Evaluation: Stereotypes Question 2

CHARACTER

I feel that although my movie, 'Anxiety' does conform to some stereotypes, it subverts some as well. for example, rather than our victim being a young, possibly defenseless female, we chose a seemingly capable male. 

I think it is often more creative to challenge stereotypes, as it adds intrigue for the viewer.

This is similar to the way that there are ominous connotations with the female character, as she leaves the scene without saying anything, after our victim collapses after drinking only a small amount of wine- this suggests she has done something to his drink as she does not seem phased by the events. See below.

One stereotype we did keep was that the 'bad guy' or villain, should be shown in an intimidating way, shown by the misc-en-scene of the outfit, and the camera angles the villain is presented in. Typically low angle shots to make someone appear bigger.

The bars behind, previously shown to represent entrapment, play part again in the misc en scene and develop a spacial awareness so that we know our villain is already closer to the victim without even seeing the distance. The dark coat is stereotypical of the killer who wants to remain inconspicuous.

Although leaning towards the horror/slasher genre, the black coat is prevalent throughout many villains, as it's connotations are well known when seen on screen.

The camera angle being low; also shows strength and dominance in a situation, as it makes the character seem controlling, taller and larger.

The high angle shot makes a character seem much more helpless and small, in contrast with low angle shot.

LOCATION

The location i found was gritty and urban, i thought it was perfect for the trapped feeling as the locked gates behind it looked like prison bars and the stone walls gave it an industrial and isolated feeling- similar to that of a run down riverside warehouse.

You would expect a location like this from the way it is presented, but the location was in fact normal underpasses and riverside walkways, which happened to be empty enough to shoot there.

The first picture shows the industrial nature of the setting, the warning signs on the doors are like that of a warehouse, especially the 'danger of death' sign shown in the movie. This also creates ominousness. 

The bars and water suggest the victim is trapped on all sides. Although i cannot recall which thrillers are set in a similar setting, i would say that the closest representation of complete entrapment is shown in the 'saw' horror series. In the way that the location is effective in creating suspense and discomfort, i think it does incorporate many of the features of a typical thriller setting.

(finish off)