CJ Evaluation: 1) Forms & Conventions

We set out at the beginning of our project with the intention of creating a piece of filmography to the best of our ability. I believe that we have achieved this, whilst also experimenting with multiple different camera and editing techniques.

The main aim of our opening was not to create genre-changing material, but more in the ballpark of a conventional horror movie with a different take on the narrative to keep the setup fresh and original. However, our initial idea was fairly unconventional, and included the use of recorded footage within the narrative, in the style of The Blair Witch Project. This concept gradually evolved into the product we have now, after reworking to make the narrative more gripping and fluent.

Looking at the places in which we conformed to conventions of the horror genre:

• ...in using the woods, we used a classic horror setting. Due to its seemingly remote setting, low visibility levels and potential for hiding places, it's perfect for a scary and emotion-evoking backdrop to the film. 
• We were able to use the southborough woods to our advantage in order to help convey the isolation of the main character.

• ...we also used the effective camera technique of fast cutting to disorientate the viewer and simulate action. 
• This technique is used in many different horror movies (Saw, Dawn of the Dead, The Hills Have Eyes, to name a few) in order to cause an adrenaline-based reaction to the images and to heighten the audience's experience of the movie.

• We have also used some macro-based closeups of interesting objects/views to set the scene, like the scenes in Se7en. It allows a creepy sense of calm to build within the narrative, causing tension and helping to add a arty and professional feel to the camerawork.

Looking at the places where we decided not to be conventional:

• We used a character not representative of a stock horror movie. 
• The characterisation we used to embody the fear and isolation was performed in a controlled and subtle way as opposed to the extreme overacting that many horror movies employ to create a sense of fear.

• The idea behind the film was also challenging conventional practice in the horror genre by using an asynchronous time scale. 
• This threw a challenging concept into the film, something not often seen in terms of narrative within horror movies.

Overall, I would say that we have challenged certain aspects of the horror genre without deviating too far from the path many major horror movies take. It takes time to challenge the audience's intellect, and for this reason the film may not suit mainstream tastes. however