key changes in supernatural horrors

Key Changes in Supernatural Horror Films (1970’s – present)

1973 2013

Georgia Pastos

Supernatural Horror Film of the 1970’s

Plot outline AND key themes of the film

Characters within the product

Technology: advances and developments

Audience appeal to a target audience

Film title: The Exorcist Year filmed: 1973 Certification: 18

Director: William FriedkinProducer: William Peter Blatty

Budget: $12 millionBox office: $441,071,011

Link to film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8adfW9WbEU

The film begins during an archaeological dig in Iraq, when Lankester Merrin –priest – discovers a small amulet, which he comes to realise belongs to an evil demon (Pazuzu). In Washington D.C, Chris McNeil begins noticing the change in behaviour in her daughter, Regan. When medicine and tests fail to determine medical causes for the difference in her behaviour, it grows clear that she has been possessed by the demon Pazuzu. Following a series of mysterious deaths, it is decided that Regan must be exorcised. However, her mother is tentative due to a lack of religious beliefs. Further supernat-ural phenomena occur, forcing the exorcism of Regan to take place. Yet when the demon kills again, he is urged to take the priest instead, who subsequently kills himself to prevent further death.

Linda Blair – Regan Ellen Burstyn – ChristineJason Miller – (the young priest) Damien KarrasMax von Sydow – Father Lankester MerrinLee J. Cobb – Lieutenant William F. KindermanMercedes McCambridge – the voice of PazuzuKitty Winn – Sharon Jack MacGowran – Burke Reverend William O’ Malley – Father Joseph Robert Symonds – Dr. TaneyBarton Heyman – Dr. Samuel KleinArthur Storch – the psychiatristTitos Vandis – the uncle of Father Damien KarrasEileen Dietz – associated with the face of Pazuzu

William Peter Blatty (the producer) himself, has a minor speaking role in a scene where he engages in a dispute with Burke, whilst Chris is filming in front of Healy Hall.

Technical specifications:

Run time: 122 minutes 132 minutes (directors cut)

Sound mix: 70 mm 6 track (for 1979 re-release) Dolby Digital EX (directors) Mono (Original release) SDDS Colour: Colour

Aspect ratio: 1.37 : 1 (negative ratio) 1.75 : 1 (theatrical ratio) 1.78 : 1 (Home Media Release)

Camera: Panavision lenses and cameras Laboratory: Technicolor

Film length: 3,350m (Sweden) 3,677m (Director Cut) Negative format: 35mm Cinematographic process: SphericalPrinted film format: 35mm, 75mm (blow up) (1979 re-release)

Technology remains similar to previous decade.

Due to the wide variety and range in the age groups of characters, a greater audience has been targeted - younger audience members may have been targeted by Regan’s character. They may have been able to relate to and identify with her struggles as a young girl and thus; may have been interested in her character. The uses and gratification theory would have been clearly demonstrated through the choice in characters. In addition, as a result of the realistic settings – e.g. the McNeil home – which would prove to create a sense of verisi-militude, a majority of the audience members would identify with this setting and therefore; the audience appeal would be heightened. Moreover, emphasised religious themes would appeal to the religious.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8adfW9WbEU








Film title: The Omen Year filmed: 1976 Certification: 18

Director: Richard Donner Producer: Harvey Bernhard

Budget: $2.8 million Box office: $60,922,980

Link to film: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZLaDps7oLk&safe=active

Following the death of his son during childbirth, an American diplomat – Robert Thorn – adopts an orphaned newborn due to a suggestion made by a hospital priest, Father Spiletto. He refrains from telling his wife, who was unconscious, and Robert and Katherine name the boy Damien. Damien grows into childhood, and at his fifth birthday, his nanny hangs herself. Father Brennan, another Catholic priest, warns the unsuspecting Robert of his son’s inexplicable origins and proceeds to imply that Damien may not be human. Robert ignores these warnings and brands the priest as mentally disturbed. However, things take a turn for the worst when, one by one, the people around Damien tragically meet their deaths. It is then discovered that Damien is the Antichrist.

Gregory Peck – Robert Lee Remick – Katherine David Warner – Jennings Billie Whitelaw – Mrs. Baylock (Second nanny) Harvey Stephens – Damien Patrick Troughton – Father Brennan Martin Benson – Father Spiletto Robert Rietty – Monk Tommy Duggan – Priest John Stride – Psychiatrist Anthony Nicholls - Dr. Becker Holly Palance – Nanny Roy Boyd – Reporter Freda Dowie – Nun Sheila Raynor – Mrs. Horton

The characters within the supernatural horror each adopt a role from Propps character theory. For example, Damien adopts the role of the villain, whilst Mrs. Baylock, the second nanny, adopts the role as the false hero within The Omen (1976).


Run time: 111 minutes 107 minutes (German cut)

Sound mix: MonoColour: Colour

Aspect ratio: 2.35 : 1 Camera: Panavision Pana-flex Gold, Panavision C-Series and Cooke Lenses Laboratory: DeLuxe, Hollywood (CA), USA. Rank Film Laboratories, Denham, UK (processing)

Negative format: 35mm (Eastman 100T 5247) Cinematographic process: Panavision (anamorphic) Printed film format: 35mm

The printed film format of the product remains the same as it has in previous years. In addition, the choice in cameras and lenses is the same as in the previous decade – Panavision cameras used.

The idea of an Antichrist has been feared by many over numerous years. The fact that the issue is now being portrayed in the form of a supernatural horror may prove to appeal to a large target audience, due to the fact that such a topic has both troubled and intrigued several people. Also, the exciting yet unusual prospect of the feared Antichrist taking the form of a five-year old boy is similarly adding to the audience appeal. The unique qualities the film provides further invite a target audience, as new ideas add new selling point to the film. Meanwhile, the family unit demonstrated in the film may allow an audience to relate to and identify with the characters; thus acts as a demonstration of uses and gratification theory.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZLaDps7oLk&safe=active








Film title: The ShiningYear filmed: 1980 Certification: 18 (1986 video release) 15 (2007)

Director: Stanley KubrickProducer:Stanley Kubrick

Budget: $19 million Box office: $44,360,123

Link to film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWJ4NqVgpcc

Jack Torrance is a writer, who arrives at a hotel to interview for the job as a winter caretaker – the hotel has been built on a Native American burial ground and becomes snowed in during winter. As a result, it is closed between November and May each year. Despite warnings from manager, Stuart, Jack arrives at the isolated Hotel along with his family. During their tour, Danny (Jack’s son) is warned by chef, Dick, regarding room 237, who urges him to stay out of it. A month later, Jack becomes prone to violent outbursts and Danny’s curiosity gets the better of him. Both Jack and Danny experience several encounters where they meet a number of ghosts and Danny continuously has visions. Following the encounters with ghosts, Jack becomes possessed and makes attempts to kill his family.

Jack Nicholson – Jack Shelley Duvall – Wendy Danny Lloyd – Danny Scatman Crothers – Dick Barry Nelson – Stuart Philip Stone – Delbert Grady Joe Turkel – Lloyd the Bartender Tony Burton – Larry Lia Beldam – Young Woman Billie Gibson – Old Woman Barry Dennen – Bill Watson Lisa Burns – Grady twin 1Louisa Burns – Twin 2

Characters of the horror film harmonise with the Propp’s character theory, including the celebrated hero, the villain and the donor Some may suggest that Jack, as well as the ghosts within the Hotel, act as the villains of the production, whilst his wife, Wendy, may be viewed as the hero, and Danny as the donor who assists her in the film.


Run time: 142 minutes 119 minutes (European cut) 144 minutes (original)

Sound mix: MonoColour: Colour

Aspect ratio: 1.66 : 1 (theatrical ratio, Europe) 1.85 : 1 (theatrical, USA)

Camera: Arriflex 35 BL, Zeiss Super Speed Lenses Laboratory: Denham Laboratories, UK

Film length: 3,275m (in Sweden – cut version) 3,295m (theatrical version in Finland) 3,790m (original version – Finland)Negative format: 35mm (Eastman 100T 5247) Cinematographic process: Spherical Printed film format:35mm

Some slight changes in the technical aspects in comparison to 1970’s.

Due to the fact that the majority of the audience will be familiar with the choice of setting – hotel – they will be able to relate to or identify with it and therefore, the uses and gratification theory would be clearly demonstrated within The Shining. The sense of familiarity created by the setting will serve to introduce an element of verisimilitude, which will heighten the audience appeal. Meanwhile, the protagonist, as well as the antagonist, of the film will prove to attract both male and female members of an audience as the male character may be viewed as an object of desire for the female audience, whilst the female character may be viewed as an object of desire for the male members of the target audience. As well as this, they may be relatable characters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWJ4NqVgpcc








Film title: Poltergeist Year filmed: 1982 Certification: 15

Director: Tobe Hooper Producer: Michael Grais, Steven Spielberg, Mark Victor


Link to film: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvll0gQSPG0&safe=active

Steve and Diane Freeling live in California, along with their children - Dana Robbie and Carol Anne. The youngest, Carol Anne awakens one night and begins conversing with the television set. As a result, an apparition exits the screen and vanishes into the wall. Following this ordeal, Carol Anne announces “they’re here” and the violent shaking of the house subsides. The following day, a series of unexplainable events unfold, growing more intense with each one. During the night, a tree comes to life and makes attempts to swallow Robbie. However, he is rescued and, instead, Carol Anne is sucked into a portal in her closet. Her voice begins emanating from the television set and the Freeling family seek help from a group of parapsychologists.

Craig T. Nelson – Steve JoBeth Williams – Diane Beatrice Straight – Dr. LeshDominique Dunne – Dana Freeling Oliver Robins – Robbie Heather O’Rourke – Carol Anne Freeling Michael McManus – Ben Virginia Kiser – Mrs. Tuthill Martin Casella – Marty Richard Lawson – Ryan Zelda Rudinstein – Tangina James Karen – Mr. Teague Lou Perryman – Pugsley Clair E. Leucart – Bulldozer Driver Dirk Blocker – Jeff Shaw

Certification:

As the decades progress, the film industry grows increasingly lenient on what is able to be shown – what were once 18’s, now have a 15 rating.


Run time: 114 minutes

Sound mix: Dolby (35mm prints) (as Dolby Stereo) l 70mm 6-track (70mm pri)Colour: Colour

Aspect ratio: 2.20 : 1 (70 mm prints) 2.35 : 1

Camera: Ultracam 35, Cooke Xtal Express Lenses Laboratory: Metrocolor, Culver City (CA), USA

Film length: 3,160 m (35 mm prints) Negative format: 35mm (Eastman 100T 5247) Cinematographic process: J-D-C Scope (anamorphic) Printed film format: 35 mm, 70 mm (blow up)

In comparison to previous years, an additional printed film format has been introduced – the 70mm blow up format.

As a result of the realistic setting of a home, a sense of verisimilitude is introduced within the film, that serves to allow an audience to relate to and identify with many situations that occur in the setting. The clear demonstration of the uses and gratification theory heightens the audience appeal, as they may be both entertained by the product, and intrigued as they may find that various aspects are similar to their own lives. For example, the choice in characters may also be reflective of their own lives – they may have a family of their own, or belong to a family – and therefore; may understand the routines that they carry out. As their lives may be similar, they may feel a sense of fear that makes a successful horror film.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvll0gQSPG0&safe=active








Film title: Candyman Year filmed: 1992 Certification: 18

Director: Bernard Rose Producer: Clive Barket and Steve Golin


Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnzzBssg3ac

The film commences with the introduction of Helen Lyle – a curious student, conducting research for her thesis on urban legends. During a number of interviews, she learns of the local legend of the Candyman. The legend claims that: in order for him to be summoned, his name must be said five times whilst facing a mirror, whereupon he murders the summoner with his hook-hand. To prove the Candyman does not exist, Helen, and her friend Bernie, jokingly call his name in the mirror but nothing happens. Since Helen proceeds to assert the idea that he is just a legend, he appears to her and, consequently, a series of brutal deaths occur with Helen as the prime suspect. As a result she must go on a journey to reclaim her sanity and prove her innocence.

Virginia Madsen – Helen Tony Todd – Candyman Xander Berkeley – Trevor Vanessa Williams – Anne Marie McCoy Kasi Lemmons – Bernie DeJuan Guy – Jake Bernard Rose – Archie W Marianna Elliott – Clara Gilbert Lewis – Detective Frank Valento Stanley DeSantis – Dr. Burke Ted Raimi – Billy Eric Edwards – Harold Rusty Schwimmer – Policewoman Lisa Ann Poggi – Diane Adam Philipson – Danny Carolyn Lowery – Stacey Ria Pavia – Monica Mark Daniels – Student

It can be suggested that the characters within this media product conform to Propp’s character theory, yet some of the characters adopt the role of more than one – e.g. Helen is a hero as well as the damsel in distress.



Sound mix: Dolby Colour: Colour

Aspect ratio: 1.85 : 1 Camera: Panavision lenses and cameras Laboratory: DeLuxe, Hollywood (CA), USA

Negative format: 35mm Cinematographic process: Spherical Printed film format: 35m

Despite the progression of technology, some techno-logical aspects remain the same/similar to those in previous decades – this is clear through the choice in cameras. As in the 70’s (for the production of The Exorcist), the Panavision cameras and lenses are still used in the 90’s. In addition, the negative format remains the same as it has in decades prior.

The popularity of urban legends amongst both teenagers and young adults may subsequently increase the popularity of Candyman. Audience appeal may heighten as a result of the common factor between real life and the narrative of the film;similar to characters within the supernatural horror, some members of the audience may equally struggle with whether to believe in urban legends or not. Thus, the verisimilitude of the theme may serve to add to the audience appeal. Meanwhile, the use of numerous female characters may prove to be popular amongst male audience member, since they may view them as an object of desire. A male audience may also find the use of extreme gore, blood and violence within the film greatly appealing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnzzBssg3ac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnzzBssg3ac






Film title: Ringu Year filmed: 1998 Certification: 15

Director: Hideo Nakata Producer: Taka Ichise

Budget: $12,000 Box office: $13,005,000

Link to trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=F22YJZtVGm4&safe=active

Two teenagers, Tomoko and Masami, discuss a videotape; legend says that this videotape bears a curse that kills the viewer seven days after watching it. Tomoko reveals that she watched a tape a week ago and, as legend says, received a call shortly after. Shortly after revealing this, Tomoko is killed by an unseen, malevolent force, leaving her face twisted with fear, as Masami watches in fear. Following the death of her niece, a reporter, Reiko, investigates the video and the curse it bears. She discovers the tape and, during the brief period she spends watching it, sees a series of seemingly unrelated disturbing images. As she grows closer to the truth she endangers, not only herself, but her family too – including her son.

Nanako Matsushima – Reiko Asakawa Hiroyuki Sanada – Ryüji TakayamaRikiya Ötaka – Yöichi Asakawa Miki Nakatani – Mai Yüko Takeuchi – Tomoko Hitomi Satö - Masami Yöichi Numata – Takashi Yutaka Matsushige – Yoshino Katsumi Muramatsu – Köichi Asakawa Masako – Shizuko Yamamura Rie Inö - Sadako Yamamura Yûrei Yanagi – AD Okazaki Yôko Ohshima – Reiko no Oba Kiriko Shimizu – Yoshimi Ôishi Makoto Kakeda – Kanrinin

The wide age range of the characters may serve to attract and appeal to a greater target audience.



Sound mix: Dolby SR Colour: Black and white / Colour

Aspect ratio: 1.85 : 1

Camera: Arriflex 35 BL4, Cooke and Cineovision Lenses Laboratory: Imagica Corporation, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Negative format: 35mm (Fuji Super F-125T 8532, Super F-500T 8572) Cinematographic process: Spherical Printed film format: 35mm

Similar to the technology used in previous decades, this media product utilises the Spherical cinema-tographic process, and the same printed format.

The popularity of this film was made evident in a number of remakes of the Japanese horror. In years to come, both the original film and the sequel were made into American versions. It can be suggested that this Japanese version of The Ring shaped the success of the following American versions. The success impacted an international target audience; due to the publicity received by Ringu, the audience appeal would have been heightened, as they would have been keen to watch the film and find out why the film was so popular, for themselves. Meanwhile as the majority of the characters within the product consist of both teenagers and young adults, this product will appeal to this age group

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F22YJZtVGm4&safe=active








Film title: The Amityville HorrorYear filmed: 2005 Certification: 15

Director:Andrew DouglasProducer: Michael Bay, Andrew Form Brad Fuller


Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5Maq9H1lZ8

In 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his family at their home, in Amityville, and claimed that “voices” told him to do so. One year later, the Lutz family move in. Before long, the youngest child, Chelsea, befriends a young girl named Jodie – one of the DeFeo children who was murdered the previous year. One night, George and Kathy Lutz hire a babysitter, in order for them to enjoy some time away from the children. They soon learn from the babysitter, Lisa, that she used to babysit for the DeFeo’s. Whilst they are out, one of the DeFeo children appear to Lisa who goes into shock. Once Kathy comes to an understanding of what happened, she calls for a priest – Father Callaway – and requests that be blesses the house. But he flees and leaves the Lutz’ to deal with the spiritual possession themselves.

Ryan Reynolds – George Melissa George – Kathy Jesse James – Billy Lutz Jimmy Bennett – Michael Chloë Grace Moretz – Chelsea Lutz Rachel Nichols – Lisa Philip Baker Hall – Father Callaway Isabel Conner – Jodie Brendan Donaldson – Ronald DeFeo Annabel Armor – Realtor Rich Komenich – Chief of Police David Gee – ER doctor Danny McCarthy – Officer Greguski Nancy Lollar – Librarian José Taitano – Stitch

The characters within the 2005 supernatural film consist of characters that conform to Propp’s Stock Character Theory. Also, it may be suggested that the idea that celebrities are manufactured for financial gain has been applied to this film, as many of the actors are popular and well-known.



Sound mix: DTS l Dolby Digital l SDDS Colour: Colour

Aspect ratio: 2.35 : 1 Camera: Arriflex 435, Panavision Primo Lenses, Panavision Panaflex Gold, Panavision Prime and Frazier Lenses, Panavision Panaflex Platinum, Pana-vision Promo and Frazier Laboratory: Deluxe, Hollywood (CA), USA

Negative format: 35mm (Kodak Vision2 500T 5218 Vision 200T 5274) Cinematographic process: Digital Intermediate (2K) (master format) Super 35 (source format) Printed film format: 35mm (anamorphic)

Evidence of the develop-ments in technology is clear through the change in cinematographic process

The realistic setting of The Amityville Horror will add an element of familiarity, as well as create a sense of verisi-militude that would heighten the audience appeal, as they would be able to relate to and identify with it, thus; demonstrating the uses and gratification theory that establishes a clear connection between the audience members and the characters. In addition, as the main characters of the media product form a family, the situation adds to the verisimilitude, that serves to ensure the audience feel as if they are a part of the film – this will heighten the audience appeal, due to the fact that horror films often rely on the emotions of its target audience to become a successful product. Also, the characters may be relatable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5Maq9H1lZ8








Film title: Dead Silence Year filmed: 2007 Certification: 15

Director: James Wan Producer: Oren Koules, Mark Burg Greg Hoffman


Link to trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b_HVtHmK30&safe=active

When Jamie, and wife Lisa, receive a mysterious gift – a ventriloquist dummy – one night, Lisa recalls the infamous poem of Mary Shaw (a renowned ventriloquist who had her tongue cut out). That night, upon his arrival home, Jamie finds Lisa dead, having been brutally murdered with her tongue ripped out. In a desperate attempt to uncover the truth about her death, prime suspect Jamie, returns to his hometown – Ravens Fair. As he grows increasingly closer to uncovering the truth, a series of deaths ensue, and Jamie finds himself going to extreme lengths to both prove his innocence in his wife’s murder, and to prevent Mary Shaw from killing again. With Detective Lipton keeping a close eye on him, it proves to be an even greater task than what it seems.

Ryan Kwanten – Jamie Amber Valletta – Ella Donnie Wahlberg – Detective Lipton Michael Fairman – HenryJoan Heney – Marion Bob Gunton – Edward Laura Regan – Lisa Dmitry Chepovetsky – Richard Walker Judith Roberts – Mary ShawKeir Gilchrist – Young HenrySteven Taylor – Michael David Talbot – Priest Steve Adams – DetectiveShelley Peterson – Lisa’s Mum Enn Reitel – Billy (voice) Fred Tatasciore – ClownAustin Majors – Michael Despite the fact that the character, Jamie, adopts more than one role – e.g. he acts as the hero at various points of the plot but also finds himself needing help (damsel in distress) some characters relate to Propp’s theory.


Run time: 89 minutes 92 minutes (unrated edit)

Sound mix: SDDS l Dolby Digital l DTSColour: Colour

Aspect ratio: 2.35 : 1

Negative format: 35mm Cinematographic process: Super 35 Printed film format: 35mm

In decades prior, the most common cinematographic process was Spherical, however; the 2000’s has witnessed an introduction of a new cinematographic process – the Super 35. Over the decades, new technology is created and introduced in order to capture great footage that would serve to make a successful horror film. But some technical specs have remained the same.

Similar to 1976 horror film, The Omen, a major fear that haunts a great number of people has been brought to life in this production. In this case, ventriloquist dummies. Following the success of The Omen, it may have been believed that playing on a fear that numerous people share would similarly receive a box office success, however; for this production it was not as successful. Despite the fact that characters from several age groups were evident within the film, in order to heighten the audience appeal and attract a wider range of a target audience, the film did not prove to be a great success as intended. The audience was targeted with a mixture of male and female characters to appeal to both genders.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b_HVtHmK30&safe=active








Film title: Insidious Year filmed: 2010 Certification: 15

Director: James Wan Producer: Jason Blum, Steven Schneider, Oren


Link to trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=E!Yb0MDI59k&safe=active

Along with their three children, Josh and Renai Lambert move into their new home. When Dalton, one of their sons, falls into a mysterious coma, supernatural occurrences commence. Three month into the coma, Foster, another of their sons, complains about Dalton “walking around at night” however; realising this is not possible, Renai becomes convinced that their house is haunted. She pleads with Josh to move house, who agrees, yet the unexplained phenomena continue. During a visit, Josh’s mum – Lorraine – describes a dream she had, in which a shadowy figure claimed he wanted “Dalton”. Elise, an elderly lady who specialises in paranormal activity, is contacted, in an attempt to save the Lambert family from the hateful force that haunts them.

Patrick Wilson – Josh Rose Byrne – Renai Ty Simpkins – Dalton Lin Shaye – Elise Barbara Hershey – Lorraine Leigh Whannell – Specs Angus Sampson – Tucker Andrew Astor – Foster Josh Feldman – Young JoshCorbette Tuck – Nurse Adele Heather Tocquigny – Nurse KellyRuben Pla – Dr. Sercarz John Henry Binder – Father Martin

Joseph Bishara – Lipstick-Face Demon J. LaRose – Long Haired Fiend Philip Friedman – Old WomanKelly Devoto and Tuck – Doll girls Lary Crews – Whistling Ghost Dad Jose Prendes – Top hat Caslin Rose – Ghost and Contortionist



Sound mix: SDDS Dolby Digital Colour: Colour

Aspect ratio: 2.35 : 1Camera: Red One MX Laboratory: FotoKem Digital Film Services, Burbank (CA), USA (digital intermediate) Universal Studios Film length: 2,797m (Portugal, 35mm) 2,810m (Spain) Negative format: RedCode Raw (4.5K) Cinematographic process: Digital Intermediate (2K) (master format) RedCode Raw 4.5K (source format) Printed film format: 35mm (anamorphic) D- Cinema

Sound mix and colour has remained the same as decades prior. Negative format has changed.

In order to appeal to a target audience, a great variety of characters from a number of age groups were chosen to play the roles of each of them. As a result, many would have found it easy to identify with and relate to the characters, thus; acting as a clear demonstration of the uses and gratification theory. Additionally, the realistic settings utilised within the production would serve to create a sense of verisimilitude that would further allow a target audience to identify with the film. This aspect would add a personal touch for several members of the audience, and therefore prove to heighten the appeal they feel towards it. Meanwhile, the idea that Dalton is able to travel in his dreams may reflect the theme of escapism (uses and grat)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E!Yb0MDI59k&safe=active








Film title: The Conjuring Year filmed: 2013 Certification: 15

Director: James Wan Producer: Peter Safran, Tony DeRosa-Grund, Rob Cowan

Budget: $20 million Budget: $318,000,141

Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k10ETZ41q5o

1971: Roger and Carolyn Perron move into a dilapidated farmhouse in, Rhode Island with their five daughters – Andrea, Nancy, Christine, Cindy, and April. Ignoring the fact that their dog, Sadie, refuses to enter, the Perron family settle into their new home. The family awake the next day to find the dog dead. Over the next few days, the family experience a series of supernatural occurrences. They seek help from paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren. After some investigating, it is revealed that the Perron family is being hunted by a malevolent force that has cursed the land in which the family inhabits. Whilst waiting for the authorisation to perform an exorcism, Carolyn is possessed by the witch and the investigators do everything in their power to save her.

Vera Farmiga – Lorraine Patrick Wilson – Ed WLili Taylor – Carolyn Ron Livingston – Roger Shanley Caswell - AndreaHayley McFarland – Nancy Joey King – Christine Mackenzie Foy – Cindy Kyla Deaver – April Shannon Kook – Drew John Brotherton – Brad Sterling Jerins – Judy Marion Gayot – Georgiana Steve Coulter – Father Gordon Joseph Bishara – Bathsheba Morgana Bridgers – DebAmy Tipton – Camilla Christof Veillon – Maurice

Despite the fact that the events are based on real life, it can be suggested that the characters of the production may have adopted the role of stock characters from Propp’s theory – e.g. Lorraine and Ed play the heroes.



Sound mix: Dolby Digital l Datasat l SDDS Colour: Colour

Aspect ratio: 2.35 : 1Camera: Arri Alexa, Leica Summilux Lenses Laboratory: FotoKem Laboratory, Burbank (CA), USA (digital intermediate) Technicolor, Hollywood (CA), USA (prints)

Film length: 3,067m (6) Negative format: Codex Cinematographic process: ARRIRAW (2.8K) (source format) Digital Intermediate (2K master f)Printed film format: 35 mm (anamorphic) (Kodak Vision 2383) D-Cinema

In comparison to several decades prior, the sound mix and colour of media products have changed – e.g. they have gone from silent movies to sound.

The realistic setting of an old farmhouse in Rhode Island may serve to create a sense of verisimilitude that will allow a target audience to feel captivated by the realism. Furthermore, since the film itself is based on real life events a wider range of an audience may feel as if they could have been in a similar situation and thus, be more likely to watch the production. In addition, due to the fact that the characters form together to create a family, the majority of the target audience may be able to relate to and identify with both the characters individually, and the situations they must face as a whole. Therefore, the clear demonstration of the uses and gratification theory would allow a target audience to be entertained and able to relate to the production.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k10ETZ41q5o



SIMILARITIES DIFFERENCES

- Over the decades (from the 1970’s right up to the present) several horror films feature a combination of characters that are mentioned in Propp’s character theory – e.g. the hero, the villain, false hero etc. Thus, although the plot of the film may vary, the characters and the purpose they adopt remains similar, if not the same.

- The target audience of supernatural horrors is often the same and therefore, the producers of such horrors utilise similar approaches in order to appeal to their intended audience, including the idea of using an object of desire in order to attract one or both genders. In addition, due to the fact that horrors rely on overwrought emotions of fear and anxiety, they use realistic settings that introduce a sense of verisimilitude and allow an audience to feel as if they are part of the product.

- Supernatural horrors films over the decades that have proved to be successful, including The Exorcist and The Conjuring, have appealed to the correct age group, who have provided them with great profit in the box office as well as through home media – DVD and Blu-ray sales. This is evident through the certification – the majority of successful horror films have not been provided with a certification lower than a 15. Despite an increasing lenience to the themes of a horror film, the certification of them has mostly remained at 15/18.

- In an attempt to appeal to a target audience through marketing and advertising, posters are created in order to introduce the idea of the horror film to its audience. When studying and researching a number of renowned works within the genre, it became clear that dark, murky colours that created an eerie atmosphere and added to an ongoing enigma were used. It created an element of suspense and acted as a catalyst for feelings of intrigue in the target audience, despite the idea that darkness is a strong signifies of fear.

- As a result of the target audience being strongly desensitized to the predominant themes of supernatural horror over the decades, the certification has changed slightly. As opposed to a horror being rated an 18, it may now be rated as a 15, due to the fact that the audience has become familiar with the themes, which increases a lack of fear.

- Due to the proliferation and progression of technology, numerous horror films have been filmed with various cameras, improving the quality of the product. The most popular camera and lenses belong to Panavision and have proved to capture the footage of several of the most popular horror films between the 1970’s until the present. Moreover, in years prior to the 1970’s, a combination of horror films were filmed in black and white, however; as a result of the great progression of technology, they are now filmed in colour.

- In addition to the improvement of the quality of media products, not just films within horror, trailers have been improved in order to prove to be far more appealing to its audience. The first trailer was shown in 1913, and since then many changes have been added and adjustments made. Until the late 50’s, trailers consisted of extended scenes from the film, along with some form of descriptive text. However, from around the 60’s/70’s and onwards, trailers consist of far shorter cuts of the film so they do not reveal too much.

- The budget of supernatural horror films vary over the decades but this does not place a limit on the box office profit; despite the fact that the budget may be low, the box office may be extremely high in comparison – e.g. The Exorcist had a budget of $12 million yet received over $440 million profit in the box office. The budget does not dictate the success of the profit and this has become evident with numerous supernatural horror films. Therefore, regardless of the budget, the media product may be a success.

key changes in supernatural horrors

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