The document provides information about the trailer and mise-en-scene of the film "Sinister". Regarding the trailer, it does not reveal the film's name until the end to keep viewers watching. It also uses ominous non-diegetic music and audience reactions to build an unsettling atmosphere. Regarding mise-en-scene, it uses low-key lighting and dark colors to create a sinister and mysterious tone, while costumes distinguish villains from victims. Settings are typically dark alleys or houses meant to contrast normal life and dramatize fear.
2. SINISTER
Features of the trailer
Crime writer Ellison Oswalt decides to move himself and his
family into a new neighbourhood choosing a house where a
horrific crime took place earlier, however his family have no
idea. He is wanting to know more about the crime that took
place so that he can write a book based on it. To help his
research he uses some of the film footage that he finds in the
house, resulting in him finding some interesting clips. A figure is
in each of the films, but we don’t know who or what it is. As a
result, his self and his family begin to suffer and things begin to
turn evil. Will they survive?
The viewers don’t get told the name of the film until the very
end. This keeps the viewers wanting to watch it until they see
the end and leaves them wanting to continue the film. As this is
at the end of the film, it is the most memorable thing.
3. SINISTER
Mise-en-scene
Lighting/Colour
The lighting in Sinister is mainly low key, this created harsh shadows on the faces of the actors, and props. This sets the scene for thrillers being dark
and sinister. Key lighting was used during any
-Lighting is mainly low key, creating harsh shadows on faces, bodies and props. It sets the scene for thrillers being dark, mysterious and sinister. Low
key lighting is usually used during the mysterious and sinister scenes, emphasising the suspense and tension. As well as creating an unsettling
atmosphere.
-Colour is a key convention for mise-en-scene in Thrillers, as we associate emotions and thoughts with different colours. For example blacks can we
used to symbolize death, immediately creating tension and leaving the audience feeling on edge. As well as reds can be associated with blood, again
linking in with death. Overall the colour and lighting link together, helping to create a sinister mood. The characters being in dark colours suggest that
they are evil, killers etc, as well as the setting being dark, which help to mask the characters and their actions.
Costumes
-The use of costumes within Thrillers are very important, they must be life like to the audience, as how the characters are presented is how the
audience perceive them. Therefore the more life like and believable the characters are the better the storyline for the audience. Typically in Thrillers
the murderer, villain etc will wear dark clothes to enhance the mystery and evilness of them, as well creating tension. However the victims usually
wear ripped, dirty, blood stained clothes, reinforcing their weakness and vulnerability, as well as connoting that they have been chased, are unable to
fight back etc.
Setting/Props
-The setting is the location, where the scene is taken place or where it is set. Examples of typical Thriller settings would be dark alleys, haunted
houses, mental wards, urban city etc. Usually only a small range of colours will be used in the setting, being blacks and greys. This can be used to show
how normal and plain life is, contrasting with the villains in the film as they create a dramatic and fearful atmosphere.
-Props are any movable articles or objects used on the set of a film. In Thriller films props often determine the narrative, identity of the characters
and genre. A range of props can be used such as police, mobile phones etc. However typically weapons are used by the villains to reinforce the
violence and fear overall, being knifes, guns etc.
4. Sinister
Codes and conventions of the trailer
• Studio information
• Slow pace, gradually builds up to a climax
• Title of the film itself
• No mention of actors names unlike other
trailers
• Non diegetic music is used throughout.
5. Sinister
Sound
The sinister trailer has a typical horror feel to it
and every sound is enhanced hugely to create a
atmosphere to the audience. One of the main
sounds used is a ‘fuzz’ sound which is repeated
throughout the trailer.
The audience reactions are used throughout the
trailer and the sounds from the audiences
reactions are used. This helps indicate how scary
the trailer is.