Analysis of Past Work- High Grade

Torn- A Grade Example

Strengths

Lighting-  The outside lighting is slightly dim, I assume it was filmed in the early evening.  This makes the scene appear creepy and dull which adds to the sinister feel of the thriller genre.  The high key lighting when the male character enters the shed is great as it urges the viewer the focus on what he is holding and what he is doing.  The low key lighting used on the close ups of the characters feet and hands when they are walking and opening the gate show that these simple procedures aren't all that simple.  It brings a creepy essence to the actions as the viewer is left wondering why this action was such a deep focus.  The bright lighting used to cause purposeful shadows brings a chilling sense to the scene as the male character cuts the dolls into pieces.  Shadows create mystery and questions for the audience and this is what is required in a opening scene.  The aim of an opening scene is to create suspense and mystery and using shadows executes this perfectly.

Camera and Editing-  Both camera and editing have been used brilliantly to grasp the eeriness of a horror.  The initial pan at the beginning of the scene makes the viewer's eyes follow the pan and land their focus on the door where the young man walks out.  This camera technique hooks the viewer into focusing on what is happening on the screen. 

Weaknesses

Although this piece is of a very high quality, there is always room for improvements.  Personally,  I believe some of the low angled shots of the male character's face appear slighting distorted and this doesn't look intentional.  From this I have learnt that when I do my filming, I will consider camera angles and make sure they look normal and not deformed.

Another place where there is room for improvement is possibly with the music.  I feel like the upbeat strings don't fit the scene as well as a slower piece would've done.  The music sounds slightly out of place when it comes in after the high pitched screechy strings.  These strings noises fit perfectly, whereas the faster ones, not so much.