Carrie (1976)
Carrie features typical connotations of a classic horror
film. This is portrayed through use of lighting and colour. The use of low key
lighting for the house location, as it is set in a rural area, is effective
because it helps to create a dark, spooky atmosphere. Also the use of low key
lighting for the set of a school prom, with the use of intense rich colours
such as dark blue and red and use of multiple spotlights, helps to create a
mysterious and very anxious atmosphere, almost hinting to the audience and allowing them to suspect that something dramatic is going to
happen. This is represented through the colour red because it emphasises power,
strength and aggression and the colour dark blue helps to emphasises integrity
and seriousness.
The various use of props such as knives, blood, fire and
water help convey the theme of violence which is a typical convention of a
horror film and this also reflects through the protagonists characteristics. For
example, the use of fire helps to suggest the anger and passion of the protagonist’s feelings
and emotions because of the way she has been treated by other characters. The
use of a cross helps to show the religious iconography used, which is another
common theme used in a stereotypical horror film.
The body language and movement is helped emphasised through
the use of quick continuity shots. For example, the protagonist uses a lot of
sharp/quick head turns when using her telekinesis powers. This is often used in
horror films to help create a feeling of tension and to help create a sense of
confusion for the audience, making them feel scared when it is necessary in the
film. The protagonist’s predominant facial expressions, often widening her eyes,
helps to show as female lead character, how superior she is over the rest of
the characters featured in the film. We’re able to notice that through these
emotions of frustration and anger, it helps to build tension and create terror
for the target demographic.
