Analysis of Horror Films - The Ring

Lighting

The opening scene of "The Ring" takes place in a teenage girls bedroom, a very typical American scene. The lighting used is very dark, focusing on blacks and greys to portray the melancholic mood of the scene. One light at the back is used to create a contrast with the opposite side of the

bed which is dark and shadowy representing the unknown. The light also highlights the mis-en-scene of the room, such as a chest of draws next to the bed with miscellaneous but typical items on, setting the scene for the bedroom of a teenage girl.

The television set ahead of them, unseen by the camera is reflecting onto their faces creating another light which highlights the faces of the characters.

Camera Shots

The camera shots are very sharp, using a lot of tracking and panning. Close ups and zooms are focused in on important objects to the plot such as television screens and telephones and the character's faces. Low level, point of view and birds eye shots. These shots highli

ght the psychological importance of the objects which are being zoomed in on for the audience, creating a feeling of fear.

Characters

The two characters are dressed in school uniform, this signifies their age, to tell the audience that they are teenagers. The uniform is a symbol of innocence, contrasting with the fact that in films of the past few years it has become something of a sex symbol due to horror and slasher films.

Film Credits

'The Ring' uses no titles to introduce the actors and film makers, this is so that the audience can focus on the plot of the introduction, and credits could distract the viewer from the scene.

Sound

Synthesisers are used to build up the tension for the audience, a lot of extended silence is used to create a scene that is "too quiet" so the audience expect something bad to occur.