The representation of women in 'Surveillance' fails to comply with stereotypes. The audience see a woman occupying a high authority position in the FBI, she is used to interview the criminals. In contrast to this, a second female character is portrayed as a criminal dealing in drugs. This also fails to comply with the stereotypical representation of female characters as women are conventionally portrayed as victims in films of the horror genre.
However, the little girl is portrayed in a more conventional manner. Similar to ‘Room 1408’, the girl seems to be supernaturally possessed; she has knowledge of the evil and dark activities. Interestingly, the male characters are also represented in an unconventional manner. Although males are used as Police Officers- which is stereotypical as this is a highly authoritative position for male characters, it is usually male characters which take up the dominant positions in society- they are portrayed as unprofessional and represented negatively; this can be illustrated when they are interviewed in relation to the crime. In contrast to this, a male character is depicted more conventionally as he takes up a highly authoritative position in the FBI. The continued contrasts intentionally comply to and break conventions in order to ensure that ‘Surveillance’ is a unique representation of the horror genre and thus make the film memorable.
A flashback is used in the narrative to return to events that the character has already lived but the audience have yet to experience. The use of a flashback is conventional as it allows the audience to understand the narrative and the characters motive behind a certain decision. The flashback returns to the interviewing of the criminals. The camera switches between various events in the film to keep the audience guessing the conclusion of the narrative and the events of the plot. This editing is stereotypical of the horror genre.
Concerning mise en scene, the choice of costume is stereotypical as the Police Officers wear uniforms and the FBI agents wear suits. This not only complies with conventions but also provides a social ladder which the audience can understand as the ‘good guys’ are professional and at the top of the ladder but continue to be undone by the villains, making them seem superior. The villains are depicted negatively through the wearing of black clothing which connotes evil, darkness and ultimately death, this is highly stereotypical for the horror genre. The audience are able to understand the narrative better as a result of the clothing of the characters and their respective positions on the social ladder.
Camerawork used in the teaser trailer is conventional to the horror genre. During the slower parts of the film, the camera pans to follow the action and create tension. The action is also shown through the use of mid shots which is a conventional shot for horrors as it shows most, but not all, of the body. To increase the intensity of the action and heighten tension, close up shots of the characters faces are used show their expressions and illustrate their fear; this is translated to the audience. Low angle shots of the villains are used to highlight their dominance. This is a stereotypical shot in horror films and one that the audience will be familiar with as the villains are seen as the ones with power; the switch of power often changes the course of the narrative.
Fast-paced cuts and jumps are used in ‘Surveillance’ to intensify the situation and create a sense of anxiety for the audience which will ensure that they remain fixed to the action. Insert shots are used in a fast-paced montage showing various pieces of tense action; this is conventional as it attracts the viewer to the film and makes them want to find out the conclusion of the narrative. Various focus pulls are used to switch from one shot to the second and create suspense. An example of this would be when the camera is filming from behind the furniture and almost hiding from the action, this establishes a sense of secrecy, heightening tension and suspense.
The sound used in the trailer is largely non diegetic sound that rises to a climax. The music and instruments were intentionally chosen to increases anxiety and heighten tensions while intensifying the feeling from the audience. The sound is conventional to the horror genre as it is used to scare the viewer. Constant dialogue is also used to create verisimilitude.
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