Additional Research - 'Captivity'

Blogged by Anya

After brainstorming our storyline, we chose to do some extra research on a horror movie that had a similar feel to our idea. We chose to look at the trailers and posters for 'Captivity' starring Elisha Cuthbert.

There are already similarities between our initial ideas and 'Captivity' including:
The choice of a pretty female lead who also seems strong and fights back.
The villain is mostly hidden and the pace quickens towards the end of the film.
The protagonist is trapped.
The girl attempts to escape.

'Captivity Trailer'




The trailer uses text to draw in the reader. 'The film they didn't want you to see' excites horror movie fans because it makes the film seem extremely scary. The colour for the majority film is almost sepia which highlights the light and makes the shadows darker; this contrast is effective in creating an eerie atmosphere. The flashing used makes the pace of the trailer seem quicker and adds to the excitement.
We felt that the last part of the trailer was the part that we should focus on the most as it is the last thing the viewer will see and should leave a lasting impression. The end of the 'Captivity' trailer is very effective in generating fear and curiosity in the audience. The close up of the protagonist's eye shows panic which frightens the viewer and the shadow of the character brandishing a hammer makes the audience ask questions: 'Who is it?' 'Who is hit?' 'Do they die?' 'Why are they being hit?' etc...
We would like to create a similar feel at the end of our trailer.


Posters


This poster is very effective in generating fear and curiosity in the audience. Questions such as 'Who is trapped?' 'Why are they trapped?' and 'Who has trapped her?' are quickly raised and the fear in the character's eyes is compelling to the viewer. The fence in front of the girls face along with the title, instantly show that the protagonist is captured. The use of bright colours in the title make it seem as if it is glowing and makes it stand out.
The poster would be very effective for our own film trailer and we are inspired to create a similar poster.



Again this poster is extremely sufficient in provoking a reaction in the audience. The text looks like it have been scratched in which could have connotations of being trapped, trying to escape, or even insanity - all of which are linked to the horror genre. The image generates distress by drawing on common fears of claustrophobia and being buried alive.