Se7en

The film Se7en directed by David Fincher, focuses on the seven deadly sins. It is a deconstruction thriller with various crime genre elements, which helped create a new horror genre. The film became iconic for it’s unique style, influencing other modern films such as Saw.

The film had a budget of 30,000,000 and grossed $327 million at the box office internationally.
The two main characters Brad Pitt and William Somerset play detectives in search of a serial killer. The detectives uncover a series of sadistic murders, involving the seven deadly sins. This is a central theme in the film, and it’s reflective nature is a major part. Although none of the murders are shown, it’s implicit nature becomes thought provoking, and mentally graphic for the viewer.

The opening is vague and confusing, contributing to the mix of gore and mystery. It shows close ups and extreme close ups of a man with a note book.We never see the murderers face, and this is part of the detective genre.  The note book has pages of writing, and pictures. The eyes in the pictures are crossed out, disguising their face and taking his victim's identities.

Love Actually

The film Love Actually, is a popular British romantic comedy. The film was produced by Universal Pictures and Studio Canal in 2003. It had a large budget of 30,000,000 and includes popular British icons such as Hugh Grant, Kiera Knightley and Alan Rickman. It was successful worldwide, with a gross profit of £17.8 million. The film focuses on the lives of a group of characters, who are connected in different ways.

The film opens in a documentary style of Heathrow airport, with Hugh Grant's narrative overlapping. There is a montage with close up shots of peoples reactions as they reunite with their families and friends. This shot is in hand hold adding to the realism, and making it relatable to the viewer.  and triggers emotion for the viewer. A range of relationship are shown, breaking conventions, and reflecting the style of the film . Hugh grant talks about love, and mentions the 9/11 phone calls. Marketing the film at an American audience, this was used to be sentimental. Soft music is played throughout and the lighting is bright, creating a tranquil mood. Credits fade in and out, with a soft white font. At the end of the montage the phrase "Love is all around" then fades to show the title. The font red and white stand out, and have connotations of love and purity.
Hugh Grant was chosen because of his roles in various well-known romantic comedies. The range of top British actors shows the expectations of the film, and helped greatly in its popularity. The film got mostly positive reviews, and has been nominated for and given various awards. Although the film follows the conventions of a romantic comedy, it does not use the typical clique plot. Its mix of storylines helped its popularity and created a wider audience.

Halloween

Halloween Opening Sequence

The film Halloween still one of the most famous horrors ever made, has been majorly influential on modern day horrors. The film tells the story of an escaped serial killer in his search for his biological sister. It is was an independent film, made on a budget of only $320,000 which grossed $47.3 million.

The credits for the film are an indication of it’s low budget. Credits on the right, fade in and out, changing from yellow to red. The colour and effect give connotations of fire and danger, and relate to the theme of Halloween. On the left of the screen there is a pumpkin, which is gradually zoomed in on.
The credits are typical, John Carpenter as the director is named at the end, and Jamie Lee Curtis is introduced as a new actress. The actor of Michael Myers is not mentioned.
One of the films greatest aspects would be the film theme tune, which is played throughout the credits to build tension. The upbeat tune repeats a simple piano tune, with a dark undertone. This is alternative to most horror styles of prolonged deep notes, and helps to create atmosphere throughout the film. The song itself, now an iconic piece of music, is not only played during credits, but has became related to Michael himself. This is another feature which made Halloween unique, as the music was alternative to typical horror films.

Set in the fictional suburban town of Haddonfield, the film stood out from other horrors, showing the murders of working class people. In the opening scene John Carpenter highlights this setting, using a slow zoom in of the house.
The scene opens with only diegetic sounds. These ambient sounds of nature contrast with the later sequence, where a child commits murder.

Carpenter then shows a long shot of the sister  with her boyfriend, where Michael is looking through the the window. The camera then leads around the house, in a point of view shot of Michael. The house is dark and old fashioned, shown from a high angle shot. The camera follows, as Michael through the house. Leading up to the sisters room, it is implied that she is promiscous, and this is central to Haloween's theme. There is non diegetic music to build tension, and a sound of church bells contrasts with the satanic act.
Carpenter uses an interesting shot, through Michael's mask, which is used again in the sequels. The music crescendos up to the murder, where a high pitched note is the climax. The murder is short, and fairly ungraphic, still shot through Michael's mask. Eery offey music is played, as Micheal leaves the house.It is only when Michael's Dad takes off his mask, that it is revealed he is infact a child, having a major impact on the audience. This idea adds to Halloween's individuality, because Michael is not the typical serial killer. The murder of his sister is effortless, and vaguely shown, and it is here that we already see Michael's animalistic portrayal.