To move forward with my project, the unique characteristics of Japanese horror films must be identified. To solidify these characteristics, I will be taking several images from both Japanese and American directed horror films, critically analysing them, building a conclusion on these findings and thus, improving my critical framework/criteria and knowledge on the successful depiction of Japanese directed horror.
American directed horror:
Using various scenes from Halloween (1978) and The Hills Have Eyes (2006), I started to analyse and pick apart the scenes.
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| Figure.1a |
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| Figure.1b |
Description:
There is awkward and poor scaling between the characters and the surrounding environments. Rectangular, square and circular shapes are present within these scenes. Lines are soft, horizontal and vertical in nature but are mainly straight instead of angular. High value colours are clear, focusing on cool and warm patterns. The shapes do not conflict and blend well, separating the characters from the environment. Cameras vary between close, medium and long distances. Cameras are favoured from a lower height. The angle of the cameras in these films are mixed, adhering mainly to the side angle. The depth of field changes between infinite and shallow. Use of high and low key lighting, as well as high contrasting lighting are preferred to balanced or three point lighting. Colours in the background use monochromatic patterns.
Analysis:
Bad characters/antagonists are depicted using lower value colours and dark patterns, whereas good characters/protagonists. Characters in the foreground are complimented by the monochromatic tones in the background. Focus is directed using high key lighting and shallow depth of field. High value colours such as oranges, yellows, greens and blues are used to depict warm and cooling/calming patterns. Character performance is heightened using close camera distances, capturing actions and expressions more effectively. The low camera angles grants visual authority to whomever it is pointed at by granting him/her with the higher ground. Background activity is clearer to the audience by using the side angle.
Interpretation
Depiction of horror is the central role of these scenes. Themes of violence are depicted with the use of weaponry, blood and gore (figure.1a + b). An isolated atmosphere is projected (figure.1a) by placing the characters in vast, wide open setting. Themes of insecurity are evoked using a mask to cover the antagonist's face (figure.1a). Themes of deformity and insecurity are highlighted by the grotesque appearance of the antagonist (figure.1b). The height of the camera is used to symbolise authority within the antagonist's presence (figure.1a). Feelings of anticipation and excitement are evoked by placing the antagonist behind the protagonist(s) (figure.1a). The use of white highlights themes of death (figure.1a).
Judgement
The criterion I think are most appropriate for making a judgement about these scenes are setting, lighting composition and colour. Themes of violence are depicted successfully using melee weapons, firearms and mild use of blood and gore (figure.1a + b). An isolated setting is projected successfully by using a large, peaceful and deserted location (figure.1b). The symbolism of authority in the antagonist's presence is successfully depicted by the camera's low height (figure.1a). As we cannot see behind the antagonist's mask, suggested themes of insecurity are evoked successfully (figure.1a). Deformity is clearly displayed in the antagonist's appearance, therefore, themes of deformity and insecurity are successfully evoked (figure.1b). As the camera angle is placed to the side, the audience can clearly see the antagonist behind the antagonist(s), which in turn evokes feelings of anticipation and excitement (figure.1a). White is a colour used to depict supernatural beings as well as skeletons, therefore, themes of death are effectively displayed.
Japanese directed horror:
Again, using a number of scenes from Ju-on: The Grudge (2002) and Ringu (1998), I continued to pick these scenes apart and analyse them.
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| Figure.1c |
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| Figure.1d |
Description:
The scaling between the characters and the environments are both realistic and appropriate. The shapes that are present within
these scenes focus mainly on rectangles and squares. The vertical and horizontal lines in these films are primarily angular rather than straight. Colour is very dull, focusing on low values and dark colour patterns. Characters and the environment are separated well through the use of non-conflicting shapes. Close and medium camera distances are favoured. The cameras in these scenes appear to be set at high and low heights. Cameras angles are mixed, however, the side and top-down camera angles appear to be preferred. Infinite depth of field is used as there are no signs of shallow activity within these scenes. Contrasting lighting is evident within these scenes as well as three point lighting.
Analysis:
Antagonists are visually depicted using lower value colours, primarily white. Contrasting colours within the background compliment the characters in the
foreground. Materials and colours of the walls use contrasting colours to highlight and compliment the floors. Dark colour patterns are depicted using shades of grey, blue, cream and brown. Hiding objects in the background using the close up camera angle helps drive suspense within these scenes. Mixing the height of the camera allows a less fixed pattern of power and/or authority in a characters presence and performance. The top-down and side camera angles grants the audience with clear vision as to what is happening in each scene.
Interpretation:
The aim of these scenes is to successfully project horror. Feelings of suspense are evoked through camera driven perspectives (figure.1c + d). Themes of isolation are projected using high contrast lighting and deep shadows (figure.1c + d) . Themes of insecurity and feelings of anxiety, excitement and anticipation are evoked by the hiding of the character's face using long black hair (figure.1d). Themes of death are promoted by the use of white in the protagonist(s) appearance (figure.1d). Themes of darkness are evoked through the use of lower value colour patterns (figure.1c + d). The protagonist's clothing aids in the projection of the high contrast lighting by using solid light and dark colour values (figure.1c + d.)Judgement:
Setting, composition, lighting and colour are the criterion I think are most fitting towards drawing judgement upon these scenes. Themes of isolation are projected successfully because the high contrast lighting hides objects/characters/details in the background (figure.1c + d). Low value colour patterns successfully depict a darkened atmosphere because light is being absorbed rather than reflected (figure.1c + d). Death is highlighted via the use of white because white is the colour of bones and is the central colour of the final state/appearance of a deceased body (figure.1d). As the camera perspectives focus on character performance, environment activity and are not fixed, feelings of suspense are effectively evoked (figure.1c + d). The audience cannot see the full details of the antagonist's appearance, therefore, themes of insecurity and feelings of excitement, anxiety and anticipation are successfully evoked (figure.1d). High contrast lighting focuses on using solid light and dark values, effectively aided of course by the high colour value of the protagonist's wardrobe (figure.1c + d).
Conclusion: What unique characteristics have I identified within these Japanese directed horror film scenes?
The unique characteristics that I have identified within Japanese directed horror films are best described using the criteria for my judgements; setting, colour, lighting and composition.
- Setting - the settings are focused on interiors rather than exteriors. isolation is projected by using large rooms and carefully planned object/prop placement that does not draw focus from what is happening on-screen.
- Colour - alongside a heightened greyscale as a result of increased saturation, low value and dark colour patterns are used to promote the Japanese horror atmosphere. The only bright or high value colours used are those for the protagonist(s) clothing and the depiction of the antagonist(s) appearance
- Lighting - high contrast and three point lighting are the preferred choices for Japanese directed horror films, adding more shadows to the surrounding environment and thus, projecting an isolated horror atmosphere more effectively by evoking feelings of anxiety.
- Composition - the scale of objects/characters/environments are realistic and straightforward. Ambiguous changes in proportions are not present and seemingly unused. Lines are more angular, encouraging perspective art work. The camera focuses on being set at higher and lower heights, with the preferred camera angles being set at the side or from a top-down perspective. Shapes are non-conflicting and do not draw focus. The level of detail in each scene is improved by using an infinite depth of field.
Next steps:
- Apply characteristics to personal horror interpretation
- Update personal horror criteria
- Continue to add and update these unique characteristics
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