The Conjuring is a 2013 American supernatural horror film. As a group we were particularly interested in doing background research of this film because of the way it was skilfully created in order to appeal to its targeted audience.
The film tells the true story of Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga), world renowned paranormal investigators, who were called to help a family terrorised by a dark presence in a secluded farmhouse. Forced to confront a powerful demonic entity, the Warrens find themselves caught in the most horrifying case of their lives. The film introduces the plot with a shot showing two paranormal investigators doing the job, straight away the horror genre is conveyed as the audience are shown various dark and terrifying images. This sets the scene as opening titles such as "based on a true story" and "one so disturbing" entices the audience to want to know more. In terms of the mis en scene, the film is shot in a very deserted setting to emphasise the vulnerability of the characters living in the haunted house. A blue tinted filter and low lighting are also used, once again emphasising the horror genre. Many shots are taken in complete darkness or very low lighting as evil is often associated with darkness and intensifies the impact of the scenes. Many horror films use this same technique because if a film was shot in complete daylight for example, the audience wouldn't feel the need to be afraid as the mood is uplifted by the bright lighting, however in darkness, there is a sense of mystery of the unseen.
Long shots are used to set the scene and introduce the audience to the characters. Along with that, close up shots become more frequent as the trailer progressively becomes more fast paced. This is so the audience pay extra attention to certain parts of scenes, or characters' facial expressions. Additionally, POV shots are very popular in this trailer. POV shots are extremely effective as they allow the audience to experience the action through the eyes of the characters. presenting the feeling that they are actually in the moment. Sound is also a very important part in the trailer as it ultimately narrates it, and sets the mood through the rhythm and pace. In the trailer the sound progressively speeds up to match the racing beat of the audience in order to keep us gripped throughout. In addition, diegetic sound of screams and bangs are particularly effective in in this film in terms of increasing the anticipation and tension. Furthermore the transitions in the film were often created with a black fade out or a cut. This is to once again emphasise darkness and raise the tension. Throughout the trailer effectively plays on society's fears, it does this constantly firstly through the location, as the house is in a very dark and secluded rural area, therefore it sets the idea of the characters being unable to run away from their fears. Secondly, various scenes in the trailer are set in the dark, for example the attic when one the character becomes trapped. This is instantly very terrifying as people generally fear what they cant see or when their not in control of a situation.
The trailer for 'The Conjuring' represents a middle-aged upper class couple who are investigators. This profession is seen to be extremely open-minded and strong-willed, which challenges the usual conventions of film trailers presenting the protagonists as being fairly naive and not having knowledge in scary situations.
The various elements used in the trailer are very effective and will be taken into consideration when making our trailer. One of the main things we found effective was the use of the opening titles which slowly ease the audience into the film and increase their anticipation to find out more.
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