scene in "The Conjuring". Below I have deconstructed the opening in order to select certain elements to use as a source of inspiration in our opening. Our opening starts of with an exorcism of a possessed girl. Therefore, I have focused for possessive conventions to use.



Mise En Scene

• The sequence firstly denotes a woman who is showing signs of possession. Her body language and facial expressions signify possession. Makeup show bruises on her face. Low key lighting connotes a negative occurrence.

• Paranormal activity is then shown through long shot of the woman flying around and objects moving. Tracking camera movement is used in order to follow the woman's possessive movement.

• The Exorcist is a male, fairly young. Props such as the crucifix and bible represent an priest type figure. A low angle, close up shot has been used to make the Exorcist dominant.

• A long shot shows the woman tied to a chair. A white sheet has been thrown over her to restrain her. A zoom is used which helps the close up to denote blood appearing through the sheet. This is a common convention seen in exorcism scenes, which usually happens towards the end as a way of building climax.

 



 Sound

• The on-screen diegetic sound of the woman screaming connotes that she is possessed.
• Diegetic dialogue and the absence of non diegetic sound create realism.
• The diegetic sound of the object rattling is synchronous.
• The use of the silence after the woman has stopped screaming, creates suspense.
• Sound effects have been used such as bone breaking. This is a convention audience expect to see in supernatural horror films, which therefore conforms to the genre.

From this deconstruction, my group and I will use a cross and bible for our priest. We will also use various camera shots from different angles to denote the possessive movement. This will make our opening more intense and active, as the audience will be receiving a view from multiple angles. In terms of makeup, we shall create bruises and cuts.

The Cabin in the Woods Scene Deconstruction

This scene was taken from the 2012 horror film The Cabin in the Woods directed by Drew Goddard. 

• The opening high angle, overhead shot shows the two characters "making love" on the ground. Despite this, the audience immediately gets the feeling that something is going to go wrong, specifically something gruesome and frightening which conforms to the horror genre. This feeling is conveyed to the audience through very low key lighting with the focal characters only lit by ominous moonlight. 

• The non-diegetic background music is quite ominous and consists mainly of two consecutive notes, resembling a heartbeat. This background music crescendos as the overhead shot pans towards the floor. The music also includes a high pitched droning sound which also crescendos to add to the build of suspense and the eeriness of the sequence.
• The non-diegetic background sound stops suddenly at the height of the crescendo which leaves the audience in suspense which leaves them expecting something to make them jump. 
• The camera pans downwards on to the female character's (Jules) outstretched hand as the non-diegetic music comes to a sudden stop at the height of the crescendo and remains as a close-up shot. 

• The quick cuts between shots after Jules is stabbed in the hand make create a very high visual tempo to the sequence. It also makes the sequence have more of an action feel towards it which grips the audience and creates suspense but a different kind to the previous build up.
• The continual and persistent screams, which outweigh most of the different kinds of diegetic sound, conform to the horror genre as these sounds are heavily linked with films of the horror genre.
• The close-up shot of Jules' eyes as she watches the saw move in front of her face makes the audience appreciate the frightening and gruesome feelings the sequence conveys through mise-en-scene. The audience is made to fully understand the horror Jules is going through. The emphasis on Jules' eyes and how upset and scared she looks puts the audience on Jules' side even though they can tell what may happen next.

Deconstruction On Excorcism Scene In The Possession

Mise En Scene (Including Camera Movement)

• The sequence first denotes a medium close up of an Exorcist at a low angle shot. The low angle makes the Exorcist seem quite dominant.
• The audience can identify the man is an Exorcist, as seen through certain props within the mise en scene, such as the bible. Artificial lighting has made this visible.

• The camera pans showing the Exorcist repeating "Abyzou" meaning "female demon", whilst moving his body forwards and backwards. His body language notes the audience that the exorcism has begun.

• A long shot is displayed of a group hugging each other, connoting that they are the affected ones in the sequence.

• The father's leg comes down as well as his hand. The camera zooms into his hand which captures odd figure movement. The father's movement signifies that he is perhaps possessed, and therefore the audience understand that the exorcism is being performed on him.

• The Exorcist begins to shout "Abyzou". The room starts to become windy, causing objects to fly around. This may connote that the exorcism is working.

• A medium close up shot shows the father' eyes popping out. His mouth opens and it seems as though he is choking on something. He then suddenly gets thrown against a wall. The strange eye movement signifies he is possessed.

• The lights start to flicker, leaving low-key lighting present. The switch to low-key lighting has negative connotations which could suggest that something bad is going to happen such as Abyzou actually revealing herself. However because the lighting does switch back to high-key lighting, this could connote that actually something good is going to happen i.e. the exorcism being complete.

• A medium close up displays a hand appearing out of the father's mouth, connoting the demon of Abyzou being awoken.

• A low angle shot denotes a box. The box is appeared as quite dominant on the screen. The box therefore could be the source of possession, where Abyzou actually came from.

 



• The demon is finally fully revealed. The audience see that she is making her way back into the box, showing how the exorcism is nearly over.

Sound

• The audience first hear diegetic dialogue from the Exorcist. He says "Abyzou", which gets louder and louder as the exorcism progresses.
• Off-screen diegetic sounds of glass breaking is heard, as a way of showing the exorcism working.
• Non-diegetic sound in the background is parallel to the action in the scene.
• The audience also hear on-screen diegetic sounds of bones clicking and choking. Other on-screen diegetic sounds include the demon roaring.
• The sequence finishes with silence. This is an effective way in ending the climax.

What to use in our opening:

 

Our exorcist will wear dark colours i.e. black, as this is a common colour used for exorcists. We will use sound effects throughout to build on the theme of possession e.g. bone clicking.  The visual effect towards the end of the lights switching on and off is rather effective. We may manipulate the idea by having a light switching on and off in our opening towards the end (where our possessed character disappears). 

Deconstruction On Possessive Movement In The Excorcism Of Emily Rose

In this clip, I will look for visual and oral signifiers which portray possession. I will also decide which of these signifiers to use in my groups' opening.

The woman appears to be screaming at the beginning of the sequence. Her hair is slightly covering her face and in the background, the audience can denote that the wall is looking rough. Within the mise en scene therefore, a possessed woman is represented.

 Emily starts to scratch the wall with her nails. Already she is signifying signs of possession.

Her body language is very sudden. She moves rather quickly, for example, jumping and leg kicking.

Rose's facial expressions also signify a possessed woman. This is seen through her screaming, making her face look quite tense.

Eyes widening is a common convention audience expect to see in possession films. It connotes perhaps a demon being awoken.

Bones twisting into weird positions is also another convention.  



 

What to use in our opening?

 

For our mise en scene, my group will have a have a rough setting e.g. dirty and old looking. Our possessed character will have a tacky nighty and her hair will be over her face.

 

From this deconstruction, it is clear that body language can be used predominantly in order to signify possession. Therefore, in our opening, we shall ensure our possessed character uses sharp body movement e.g. leg kicking to convey that they are possessed. We will also apply sound effects such as bone clicking for certain body movement to make the possessive movement seem more realistic.

 

For voice, my group and I will apply sound effects such as roars and growls. 

Opening Credits Deconstruction

As we get closer to finishing filming and starting to edit our 2 minute opening, we need to research and decide on what to have credit-wise in our opening. We have been advised to think carefully about the credits and try and be creative as this will help us get as many marks as possible. For research I looked at The Exorcist 1973, The Exorcism of Emily Rose and The Conjuring openings. Although The Exorcist is a fairly old film I believe that it has such an impact and is the most well-known possession film because of how good it is. So for this reason I included it.

The Exorcist

• Sequence begins with Warner Bros company logo and sequence, as pictured. Then the logo goes grey and a more sinister non-diegetic music plays which sounds like wind instruments which continues on into the actual film. The sound is quite typical of a horror film as it makes the audience feel on edge and anxious
• Then a fade transition is used (editing) which is quite slow and house is seen through an establishing shot of the house. The shot is mainly low-key lighting with a few lights by the front door
  
  (ambient lighting). The house itself is made to look grand and later became an iconic location. The shot is also at a slightly low angle, making the house appear larger and more frightening. Along with the non-diegetic sound mentioned before, it makes the house seem very sinister. 
• A panning and tilt shot show the audience the pretty busy street and diegetic noises of cars and people walking and talking can be heard by the audience, to show the realistic atmosphere that the film is set.
  
• Another fade transition is used to an extreme close up of a statue of the Virgin Mary, this is a possession film convention as religious symbols are often used to convey the supernatural element.
• The non-diegetic sound comes to a climax and turns very screechy and string instruments can be heard here, meanwhile a black background with red writing shows the credits, including the director and film title. The red on black has connotations of evil and the devil which ties in with the supernatual element again.
• The font itself is serif and all capitals, which is conventional and seen in many other horror film titles.
  

Evaluation of this - We could use an establishing shot of a house in our piece if we find one that is sinister enough. However, we'd have to think of ways to light the house which would be difficult as we do not have suitable lights. The simplistic credits are quite good when teamed with a screechy non-diegetic sound, but we'd have to source that.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose - up to 1:19

• Begins with production company, Screen gems and Lakeshore company, meanwhile a building non-diegetic music plays, string instruments, sinister, like The Exorcist. Makes the audience feel nervous.
• Black background with slow fades of text. White writing. Slowly expands and then fades out. Includes production companys and 'THIS FILM IS BASED ON A TRUE STORY', makes the audience feel more scared as they believe its real.
• Non-diegetic sound of what sounds like an exorcism goes on in the background, so screaming and different languages, sounds quite distressing to the audience but helps them understand the genre of the film.
  
• Fade transition into a barbed wire fence with grey sky in background and the title in red. The font is serif again includes different sized words e.g. The and of are smaller than 'exorcism' and 'emily rose' - makes the main words stand out more. Quite spaced out to again highlight the bigger words. 
• The non-diegetic sound - someone calls 'Emily?' in a distressed tone and a loud growl is heard. This gives the audience an idea about what the film will be about and gives them a background to the plot. The non-diegetic music goes back to a string instrument sound as the title is shown.

Evaluation- This is slightly more modern and so probably more appropriate for our type of film. I particularly like the non-diegetic sound of the possession going on in the background. However it would be hard for us to recreate something like this as we do not have professional actors or proper sound editing skills and so it might sound too amateur. The font though is reproduce-able and I like that the most important words stick out as this is what will stick with the audience after.

Exorcismus Deconstruction

Trailer for film

Possession scene

• Low key-lighting casts shadows, quite conventional for this genre. Special effects are used to make her eyes seem completely white - makes audience believe she is possessed, as this is a conventional trait for a possessed person. The close up shot of her face highlights this.
• Non-diegetic, edited dialogue of the girls voice is heard - a lot deeper, different tone - seems like a demons voice - completely the opposite of her normal voice.

• Close up of wound on leg - special effects. In the shape of a crucifix which is obviously religious and so relates back to the genre. It is also a deep, bloody wound to make the audience shocked. The close up shot also emphasises the wound.
• The leg restraints are also seen here, part of the mise en scene. It looks like belts tied to a chair, which implies that the girl becomes unnaturally strong which will scare the audience. 

• Establishing shot of the room to show the audience how the girl is restrained, also just to set the scene. Not as typical to have her in a chair, but maybe for an older girl it is more acceptable. 
• Otherwise the room looks completely normal (lamp, fireplace, desk), which might frighten the audience as it makes it seem more realistic.

• Two-shot of the exorcist and the girl to show that it is an exorcism, and the girl is shouting and screaming, apparently in pain (diegeitc dialogue). Also the image is edited to make it look like a camera has been set up to film. There is a grainy filter with lines like an old video camera.
• The girl appears to be breaking out of her restraints which makes the audience fearful as they do not know what is going to happen next. 

• Back lighting makes her seem like a shadow so you can't make out her facial expression. Her costume is just a pair of 3/4 length jeans and a stripy long-sleeved top, making her seem like a normal teenage girl.
• The man is obviously a priest because he wears a long black robe with the white collar
• At this point she is calmer but there is still non-diegetic dialogue, as mentioned before.

• Again, the editing helps show that this is a camera that has been set up as there is the 'play' text in the top left as well as other words.
• She appears to be contorting her body which is something possessed people do in films.
• The priest has a bible which is a conventional prop and adds to the mise en scene.
• Low key lighting with slight back lighting casts shadows.

• Clearly a symbolic sign - the cross. It is conventional to include religious symbols in films about possession.
• She seems completely taken over through her body language - her head is down and she seems unresponsive. 
• The priest just looks in shock - showing he's never seen anything like this before. The audience then deduce that this a serious case and adds to the scariness of the sequence. 

• Here, the girl cuts deep into her hand using a knife, which is something quite conventional in possession films. She also does not flinch and her body language seems like she enjoys it, so the audience concludes that something is wrong with her. The close up shot helps to show the audience the depth of the injury. Also, special effects have been used to make it look like the girl is really cutting into her hand.
• This is something we could explore during our own opening sequence.

• A high angle shot shows the girl apparently worshipping a deity on the floor surrounded by her own blood painted to look like a demonic symbol. This completely reinforces the fact that she is possessed to the audience. It seems completely demonic and also uses the conventional religious symbols to get across the point that she is possessed. 
• The blood seems to stand out as it is a dark red colour, compared to the rest of the bathroom.

• In post-production they seem to have morphed the face through clever editing techniques. This distorts the face and makes her look more possessed.
• Low key lighting also helps cast shadows which can further distort the way the face looks.
• As well as this she appears to be screaming in a demonic way (non-diegetic) which is conventional for a supernatural horror.