Representation of Men within the Horror Genre

Representation of Men within the Horror (Zombie) Genre

Stereotypically men are shown as the strong protagonist within most horror films because of there role within society as the leaders and the people in charge. 
Within some of the first Horror-Zombie films like Night of the living dead which was released in 1968, men are shown to be the hero's and women are represented as useless as the just scream in the corner and let the men do all the work.
It is the same thing in more recent film such as Dawn of the dead, which is an internationally known film directed by  George A. Romero, within this film a group of survivors are hiding in an shopping mall and there is a bleak chance for survival but against all odds a man fights his way through saving a woman and then they fly off into the horizon. 
These representations came from when women had less rights and men dominated. Due to the rise in feminism and cultural as well as society changes, these roles and representations have been somewhat altered. For example, women are seen to outsmart killers and solve the mystery; this is seen in ‘Scream’ when female character Sidney overpowers the killer. Following this, some movies have strayed away from the whole idea of representation completely, and focus more on men and women working together to escape from the killer or death; this is seen in the ‘Saw’ movies.
In more recent years the role of men as the hero's have changed and they are no longer always the hero's and can in fact be the villains. Films such as Zombieland and Resident Evil have shown women in more central characters who save the day, but still the men are also still depicted as strong characters. 


Within my Zombie-Horror film i hope to subvert peoples expectations of the male role and make a female the main hero, and the men the weaker ones that need saving. This is in order to make my short film stand out and be different to the rest of the other short zombie films out there.  

Media Language- Mise-en-scene

Mise-en-scene

Setting and location – Relates to the location and place of events, the setting can either be built from scratch or it can be real. Setting can play a key part in a film due to the fact that from a glance we can tell the whereabouts of where filming has taken place. The location is a key aspect of any film, however, it plays a specifically important role within our film. This is due to our film requiring a location that appeared derelict of abandoned to make our film seem more realistic. 

This is one of the many locations

where the filming of the survivors being chased by the zombies occurs. As you can see it is a vast, open location which help to portray the situation the survivors are in due to the emptiness of the scene.This roughly where the end parts to our film was produced. This location was chosen to show the contrast between how calm and relaxed one location can be and then make it dangerous by adding the Infected and our Characters

In relation to our film, we are filming in a large open park, ideal for a lot of zombies running towards a group of helpless teenagers and the local college which appears abandoned.

Props... Props can be any objects present in the scene and anything in which the character interacts with. These can be anything. Within our film, these props consisted of pieces of wood acting as a defensive weapon.

Costume and make-up...The only costume will be that of the Surviving characters because we aim to not show the undead within the film in order to build tension and allow the audience to scare themselves through imagining what we are running from. The costumes that we will be wearing will be everyday dirty old clothes in order to show that this is an apocalypse. 

Lighting... Lighting can be used to focus on a certain person in the shot, they can highlight the individual of the scene. Or lighting can be used to dim the scene and make it appear dark and mysterious, for example shading sections of the individuals body or face.  In our case, we used natural light and a reflective surface in some of the scenes in order to enhance parts of the scene with extra light.

Casting and character movement... The film will require good acting in order to make the situation appear more believable. The characters have all been specifically chosen to play rolls that are typically seen within Horror/ Zombie films.

Media Language- Sound

Sound is one of the main aspects of  horror films as the different tones and tempo's help to determine different situations. The sound used will help to evoke emotion within the audience. Isolated instruments are often used before a key event which helps link the idea of vulnerability to the audience and to also help in building tension.

Long suspenseful notes often help contrast with short sharp notes to help shock the audience, or in other words, help show a change in the general mood. Also, the use of extreme but intentional changes of pitch or tones can often be affective. For example, low long brass notes which may suddenly occurs may help magnify the situation such as a high, fast paced sound representing the fast paced action, or to make the audience feel immediately tense.

Diegetic sound is any sound that the character or characters on screen can hear. So for example the sound of one character talking to another would be diegetic or the sound of the wind or bird song. Non-diegetic sound is any sound that the audience can hear but the characters on screen cannot. Any appearance of background music is a prime example of non-diegetic sound. 

Within the zombie horror genre sound is very important, sound is used like in most other films to build tension and excite the audience. Sound is going to be especially important within are film due to the that fact that the main villains of the film, the zombies will not actually be shown to the audience, so there existence shall be shown through dialog and sound effects and general music.

An example where music and sound was used effectively to convey danger without showing the initial threat was Jaws. Jaws (1975) is a film directed by Stephen Spielberg and is about a gigantic great white shark who begins to menace the small island community of Amity, a police chief, a marine scientist and grizzled fisherman set out to stop it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073195/

 

Programs such as The Walking Dead are also very effective in there use of non-diegetic sound. 
Within this program you can not always see the zombies that surround there current hide out but the audience know that they are there because of the ever present noise of there groaning. This teamed with the noise of the surrounding woodland and streams makes the situation appear more believable.  

Media Laguage- Editing

Some say that editing is the most important part of the film making process. It certainly is what allowed film to move from simple visual records of events to complex story telling.
Because of the importance of editing, the editor’s role may equal that of the director. Regardless of the footage shot for a film, it will be worthless unless care and creativity is invested in deciding which shots will appear; in what order; and how long they will remain on the screen.
This assembly process must done with sensitivity, perception and artistic appreciation of the film’s theme and the director’s intentions. In most cases, the director and the editor are almost equal partners in making a film and they usually work together to create the first version of the film (the “director’s cut”).
The role and power of the editor is totally dependent on the freedom allowed by the director. Alfred Hitchcock, for example, would plan the angle and length of each shot so carefully, the editor had little more to do than splice the shots according to the script.
On the other hand, director Stanley Kubrick was well-known for shooting up to 70 or more “takes” of the same action and then making the final decision during editing with the advise of his editor.
Other directors, such as Martin Scorcese and Steven Speilberg, use their editors’ talents from the first day of the project, calling upon their expertise during the scriptwriting and shooting phases of the production.

Editing Techniques
http://www.lavideofilmmaker.com/filmmaking/film-editing-tips.html

cut A visual transition created in editing in which one shot is instantaneously replaced on screen by another.
continuity editingEditing that creates action that flows smoothly across shots and scenes without jarring visual inconsistencies. Establishes a sense of story for the viewer.
cross cutting
Cutting back and forth quickly between two or more lines of action, indicating they are happening simultaneously.
dissolve A gradual scene transition. The editor overlaps the end of one shot with the beginning of the next one.
editing The work of selecting and joining together shots to create a finished film.
errors of continuity Disruptions in the flow of a scene, such as a failure to match action or the placement of props across shots.
establishing shot A shot, normally taken from a great distance or from a "bird's eye view," that establishes where the action is about to occur. eyeline match The matching of eyelines between two or more characters. For example, if Sam looks to the right in shot A, Jean will look to the left in shot B. This establishes a relationship of proximity and continuity.
fade A visual transition between shots or scenes that appears on screen as a brief interval with no picture. The editor fades one shot to black and then fades in the next. Often used to indicate a change in time and place.
final cut The finished edit of a film, approved by the director and the producer. This is what the audience sees.
iris Visible on screen as a circle closing down over or opening up on a shot. Seldom used in contemporary film, but common during the silent era of Hollywood films.
jump cut A cut that creates a lack of continuity by leaving out parts of the action.
matched cut A cut joining two shots whose compositional elements match, helping to establish strong continuity of action.
montage Scenes whose emotional impact and visual design are achieved through the editing together of many brief shots. The shower scene from Psycho is an example of montage editing.
rough cut The editor's first pass at assembling the shots into a film, before tightening and polishing occurs.
sequence shot A long take that extends for an entire scene or sequence. It is composed of only one shot with no editing.
shot reverse shot cuttingUsually used for conversation scenes, this technique alternates between over-the-shoulder shots showing each character speaking.
wipe Visible on screen as a bar travelling across the frame pushing one shot off and pulling the next shot into place. Rarely used in contemporary film, but common in films from the 1930s and 1940s.

Why is editing so important ?

At the end of the film making process it is the editing that brings the film together and can make a bad or amateur film appear professional, it can add to the tension and build up of a film or completely take it away. It takes these short snippets of recordings and sound and turns them into a coherent film.

Media Laguage - Camera

Film Rating

Classification
Films for theatrical release are normally classified by at least two Examiners using the published Guidelines created by the board of classification within that country . In most cases the decision of what classification is ratified by a Senior Examiner, but if the Examiners are in any doubt or fail to agree, or if important policy issues are involved, the work may be seen by other members of the Board up to, and including, the Director and Presidential team. Occasionally it is necessary to take specialist advice about the legal side of film content or its potential for harm. DVDs are normally seen by one Examiner, particularly when they are viewing the DVD version of a cinema film which has already been classified. However, opinions from other Examiners may be required for more difficult works.
Examiners look at issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror,bad behavior, language, nudity, sex, sexual violence, theme and violence when making decisions. They also consider context, the tone and impact of a work (e.g how it makes the audience feel) and even the release format (for example, as DVDs are watched in the home, there is a higher risk of underage viewing).

Within the UK all classification decisions are made by the BBFC and all the decisions are based on the BBFC’s published and regularly updated Guidelines. The Guidelines are the product of extensive public consultation, research and the accumulated experience of the BBFC over many years. They are supposed to reflect current views on film, DVD and video game regulation.

What does U mean?
The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range.
The BBFC rate films and videos aimed at very young viewers, such as Chuggington, Teletubbies or In The Night Garden, U. However, we give them special BBFCinsight stating they are ‘particularly Suitable for pre-school children’. Films or DVDs with this BBFCinsight should raise no significant issues in terms of discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behavior, language, nudity, sex, theme or violence.
What sorts of films are usually passed at U?A U film can explore most themes, as long as the treatment is appropriate to a young audience. This doesn’t mean that all films rated U are children’s films – many adult films, especially older works, are rated U because they don’t contain any strong issues.
A children’s work at U will generally contain positive messages about loyalty, honesty and friendship, particularly amongst children. The film or DVD will have a happy ending for the child and the overall tone should be one of reassurance.
U films are unlikely to contain discriminatory language or behavior unless it is clearly disapproved of.

-Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2- This is an example of a new film that has been given a U certificate.

 

Audiences

http://prezi.com/ahujl2xah5z6/present/?auth_key=s82bbuh&follow=91y9-pb9xhne&kw=present-ahujl2xah5z6&rc=ref-39290645

Storyboard

Pre- Production

Location Recce and Camera Terminology

Equipment list

Digital Video Camera

Tripod

Lighting (Torch)

Props

Casual Clothing (For each of the characters)

Fake Blood

Dark Make Up

Light/ White Make Up

Health And Safety

  

Script Re-Write

Run

FADE IN FROM BLACK

EXT. LOCATION. Late afternoon

Four friends are running through a large park. Shots cut from angle to angle as we see the four friends frantically running away from what is unknown. As the four friends run we see characters in order from THEO, JOSH, JACOB and CHARLIE.

Soundtrack plays

After a montage of running, music playing and opening credits the four friends seek shelter elsewhere.

CHARLIE

Quick guys we need to find a place to hide.

THEO

There must be somewhere to go.

JACOB

Guys they’re gaining on us. (Shot focuses on JACOB whilst we see several unknown beings in the distance running towards the four friends).

 

JOSH

We must be close to some shelter by now; we’ve been running for ages!

The four friends scan around for a place to hide; the camera focuses from their point of view as the camera looks around for a suitable place.

CHARLIE

Look over there! (Points to a gate).

JOSH

Why on earth would we go there? It looks like a dead end.

THEO

No Charlie’s right! I remember this place.

JACOB

Yeah we used to go though there when we was little.

CHARLIE

Thank you! But we can talk about our childhood when we’re safe.

JOSH

I still don’t know where this place leads to?!

CHARLIE

If I remember this location correctly, a shed backs onto this gate, providing its unlocked then we can hide in there.

 

JACOB

OK now let’s hurry up and get in there.

The four friends run up the remainder of the hill and they push on through the gate, once on the other side they follow a path round which follows eventually to the shed which CHARLIE was talking about.

EXT.LOCATION – Outside of shed

JACOB

Quick! Get it open!

JOSH

Oi! Quit your whining! (He turns from JOSH and forces the door open)

The four friends hurry into the shed as JACOB is the last one in, he looks around as he closes the door after checking that the surroundings are clear.

THEO

So what do we do now?

CHARLIE

Now? We wait, we can’t do much more than hide for the moment.

JACOB

And how long do you expect us to hide for?

CHARLIE

It’s hard to tell really, I mean if we hadn’t have bumped into them earlier then they wouldn’t have found us.

JOSH

Ohh yeah…..and who’s to blame for them noticing us?

CHARLIE, JOSH and JACOB turn to THEO who looks puzzled as if he has done something wrong.

THEO

What me?! Why are you blaming me for what happened earlier?

JOSH

Hmm I dunno? (Sarcastically) well it’s a little stupid blasting your music for the whole of the world to hear.

THEO

Slight exaggeration there mate….

JOSH

Well fine, but those infected ‘things’ heard it and that’s left us right in the shit since then.

THEO

Well I’m sorry, what can we do about it now? Haha (laughing)

JOSH

Well you could apologize with some form of effort this time? Is this some sort of joke to you? We could die shortly because of you.

JACOB

Guys….. (Fairly quiet)

CHARLIE

Ok guys stop it (shouting), let’s just accept that Theo made a mistake and all we can do is move on and stick together now.

JACOB

Guys….. (A little louder)

JOSH

Suppose so, sorry man, didn’t mean to snap.

THEO

Its fine mate don’t worry for the minute, but like Charlie said right now we just need to stick together.

JACOB

Guys! (Progressively louder)

CHARLIE

What Jacob?!

JACOB

Listen…..

The four friends listen carefully to what JACOB had previously noticed, they are all quiet as they can hear ‘groans’ and ‘moans’ edging closer and closer to them.

CHARLIE

Guys we need to get out of here, like now.

JACOB

But it’s safe in here?

CHARLIE

Look we don’t know how long they could be out there for, our best bet is to make a break for it now and hope for the best.

THEO

But what if they’re blocking the gate? Then we have no way of getting back out.

JOSH

He’s right, it’s like we need a distraction.

JACOB

Well im not going to do anything, and as if any of us would risk our own lifes……

CHARLIE

I’ll do it

JACOB

Wait what?

CHARLIE

I’ll run out, let them chase me for a bit and then you guys can make a break for it. Then I can break away and catch you lot up.

THEO

Probably easier said then done, what if they catch you?

CHARLIE

Who knows, I’ll have to risk it.

JOSH

Are you sure you want to do this? For us?

CHARLIE

Well one of us has to?

After the group’s discussion, CHARLIE slowly moves outside to see what is outside, we see vivid images of zombies waiting by the gate. CHARLIE then makes a break for it.

CHARLIE

Come on then! (Taunting the zombies)

The zombies frantically turn around to see CHARLIE running away so they chase after her, the other lean out of the shed to see a clear path.

JOSH

Go on Charlie! Come on boys let’s move.

JACOB, THEO and JOSH run towards the gate as JACOB looks desperately back at CHARLIE running in the distance. CHARLIE is then caught by the zombies and falls to the floor, they begin to eat her. She screams helplessly but no-one is around to help.

The final shot appears CHARLIE left on the floor as the camera focuses on her face, she grins at the camera, she is now a zombie.