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Most scariest props in a horror film
From Researching, I have discovered that the most frightening prop viewers recognise from horror films were toy dolls and masks. Knowing this can then help my group to understand what props we should include in order to fulfil the horror genre.
Masks and disfigurements
My group has collectively decided that we will not use a mask on our killer. This is because our killers backstory focuses on wanting attention therefore hiding his identity would defeat the fact that he wants to be known. However we still want our killer to have a disfigurement (scars on his face) to add emphasis on him being isolated from society because of his differences.
Make-up
One prop we will be using is face paint/ make-up. This is going to be used to emphasise the scars on his face. Although not clarified, we have began a discussion on whether our killer will have a painted smile on his face, similar to the picture. I believe this will be effective as it juxtaposes the personality of the character highlighting his misery and distress.
Knife
One way we could kill one of our victims is stabbing with a knife, this is a stereotypical death of a horror film in which we can incorporate. This would be less of a challenge than other deaths as we can buy a plastic knife as well as ingredients to make fake blood.
Black clothing
In order to give our killer a sister look, we collectively decided the antagonist should be dressed in all black. From research, I have discovered that the use of mise-en-scene can add a specific mood to the atmosphere, the black clothing does this by adding mystery and unknown. 'It creates a barrier between itself and the outside world' - We aim for audiences to make this conclusion through their clothing as this is a horror convention.
Repeated and varied conventions
Collectively, our group has chosen conventions which are seen in almost every trailer to keep the audience engaged. One key idea was to use everyday items such as a knife due to our feedback of having a realistic idea. This will reinforce this idea.
One convention we have challenged is not to have a mask on our killer. This is because we felt that the antagonists identity will be sufficiently hidden through camera angles (over the shoulder and long shots).
Rosary beads
Rosary beads will be a vital prop in our trailer. This will reinforce the religious upbringing in the killers backstory. It will also be used to reflect on the positive aspect of the killers identity where he can be shown to live an ordinary life when being socialised with. It also emphasises the binary opposition of good vs evil.
Religious props
We will also include a cross or bible as this is where the killer takes his perception of society from including the way to oblige by rules e.g. The Ten Commandments.
