Critically analyse a scene from a film you have recently using the model of film analysis introduce

I will be critically analysing the opening scene from the movie IT (Muschietti, 2017) and investigating how the director has used the horror genre conventions from using the framework by Bordwell and Thompson. The particular areas I’m looking at are camerawork, lighting, musical score and the costumes as I believe they’re important areas that contribute towards the genre.

The scene begins with a bird’s eye view of George running down his road in the rain. This view enables the audience to recognise how forceful the rain is coming down and the extent of damage it is doing to the road as it is all flooded, suggesting why there is nobody else on the streets. The concept of a child running on the streets in the rain alone, presents him as vulnerable to the audience. The point of view shot shows Georgie's perspective as he’s running for the boat, this restricts the audiences from being able to see what is coming ahead. The increase in speed implies the camera is leading us towards something. The fast pan upwards exposes a barrier that was not in our vision earlier, the unexpected object creates a jump scare for the audience. Pennywise is first introduced as being lower in the ground than George. This juxtaposes against the stereotype of figures of authority being shown above the other weaker character. It suggests Pennywise was not trying to intimidate Georgie and wanted to gain his trust.

The lighting plays an important role in setting the scene and has to comply with the genre conventions. ‘IT’ is a horror film, the opening shots lighting is dark which corresponds with the rainy weather, creating a mysterious atmosphere. The use of under lighting is key in this scene, “it is often used to create dramatic effects” (Bordwell, D. & Thompson, K, 2013, pg.126). The audience weren't expecting to see the eyes light up under the drain. Only the clowns mouth is lit, it is not until he steps into the light that we realise he is predator.

The music at first is innocent and playful and therefore associated with childhood. The mood begins to change as the music and the Georges pace increases, this suggests something negative is on the way. The loud noises also exaggerate the jump scares. Georgie begins to trust the clown as children humming in the background is a familiar sound. The extra sound effects such as the animal munching sounds add to the jump scares whilst Pennywise reveals himself as a monster.

Bordwell and Thompson discuss the importance of the effect a costume has. In a horror film it needs to be clear who is the bad guy. They discuss how directors are able to make it clear who is the bad guy through the use of costumes and colour, “costumes can become motifs” (Bordwell, D. & Thompson, K, 2013, pg.119). Georgie’s yellow coat became an iconic feature of the film. The brightness of the yellow stood out from the darkness. The coat exaggerates the youthness and innocence that Georgie retains. Pennywise’s costume indicates he’s not to be trusted, the audience have previous horror connotations with clowns. To be recognised as a clown he has the stereotypical features such as the white painted face, red painted lips and artwork on his cheeks.

It is essential for directors to use the horror genre convention; this is so the genre is easily recognised by the audience as they enjoy familiarity.

Bibliography: It. (2017). [film] Directed by A. Muschietti. Hollywood: Warner Bros. Pictures.

Bordwell, D. & Thompson, K (2013) Film Art: An Introduction. 10th Edition. London: McGraw Hill, pp.112-158.