Villain's in horror: my inspired villain

In order to make a horror work, there needs to be an 'evil' character in the story otherwise known as a villain. Their role is as the antagonist, the one who tends to have a negative effect on other characters and constitutes an important evil agency in the plot. The villain is a foil to the story's hero/heroes and is an obstacle the hero must struggle to overcome. There are contrasting traits between the two characters, from heroic traits to villainous ones. In my teaser I aim to make a clear distinction between the two.

In many horrors, it is common for villains to do acts for wish-fulfillment. A convincing villain must be given a characterization that makes their motive for doing wrong convincing. Roger Ebert, a film critic commented that "each film is only as good as its villain. Since the heroes and the gimmicks tend to repeat from film to film, only a great villain can transform a good try into a triumph." A villain in which inspired my idea to characterise my villain is Jigsaw, who's profound role is in Saw. The character after a failed suicide attempt, experienced a new respect for his own life and set out to put others through deadly trials to help them appreciate their own lives by their will to live through self-sacrifice. His past and new person is similar to the idea in my own, as Fearane in my teaser previously suffered in an abrasive childhood which led him into teaching his victims the meaning of life by also putting them to the test. However, the test in Fearane is also psychological as well as being physical, to create more pathos unlike the physical intensity in Saw.

Every villain needs an name so we as an audience can identify with them, and the name choice was essential when naming my villain. The jigsaw name was given by the media for his practice of cutting puzzle pieces out of flesh of those who failed their ordeals and perished, symbolic of their missing survival instincts. As the name jigsaw was chosen down to meaning, I felt is was necessary to choose a name which is unique, leading to the choice of Fearane. The first part, fear, is a term humans experience when afraid which not only reflects how Fearane felt as a child, but also his character giving off this effect.

Another pointer essential when characterising the villain in a horror film is their person. Jigsaw is mysterious who kidnaps people he sees as wasting their lives and attempts to 'save' them which is ironic. This is accomplished by administering inhumane tests consisting of mechanical devices rigged to maim or kill the subjects or other victims if not completed within a certain time period. Although my villain Fearane also kidnaps those who question or justify the meaning of existence, he performs tests between his uppermost victims who know each other. When a question is answered wrongly, that is when they suffer the physical pain. He has no intention to ever release his victims from the torture put upon them, put sustains their suffering till eventually the victims lives are taken from them naturally. Unlike jigsaw, he intends for his victims to die as that is what satisfies the pain he earlier suffered in his own life.

Due to having such successful villains, films manage to earn an extremely high revenue even when behind other horror. Despite Saw ranking 3rd behind The Grudge and Ray, it still went on to gross $103.1 million in 9 weeks in theatres, with $18,276,468 earned on its opening week-end. The villain therefore was one of the highest points to consider when making my teaser trailer, as it determines the success of the overall film.

Locations for filming

I plan to film my teaser trailer primarily in a dark, cramped room with a bleak atmosphere which not only the characters are trapped in, but the audience can also sympathise with them due to the size and glumness of the room in which the two girls are tortured in. The location in the teaser will appear as an abandoned room which resembles the appearance of a squat; unkept and unpleasant. The strong dose of reality in it is what will make the teaser work, as it is a familiar setting many fear to end up in.

Villains from movies

My horror villain!!!

Analysis of The Dark Knight teaser trailer

I chose to view and analyse 'The Dark Knight' teaser trailer due to the aspects the home creator of the teaser used in order to establish the horrific ideas which influenced and relate to my teaser.

The distributor of the film is instantly displayed to us- 'A Time Warner Company' which is well-known, resulting in an increase of audience as they are aware on the expense of the film so we expect to be excited into the thrill of horror and not just cliche ridden. Certain admires for the distributor are also lured into watching the film as they feel their expectations will be fulfilled. However, although the benefits of having a well known distributor, i felt that it would be just as effective creating a low budget film as low investment still results in a high return due to horror being at the top end of the market as humans love being scared; we become awake to whatever it is that threatens us. Sanchez commented in the guardian that "The Internet will have faster and faster ways to steam video. Within 10 years you will be able to make movies and distribute them online without ever having to talk to a distributor." I was influenced from his view that it would be unnecessary to have one as emerging directors have already jumped to acting through this conclusion.

Commonly used within teaser trailers, 'The Dark Knight' begins with a black screen keeping viewers anxious as to the image next displayed. In order to make the image appear more shocking and horrific, a sharp sound is played as it is displayed, highlighting the significance to what we see. These sounds wake us up to the fear which is an expression Hitchcock famously used to say. The first shot is of cards from a pack, scattered across a table which relates to the 'joker' who is a protagonist many would have been aware of when first viewing the teaser from seeing promotional posters. Further recognisable traits belonging to the joker is of a laugh which we can hear when the following black screen is visible. Ironically, it is of an evil laugh which is a feature in my teaser which we can hear from the villain, showing that the human which we would consider normal, is in fact not. The villain therefore is a strong dose of reality which viewers may fear coming across in real life, resulting in the horror working.

Following use of editing is used through using a black screen leading onto an image juxtaposed with the sudden sound. One of these include a medium shot of a man wearing all back holding a mask in his hand whilst standing in a public place. Instead of zooming out so we become aware of the character, the camera zooms in so we are clueless as to who this man is, raising questions to viewers, teasing us. In my story board, i plan to use this technique by displaying the legs and feet of a man in a doorway which results in the fear of a female character. Another shot which is a feature I plan to use in my teaser is the hand up against a window. The horrific element in this shot in 'The Dark Knight' is of the dark knight hung, however with the famous mouth of the joker ironically. This particular shot is effective as the juxtaposition of features found on the two protagonists confuse the audience as to which character is actually is. However in my shot, I plan to use the common element found within a horror of blood which is rooted in the history of horror. The fact that the hand in my shot hits the window suddenly, then drags downwards smothered in blood, denotes being trapped and physically hurt, something that almost all human fear. One other shot which is relative to my teaser is of the close up onto the dark knight. I feel that in order to make a teaser successful, it is essential to include the protagonists face so we get an image onto this character and still no nothing about them. By showing them draws viewers into wanting to watch the film and have a distinctive idea as to what they look like as their image is important. I also liked the idea of using low key lighting as it created a dark atmosphere, conventional in a horror and is influential in my plans to use lighting effectively.

After the continuous series of shots followed after the black screen as well as the sustained, shaky, minor note becoming louder, the editing also speeds up. I plan to use this skill of editing within my teaser for variation and a wider taste into the excitements found within the film. The transition of shots are ambiguous as they can be interpreted differently. Although some being obvious such as the medium shot of a TV screen with a reporter and the words 'breaking news' behind him which suggests an alerting event has taken place, presumably due to one of the protagonists, others are unclear, raising more questions over answers. The close up onto a woman's face who is speaking, can be interpreted differently as we can not hear what she is saying, Her facial expression displays different messages; some might say she looks scared and is shouting words for her life, others may say she is being authorial, giving a speech for reassurance to others. Another example is of a medium shot of a mans middle section of the body wearing a suit, carrying a complex unfamiliar object. Despite it being clear that the man wearing green at the side gave it to him from holding the box in which it came from; what is the object for? who is the man holding it? In my teaser, I aim for the outcome to also raise more questions that answers as it is the prime element of teasing. Viewers are given an insight into snippets of the film however do not know what the snippets are all about.

As the quick edits filled with action and horrifying images end, a black screen is displayed for less than a second with titles merging out of the darkness. The first is 'The Dark Knight' which establishes the name of the movie, and the fact the writing is in a capital, icy, spaced font shows the importance of every letter and the use of words. The title is of one of the protagonists, making us aware of his important position. Usually, a characters name whom is also in the title, symbolizes their importance and heroic person. We gain knowledge that the dark knight character is present as a foil to the joker character, therefore is destined to save the victims we know the joker captures after reading the plot. The following title is 'summer 2008', the date which was decided for the films release. As it is planned to be released in the summer term, is one of the best times of year for making a higher revenue. This is because it is a time of year where many may be off work and school so are more likely to visit the cinema, watching a film with famous actors and and elaborated editing. The distributor may also have agreed to chose the release date in the summer as other high gross movies may not be released in the same period, so there is no competition resulting in more viewers.

The strengths and weaknesses of last years year 13 work

As part of research and planning, we as a class viewed six of last years year 13 teaser trailers. From watching them, I was able to notice the strengths and weaknesses each had in my opinion, and commented on three very different ones.
'Judas Kiss' is of a crime genre and appeared to fail in its primary function as a teaser, resulting in having no desire to further watch. This was due to lack of appeal as little was provided; nothing on characters appearance or person and it doesn't entice viewers into the exciting moments in film. The only source of information provided was through the use of titles. The location was also not varied, but filmed in Liverpool street station and on a train. However, the train can be interpreted as a symbol for running away which connects with the genre. The fact that the character, who we do not see uses point of views shots gives the idea of being cautious of the surroundings, not being seen. The soundtrack is another feature reflecting the genre as it is fast, with a synergy of the train.
Another teaser viewed was named 'Finding him' which unlike 'Judas Kiss' gave away the right amount, but it could be argued too much was shown, especially through the titles revealing too much of the plot. The voice over of the protagonist reading the letter, although effective in relation to the shots displayed, is commonly used in extended trailers so revealed too much on the characters situation. The writing on the letter was also neatly written which isn't as effective as it could have been. Messy jilted handwriting would have reflected the characters state. However, there was a good range of shots although some editing was too long, the prime one being of the girl looking into the mirror. As the music became faster so did the editing possibly as a build up to the climax, causing earlier suspense. Other shots such as the train are unclear which may tease some viewers or confuse them. It is only having read the plot that we become aware of the significance of it.
A final teaser viewed was 'Glass Surface'. It's overall feeling was more of a trailer as oppose to the brief of a teaser as although there was lack of variety, the titles gave away the plot simply- a woman's struggle turning into addiction. She appears frustrated from work given by the symbol of a calculator which results in her drinking alcohol. However, the lighting from the lamp working nicely, using relative lighting in correlation to the shots. The soundtrack was also extremely dramatic, music we as viewers would expect to hear in big gross movies such as 'Avatar'. To some viewers to may be commented that it reflects the severity of her addiction and the huge impacts it has on her life. The final element in the teaser I noticed was of the font. Although the film is featured on a female character, the flowery font appeared more associated with a chick flick genre as the shots and music shown were more intense in comparison. The character acting was well done, making the intensity appear more realistic and relative to the audience.
Watching last years teasers gave me a broader idea on the conventions of a teaser and typical mistakes made which are more commonly used within a trailer. There mistakes influenced to make sure the brief is met,raising more questions than answers.

Synopsis of 'Fearane'

Set in London, the capital of England, live Emily and Charlie who have been best friends since their early school days and do almost everything together. Now that they have just finished their examinations in year thirteen, they decide to celebrate their achievements and a new leaf in their lives. What they are unaware of is what the first chapter holds, they are oblivious to their fate to come.
Fearane has been stalking the girls ever since over-hearing their discussion on the meaning of existence; he warped that they were the best victims he could choose to prove his own definition of existence; an abrasive childhood has left him evil and without morals. But he was no normal person, his appearance is horrifying; with an extremely pale complexion, white washed eyes and a blood filled mouth. Whilst Emily and Charlie travelled on shopping trips, viewed films in the cinema and went for walks in the park, he took photos of them and followed their every move till he felt he knew the characters of each from their insides to out. Through his followings he discovers their strengths and weaknesses to help his cunning plan succeed. Whilst the girls are each making their way home after their evening out celebrating in a local bar, Fearane whom is lurking in the darkness following them, captures both and entraps them in abandoned rooms away from any protection, despite living in busy London.
After waking up several hours later, the girls are each tied up and trapped looking ill treated and vulnerable. Whilst trapped there, the girls are tormented, both psychologically and physically, close to their deaths. Both are asked questions about each other and when answered wrongly, a sharp blade which Fearane is holding is pushed deeper into the flesh of the two, resulting in a severe loss of blood. But it does not stop them from trying to escape in order to be re-united with one another and away from the horror of Fearane. Against the audience's expectations, it is in fact Emily, a weak and clueless girl who survives. She sees hand scratches in a piece of wood, which a previous victim may have done in order to be free. She uses her own hands to pull the piece of wood upwards and pull her way underground till she is led into a sewage system with drains leading to the road. Charlie against her misfortunes, is left in the abandoned room, starved and injured resulting in her death two days later. Emily, too afraid to go back to the room where Charlie is left, never mentioned the incident again, betraying her closest and only friend.

Planning stage

Trailers v's Teasers

What do you think are the conventions of teaser trailers?

The prime convention of a teaser trailer is that they are generally shorter than a full length trailer. Within the teaser, there are hints if not any information on the plot or central characters. The actors names and appearances are generally not displayed either to give a sense of mystery and the idea of the unknown. If they are displayed however, the audience are still not fully aware on the type of character they are or the role they lead. In order to use efficient time within he trailer, more text may be displayed than that in a trailer to give us clues and an insight into the film.

How can Saw 3D and Paranormal activity 2 be defined as teaser trailers?

Saw 3D and Paranormal activity 2 can be defined as teaser trailers from the typical conventions both have which are found within almost all teaser trailers. In Paranormal activity 2 teaser trailer, there are only 18 shots used to give a taster as to what is in the movie. The fact that all the shots are long indicates that the majority of the movie is filmed using long shots to create suspense. This is reflected in the teaser as there is a constant build up of suspense on the supernatural presence we sense is significant in the film. There is no information on the characters in the teaser but the only figure we are exposed to is blacked out so we are still clueless to who this being is. A lot of the trailer uses text to entice us and show the established viewers how much better it is than the first. The shots of the audience screaming on sudden moments in the film is also evident of this, making us as viewers feel on edge. Although Saw 3D is also another example shown in a teaser trailer, it uses 28 shots. The more shots used within a teaser can reflect the genre or perhaps the plot the film is based around. Many shots within the teaser display characters close to their death, but just before the moment, the shot changes which teases viewers as we don't find out whether they survive or not. Instead they move to other shots to show a variety of action within the film and provide hints of the plot. Hints are also displayed through the use of titles, some being 'save the best till last' and 'the traps come alive'. These titles are unease as the fact we are aware the film is in 3D may make this particular Saw more horrifying and gory.

How do they adhere to the conventions of horror?

Despite Saw 3D and Paranormal activity 2 being teaser trailers, they still use elements to reflect the movie's horror genres. Paranormal activity 2's teaser uses the horror convention of sound. The dog we hear barking teases us with the genre, likewise to many horror movies, the noise is an indication of danger. At the beginning of the teaser, sharp noises from the TV can be heard while the focus is jilted. This is uncomfortable to watch as the audience are unclear as to why this is displayed and the up-coming jump it may lead to.The fact that the teaser is filmed through CCTV on a screen makes it seem more realistic which adds to the element of horror. We feel more sympathetic to the characters as the idea of the supernatural presence in their house is a fear one may have, as it is more likely to come alive in our own lives as oppose to seeing a typical horror monster such as a vampire or zombie. Another recognisable noise is of a heartbeat which creates further tension before revealing the climatic moment. As the audience filmed screaming in the teaser is shown reflects this, just after the constant build up of suspense. Saw 3D, although not sharing the same sub-genre of horror, is also adhered into the genre. As victims are being displayed tortured and close to their death is horrifying to watch and as the shot changes to tease us, further suspense is created, similarly to Paranormal activity 2. Images displayed of a saw and blood are gory to view, and are conventions widely used in many horror films.