Killer Heels Analysis

Shot: Warner Bro's (our chosen film institution)
Reason: Having a film institution/production company appear at the start is one of the main conventions of a film opening and we felt by including a prestigious institution that has a large following and a backlog of successful films (including films in the horror genre) will make our film opening look very professional and may draw in people who are fans of films produced by this label.

Shot type: Institutions

Reason: We have also chosen include Twisted Pictures as our next institution as they are associated with horror films, with a reputation of creating high quality films in this particular genre. This could, then attract fans of this genre who recognise the companies name and associate their favourite films with this one and furthermore entice them to watch our film

Shot Type: Panning Mid-Shot

Reason: We decided that a mid shot would be idyllic if used here as it would allow the audience to see the setting, character and situation clearly. The use of low-key lighting creates shadows which are very visually artistic, reflecting a sense of covering up mystery and hidden elements which are to be revealed throughout the film.

Shot Type: Close-up

Reason: We decided that the next shot that was needed was a close-up shot of our characters face. This type of shot is very effective in these types of situations, and we feel it helps to clearly show the emotion and terror of his facial expression. Being this close to the character and his emotions helps create a link between him and the viewer, allowing them to sympathise with him, and also because they are so up and personal with him, they feel on edge and on comfortable themselves, as they feel they are in the same situation as him.

Shot: Mid Shot
Reason: We then went straight from the close-up shot into a simple mid shot to finish this particular scene. Seeing as the scene initually began with a mid shot, this repetition gives the scene a sense of continuety and a well rounded flow.


Shot Type: Plain, Black Screen

Reason: The scene ends just with a pitch black screen. This abrupt end gives a firm termination of the previous scene. The black screen could also foreshadow the dark and sinister narrative to come, building the tension of the upcoming scene.

Shot: 24 Hours Earlier text
Reason: We all felt that to keep the progress of the narrative clear and easier to follow, this small bit of information informing the audience of the change it time periods was necessary. We chose used a plain black background, again linking with the negative associations, but also the fact that less is more and the simple style would not take away from the narrative at all, and would get the point across simply. The font of the text is also harsh and in a gothic style, linking back to the ideas of death and destruction.


Shot Type: Long Shot

Reason: We decided to set this particular scene in a dark woods and night time, as it is an obvious location used in many horror films, causing the audience to feel uneasy and wary. The long shot works well here as it creates the illusion of a long, scary, winding path on which he has to travel, alone. The audience may also feel slightly alarmed by the fact that the character is shown walking straight towards them, maybe leading danger straight to them. The way the character is surrounded and engrossed by tall, intimidating trees creates the scene that he is trapped and being led into somewhere dark and will have trouble getting away from it. During this the credits have started, displaying the directors name which is a usual feature in film opening credits.

Shot Type: High Angle Shot

Reason: This scene uses low key lighting to create a mysterious, unpredictable atmosphere, putting the audience on edge and nervous. This was the perfect time in which we could include a high angle shot. The use of high angle shots are common in horror movies, looking down on a particular person, usually the victim, making them look innocent, naive and vulnerable. We filmed it from a higher level through trees and bushes, panning along following the main character. This gives the illusion that he is being followed and watched


Shot: Low Angle/Panning
Reason: The camera was tilted upwards facing the dark sky, slowly tilting slightly downwards to reveal a clear shot of the house. This shot clearly shows the audience where this scene is supposed to be set. We cut straight to this shot, leaving the audience to assume that our character had successfully made his journey out of the wood to his house, meaning it was unnecessary for us to show the whole journey as this could get quite tedious. The light attached to the front of the house is the only source of light due to the fact that it was filmed at night time, giving a luminous, glowing effect, adding to the eerie nature.



Shot: Establishing Shot
Reason: This shot links to the previous low angle/panning shot, which tilts downwards to reveal an establishing shot of the front door of the house. The normal, innocence of the everyday house adds to the disturbing idea that bad things can happen to anyone, again making the audience feel more vulnerable and helpless themselves.

Shot: Long Shot
Reason: We needed to show the main character again so the audience did not lose the sympathy they had towards him. We liked the fact that it was so dark outside because this added to the tension and sense of mystery. The fact that you can see other houses in the frame adds a domestic feel to the scene and reinforces the idea that this could happen to anyone.



Shot Type: Over The Shoulder Shot

Reason: When our character was approaching his front door, we decided to include and over the shoulder shot. This particular shot type projects the idea that he is being followed and he doesnt realise.

Shot Type: Extreme Close Up

Reason: We are then shown a close up, focussing on his hand opening his front door. Linking it straight after the previous over the shoulder shot worries the audience as now they see he is opening his door to his mysterious follower. The intense focus on the act of him opening his door suggests to the audience that he is leading himself in to trouble and danger.

Shot: Match on Action
Reason: Similar to in our preliminary task, there was a perfect opportunity for us to use a match on action shot of our character walking through the front door, adding to the continuity and a steady flow from the previous shot into this one. By filming our main character coming through his door inside, it suggests that even though he has safely made it home, he is not a secure as he thinks he is.

Shot: Tilt Shot

Reason: This shot is a lot brighter and gives a warm, welcoming feel to the atmosphere. This deeply contrasts with the previous shots before it. We decided to use a tilt shot here as it disorientates and confuses the viewer, as if they too are being lured in to a false hope of safety and security when that may not be the case

Shot: Long Shot

Reason: Here we have decided to include a long shot. This suggests that he is being watched from a distance as he gradually walks away from the camera. Also shooting the main subject in center frame gives a false sense of security, superiority and control. The warm, homely colours and soft, subtle surroundings also add to the illusion he has now let his guard down and is in a completely vulnerable state, but he doesn’t know it yet.

Shot: Mid Shot/Match on Action

Reason: As the main character enters the next room, there is a slight change in atmosphere, with low key lighting conditions creating faint shadows, suggesting the unknown is lurking near, watching and waiting. We decided to again include match on action here as it creates a sense of repetition and adds to the sense of continuity.

Shot: Over The Shoulder Shot

Reason: Here, we have included a scene which we feel is effective and juxtaposes with scene of high tension like the woods scene. The inclusion of an everyday, domestic task gives a sense of normality to the everyday life of this character, and may allow the audience to relate to him as a fellow member of society. From a scene, walking alone in a dark, eerie woodland domineered by tall intimidating trees contrasts with the pure normality of this task which can be quite unsettling for the audience, suggesting that dark, terrible things can happen to anyone, and that none of us are 100% safe at any given time. The over the shoulder shots helps reinforce the idea that our character is being watched, with the mysterious force breathing down his neck, watching his every move.

Shot: Point of View Shot

Reason: Here, we have decided to use a point of view shot. This is a powerful camera angle which many horror films use to help create a relationship between the character and the viewer. It allows them to connect and sympathize with him on a personal level, and know what he’s going through from his perspective. Being close to a character in this way then puts the audience on edge as they feel like they are in that place themselves, and very vulnerable. We have included a clip from another horror film of someone being murdered. This is a symbol, foreshadowing death, blood, torture and negative themes to come. This again builds tension in the viewer as all these signs are coming together

Shot: Low Angle Shot

Reason: In horror, low Angle shots are usually used to depict the villain or killer, giving them superiority, status and power, however we have decided to use it showing our victim walking up the staircase. This could suggest the character is in power and safe. This will make the shock ten times worse when they realize he is actually walking towards his fate. It could also be interpreted as a point of view like camera shot, from the killers perspective, hiding and lurking at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for an opportune moment to pounce.

Shot: Mid Shot

Reason: In this shot, we see the character looking most vulnerable, in a fetal like position, with only a soft duvet as his shield from the dangers of his surroundings. The light puts him in the spot light, whereas the rest of the frame is engulfed in darkness, adding to the idea of the unknown.

Shot: Plain Black Screen

Reason: The plain black screen has been put here mainly to show a change in time (suggesting that the character has been asleep for a longer period of time), but also indicates the end of one scene and the start of the next. The fact that the audience are put in pure darkness, not knowing what is going to happen next, adds t the tension and keeps them glued to the screen, eager to find out what happens next.

Shot: Close Up Shot

Reason: We used black and white setting to signify this is late at night. It almost looks like a video camera. The camera was positioned on a tripod, looking through the bars of the end of the bed, adding to the idea of being watched. We have included a close-up shot of the characters face. This shot was perfect in this situation as it clearly shows the characters emotion and facial expression, allowing the audience to sympathize and pity him.

Shot: High Angle/Aerial Shot

Reason: The whole of the bedroom scene is shot in black and white, adding to the eerie, sinister atmosphere of being alone in the dark. As our victim is in a particularly vulnerable state (asleep and unaware of his surroundings), we chose to include a high angle shot. It makes the character look small, defenceless and suggests he is close to danger.

Shot: Low Angle/Point of View Shot

Reason: This scene causes the most tension throughout the film in my opinion. We wanted to show our victim being captured in an interesting way (instead of the obvious), so decided to use a low angle shot/point of view shot. We feel it looks very visually effective, giving status and power to the killer, as well as making the audience feel uneasy. Just showing the hand also keeps an air of mystery to who the killer is, adding to the mystery and fear of the unknown. The tension builds as the hand slowly travels closer and closer to the lens. This contact with the camera makes the viewer feel like they are personally in this situation, as if the hand is reaching out for them.

Shot: 24 Hours Later

Reason: Here we have repeated a message similar to the one before. We have used the same styled gothic font, reflecting the connotations of death and darkness, as well as using the contrast to the white text on the black backdrop. The simplistic elegance of the text makes sure not to take away any focus from the narrative. This is purely to decipher a change in time period, keeping the audience aware of what’s going on in the narrative.

Shot: Close Up Shot

Reason: We have shot our victim close-up, in centre frame. This shows his fearful expression and portray his feelings clearly. I love the colour scheme of this scene, with washed out, low saturated levels of colour. This could suggest he is delirious and confused in his beaten, disturbed state of shock and fright. The brick wall background has quite an industrial feel to it, which is a typical horror film setting. The murderers garage is a great location as the hard, cold and lifeless texture and structure of the brick wall mirror the harsh cold hearted nature of the killer.

Shot: Low Angle/Close Up Shot

Reason: I think this particular shot is very artistic and effective. As to keep the identity of our killer a mystery (to keep tension) we decided to show a low angle shot of just the killers feet. Mirroring the film title, the red heels a bright and stand out against the dull backdrop. These are the key symbol which are associated with the film’s title and allow the audience to use their imagination and come up with their own image of the killer (which elicits anxiety from everyone’s personal fears). The fact that she is walking directly into the camera alarms the viewers as they feel almost as if the killer is walking towards them.

Shot: Film Title

Reason: At the end of the opening we all decided this would be the appropriate place in introduce the title of the movie. It fades in from the darkness, adding to the mysterious nature of the situation. The font is in bright red, reflecting that the film is not for the faint hearted, containing death, blood torture and gore. The colour also links into the provocative, seductive nature of the film. The harsh sharp edges of the lettering could symbolize the shard weapon (heel) of which the killer uses on her victims. The backdrop is silent, apart from the sound of heels pacing across the floor. You cannot see what’s happening, but the sound of the heels gets nearer and louder, creating anxiety and apprehension in the audience.