9 key screenshot analysis - hush

The first screenshot I have chosen sets the scene for the film. Behind the house it blacks out due to low lighting which builds up suspense because the audience begins to imagine what could be hidden there. The use of trees creating obstructed vision works in the same way. The isolated location is a thiller convention so therefore prepares the audience for a scary film.

 

My second shot shows a close of of a corkscrew. The character is opening what appears to be a bottle of wine, this is a common practice during a time of celebration which contrasts with the narrative of the film. This shot foreshadows an event later on in the film. The character is gripping the cork screw very hard which allow hints to the audience that she needs this object later on.

 

My third shot shows the characters full portrait at a medium close up. Usually this allows the audience to perceive the characters emotions, however during the shot the woman remains straight faced. This creates suspense as this will create fear amoung much of the audience due to the unknown.

 

My fourth shot shows double of the character. This will mess with the audiences head as thiller a commonly do and creates suspense. During this shot the character is having a conversation/argument with herself. This will be uncommon to the audience.

My fifth shot shows the bad character stroking a cat. This contradicts genre conventions as this is quite an innocent activity to be doing and not what the audience would expect. This makes the scene have more sinister qualities. The cat is white which has connotations of innocence which contrasts with the characters personality, therefore creating a paradox within the shot.

My sixth shot is a flash back that the man character has. It features high key lighting unlike the rest of the film which in in low key. This makes the shot stand out to the audience. As it is only ver short it creates a sense of ambiguity. The character could be thinking of reasons to live and finding the encouragement she needs or her life could be flashing before her eyes during her final moments before death.

 

My seventh shot shows a hand reaching for a corkscrew. The hand is covered in blood which creates enigma as the audience is unsure who's hand it is. This highlights that both sides have hurt each other during the film. The corkscrew had been foreshadowed earlier in the film and is now used to save the woman. 

 

My eight shot shows both characters laying side by side on the floor. Both are severely injured and as neither body moves it is clear to the audience that the film's end is near. The low key lighting on the edges continues to create enigma but the zoomed out shot shows finally in the violence.

 My final shot shows the back of the main character who is sitting down with a relieved posture. The surrounding area remains black which creates suspense, however in the to, right hand corner we can see blue lights. This suggests that emergency services are near and creates a sense of safety within the audience. Equilibrium will soon be returned to the characters life.