Friday, February 7, 2025

 COMPARING CLASSIC AND MODERN (HORROR)

For this blog I will be researching the evolution of horror films and how different directors set the tone from the start. I will be comparing old/ classic horror movies with new/ modern ones to see in what ways they differ. Nowadays many directors have developed new ways to set the atmosphere in the opening of their horror production and found ways to give the audience the chills from the start.

PSYCHO

This classic horror movies opening is a masterpiece for setting the tone in their opening for the whole film. This films opening shot begins with a shot of the city which then leads to a clip of the window that follows up with a girl and her lover. This shot is filmed in side a hotel which reveals that their in a secret relationship which adds tension. This music tense to be very sharp and creates an uncomfortable atmosphere. This film opening sets a psychological horror tone that will lead to a twist later on. The visual techniques and angles used in this film is a great way to set the mood for this horror film since there are a lot of hand held and messy shots used. The angles are vertical and horizontal which captivates the audience from the very beginning and sets a tone in the horror sequence that's upcoming.

THE INVISIBLE MAN

The opening of this film follows up with suspense and fear. The film starts off with a girls plan to escape which already gives of a sense of action and fear to the audience. While she carefully walks and moves in the house she's trying to avoid making nay noise which makes the audiences adrenaline rush. The house is modern and big which gives it a more modern time and effect to the whole film in general. One of the major roles in this scene is the sound since you can hear every footstep she takes and every creek that is heard it develops meaning to the rest of the film because of the carefulness and danger she is encountering. Another sound focus is her breathing and how she tries not to breathe as loud which creates tension in the scene. This film opening starts with an escape plan unlike other horror films which brings more attention to the viewers watching. Overall, this scene from the opening is tended to draw the audiences with the immediate tension that is happening and the detailed sound. 

COMPARISION

These two horror films differ for a variety of reasons. In the classic film, "Psycho" its starts with a more common view such as a big shot view of the city then it zooms into a hotel room which is very mysterious and keeps viewers wondering. This establishes the mood and plot for the film in a more direct and ongoing way. The more modern horror film, "The Invisible Man" goes right into action which creates a suspenseful and frightening tone to the film. It jumps straight into her escape plan in the firsts shot and creates danger by the soft sound that is created throughout the opening which makes the audience feel more tense. The threat of danger gets the audience more intrigued and leaves them wanted more and wondering what's going to happen next after the scene. So, while the movie "The Invisible Man" jumps straight into action and creates the tension and suspense from the beginning, the film "Psycho" slowly creates it from bits of shots.