Media Language Investigation

Jordan Harrison

Cinematography: close-ups, establishing and panning shots to show the characters and the setting. The majority of the plot is revealed in the trailer as it is a sequel to the other saw films.

Sound: starts with a backing track to set a calm relaxing, regular day mood in the village. The music then changes with the use of a piano to a threatening soundtrack. Conventional aspects such as soundstings and loud noises such as screams are included throughout. Also they reference scary movies in the trailer, using the catchphrase of the Scream franchise “what’s your favourite scary movie?”.

Mise-en-scene: Begins in a normal urban town setting, on an average day. Becomes dark and secluded at night. The ghost mask is also a vital part of the mise-en-scene of the film and also the phones which get used to make the calls are vital to the film.

Editing: starts at a slow pace, builds up to increase tension as a number of victims are show, the time between cuts becomes much shorter (faster paced).

Cinematography: handheld angles and motion shots to make it seem like the viewer is in the film. Also the idea of a security camera is used to increase fear factor and make it seem as it was based on a true story.

Sound: sound stings on pulsing moments, a slight heartbeat sound effect to increase tension. Screams and a fuzzy noise as the trailer cuts suddenly at the end.

Mise-en-scene: normal clothes, normal suburban house setting. Makes film scarier as it seems more realistic. Handheld camera is used as a prop in the film to make it seem like a person is filming true events. Also same with security cameras.

Editing: quick cuts, no transitions, separated by captions and fuzzy screens. Tension increased throughout with quicker cuts and the use and lack of background sound.

Cinematography: many close up shots showing emotions and reactions of characters. Panning shots to establish settings. Fades as a transition between shots that fit in with the sound.

Sound: loud, quick sound stings, contrasts with the early build up sounds which all move in the shot transitions. Screams taken from the movie and a live audience, showing the reaction they give to the film.

Mise-en-scene: dark rooms and atmosphere, blood, isolated settings, dirty clothing similar to the other movies in the series. Creepy masks, costumes and dolls, all common conventions of a horror film. Sharp metallic objects and machinery used violently.

Editing: Quick paced to fit with the sound and a fast, energetic mood. Gives the idea of running to escape a killer.