Killers

Secondary research - Sinister 2.

Analyse 3 killers in horror films. When considering the areas below (mise-en-scene), remember to comment upon what qualities, characteristics and behaviours are represented through use of conventions. Analyse two that follow conventional killer characteristics, and one that goes against what you would expect to see from a killer in a horror film.

Costume and props

The killer in sinister 2 (Bhughul) wears typical dark clothing reinforcing the theme of unknown to the audience. Having the colour black emphasises the characters dangerous behaviour. 

This killer (Bhughul) has several abnormalities on his face, emphasising he is seen to be supernatural. It also helps to hide his identity creating a sense of mystery.  

This antagonist uses a large hook as his weapon. This supports the conventions as it allows the killer to get up close and personal with characters. A sense of realism is added as hooks are associated with something other than horror films (fishing).

Body language and facial expressions

The killers body language (Bhughuul) and attitude is one that is shared by many killers. Having the killers mouth sown together makes it hard to identify his emotions however, having the mask reinforces the theme that killers are isolated from society due to disfigurements.

Having the emotions of the killer hidden also also means events can be more sudden as audiences will not be able to relate to his feeling. He stood with good posture therefore overlooking all characters.

Motivation/Backstory

 In order for the killer to survive, he had to consume the souls of human children. This allows him to transport into the world of mortals. In the trailers they do not mention the backstory however through independent research, I have discovered Bhughuul is meant to represent the 'real life' boogie monster. 

Killer 2 -  Friday the 13th

Costume and props

This character (Jason Vorhees) also follows many of the horror conventions . His face is hidden with a white mask, segregating himself from the other characters making himself isolated. The mask also hides the identity of the character supporting the theme of unknown. 

A large chainsaw is this characters main prop. Although this may challenge a convention as it is not an everyday object, it still would needed to be used up close which killers enjoy. Again, he is dressed in dark clothing creating a sinister atmosphere.

Body language and facial expressions

 The killer's body language and expressions divides him from the rest of the characters. He is seen as inhuman as  his actions show extreme violence.  

Jason's backstory tells us that he is bullied for his disfigurements making this the reason to wear the mask. We mainly see Jason standing calmly or attacking brutally.                   

Motivation/backstory

This killer follows the convention of having a troubled childhood. Jason was severely bullied for his scars making him feel different from everyone else. This is used to explain his target audience, groups of teenage friends.

Killers - Anabelle

Costume/props

In Anabelle, the killer wore the same costume throughout the film, a long white night dress. The colour of her dress juxtaposes her role as white represents innocence and purity. The dress is discoloured and stained therefore taking away these representations. 

The main prop used was the doll Annabelle. As well as the character the dole looked irregular and sinister. Large eyes combined with luminous red lipstick made audiences frightened as they 'stared' you in the eye creating a personal feel. A toy doll is also seen as a children's toys and stereotypically seen in a positive view therefore seeing it used negatively put viewers on edge.

Body language and facial expressions

The characters expressions (John and Mia) support their moods. The parents look confused and worried showing their small amount of authority whilst the doll has a large permanent smile supporting her power. The body language also tells us that the couple is scared and frightened, when becoming panicked they would slow their movement down in order to be more pre-cautious.

Motivation / backstory

A seven year old girl named Annabelle Higgins had been found dead in a field which had now been built on, creating flats where Donna and Angie lived. Her spirit remained, and when the doll came into the house the girl latched on to it. She found Donna and Angie to be trustworthy. She just wanted to stay with them. She wanted to be safe with them. Unfortunately, they locked Annabelle in a box where her spirit waited to be set free again. Although Annabelle was performing negative activities such as scaring, the box allowed her to build up this sadness of being disowned.