Still Analysis

Photo Analysis



We were given the task to create a film still to correspond with a particular genre. The genre which this still fits into is horror. This shot shows a girl crouching in the corner of a basement as the silhouette of what appears to be a hand approaches her.

What we did to achieve this still
The shot is a high angle shot looking down on the girl. We used this shot to try and create the feeling that the girl is in a vulnerable position to go with the horror genre. We chose to use the cellar as the set for our shot because cellars have very eerie, haunting connotations which fit in well with the genre. Using a small light, we back-lit the hand so that it's silhouette was projected onto the wall. We positioned the light at a distance from the hand so that it appeared bigger than it actually was to create a dominating, intimidating presence.

The girl in this shot is in a position which makes her as small as possible. This gives off the effect that she is scared and attempting to stay hidden from the approaching presence. The girl is crouched beneath the hand which gives the hand a position of power which further adds to the effect that the girl is a helpless victim. Often in horror films the victim is in a position of 'no escape' so to create this feeling we positioned the girl in the corner of the room.

What is successful?
The use of light is really successful in this shot as it makes the hand stand out and appear very haunting. The cellar is a good location choice as in creates the feeling that there is no escape which really fits in with the genre.

What could be improved?
The girl in this still should be slightly more prominent. We could do this by adding a little more light to the shot or focusing the camera on her. Also, I think we should have moved the ladder out of the shot as it detracts attention from the main focus of the still.