Ways in which tension is built in films 2

• 1. Ways in Which Tension is Built in Films Harinder Hunjan

2. Different Type of Shots Every camera shot, angle or movement helps to add or build tension within a certain scene. The way that the camera is placed determines the effect it has on the audience and this helps to make the clip either a comedy or a horror. In Taken, the main protagonists daughter is hiding underneath a bed and slow music is used to build up tension for the audience and then it suddenly goes quiet and the girl starts talking and when everyone least expects it, she gets taken and the camera just stats with the dad whos emotions are shown and is shocked and feel disheartened as his daughter is now in the arms of the enemy. Before all this, the build up is shown through loads of different shots such as close up, low angle and tracking shot. The close up and low angle are used together and this helps to make the audience feel as if they are in the girls position and can relate to her more as they feel as if they are about to be taken. 3. Diegetic & Non Diegetic Sound Sound plays a vital part in any film to help build tension. Diegetic sound is all the sound that happens there and then. For example, a phone ringing or dialogue from characters mouths. Non diegetic sound is the opposite, so sound that is added in after (postproduction). For example, hearing the other voice on the other end of the phone call or music that is being played in the background. Halloween - Tensions.mp4 Non diegetic sound is the best and easiest way to build tension within a scene. The way the music is set to a slow pace and then speeds up, makes the audience jump and interests them more to the scene. In this scene, the use of diegetic and non diegetic sound is used simultaneously to add to the tension which is already built. The non diegetic sound is slow at first but then suddenly gets faster and it creates more tension and worries the viewers. 4. Setting The setting of a scene is vital in any film. The setting of a dark, scary forest is totally different to a sunny day in the country side. One builds a lot of tension where as the other builds positive emotions for the audience. In horror/thriller/slasher films, the setting during the day is usually light because no one expects anything to happen, however the killer is usually dressed in dark clothing which has connotations of death and evil. On the other hand, most of these types of movies involve dark, moody atmospheres such as houses at night time, a forest or just a general dark room. A dark atmosphere helps to build tension as the audience are scared because night time can be a scary time and on top of that, the music and mise en scene adds to the tension. http://vimeo.com/13405332 Red Balloon is set in the night and the rain creates more tension. Just from this screenshot, there is a lot of tension thats been built. 5. Lighting There is two types of lighting: high key lighting and low key lighting. High key lighting is when the light in a scene is bright and sets a happy atmosphere. Low key lighting is the opposite, so dark light used to create a scary atmosphere. In any movie, the lighting plays a big part in the scene to set the mood and tone of that specific scene. Usually when it is light, it means that there wont be any danger for the audience to be worried about. However, when the scene is dark, the audience immediately know something dangerous may happen and it gets them on the edge of their seats. On the other hand, when high key lighting is used, a dangerous incident may occur which builds tension. This is a twist in the film and it isnt what the audience expect so they get surprised and more tension and suspense is built. Just from this scene, you can see that low key lighting has been used to create tension. The use of night vision goggles also adds to this effect because the audience know it is taking place at night and this is the only way to see and the props of guns also creates suspense. 6. Facial Expressions & Body Language A characters facial expression and body language is vital in any part they act in. It can determine to the audience what type of role they are playing and their emotions towards what is happening or what has happened in the scene. Their body language can help set the situation as to whether something good is going to happen or something bad is. This is where tension is built. Depending on their reactions, the audience will know what is happening and how this particular character feels about it. A characters facial expressions say it all. The audience can see from their facial expressions their emotion. If someone is frightened or shocked, then they know that slight tension is being built in this situation. Also from their words and their heavy breathing, the audience can feel he tension being built within the scene. My Movie.wlmpThe character in Scream gets frightened and shocked so many times in this film and a lot of tension is built from it.