Blogging activity B

This is a sequence from the movie Insidious. I have chosen this clip because I think that there are many techniques used to to create tension and suspense especially with the use of camera work and editing.

Natural lighting is used throughout this sequence to add realism to the situation. Also, a series of mid shots between the man and his mother are shown to illustrate their change of facial expressions and body language. This helps the audience to identify with the emotions and feelings of the character. The camera zooms in and out of the characters faces as the mid shots are shown, this is effective in capturing the audience's attention and allows them to focus on the characters.

Fade in and fade outs are used throughout this sequence to show the audience the alternating scenes of the dream and of reality. When the audience are shown the dream, it is always shown in a point of view shot. This makes the audience more anxious and the build up of tension begins as it feels like the audience themselves are walking through the corridors in her dream. Also, the lighting switches from natural lighting to a dark mysterious lighting to add suspense and to foreshadow something bad that is going to happen. As we follow the camera towards the bedroom, the editing of the sound of creaking doors are produced. This is effective in building tension and suspense. Additionally, some close ups are introduced to emphasise the feelings and emotions of the characters.

Whilst showing the flashbacks of her dream, silence is used to build up the tension and suspense. Also, occasional sounds are added to frighten the audience. In this particular part of the flashback, we hear the creaking of the door and then as the creature is revealed a loud sharp sound is heard.

Gradually, the camera zooms in closer to the character's faces to build up suspense as the story unravels and the dream is illustrated. However, as the audience recovers from the frightening sight of the creature, we are suddenly shown the creature again in reality behind the man. The sound effect which was used to accompany this section was very effective in shocking the audience.

At the end of the sequence, a long shot is used to show the reactions of the three characters. The rule of thirds is used very effectively here as the three characters have been placed so that the spaces are used accurately.
Overall, this sequence effectively delivers the definition of a thriller with the use of the camera work and in particularly the sound effects.