How is the genre constructed in the opening of Blade?
Sound is a vital one of the micro-elements in constructing a real sense of horror and allowing it to meet the genre criteria. Specifically with non diagetic music in the nightclub. As soon as the excited blonde guy enters the club the music is of an odd techno nature. This creates a mysterious environment around him as he is left alone with all the other ravers. He is unaware of what is going on and what exactly is about to happen and the music almost confirms his confusion and anticipation for what is to come. This music continues throughout with the blood being dropped onto the crowd and leads to his diagetic screaming which of course is always associated with horror. The use of sound is therefore key in confirming the genre of the film as horror in this opening.
Mise en scene is probably one of the most important elements in this opening. When en route to the club it appears that the pair are walking through a butcher shop with cows and other animal carcass' being hauled about. However human bodies are seen to be passing by on one of the crates. This illustrates right away that something is wrong and that death is soon to come if not some form of danger - as of course associated with a horror. Later on in the club scene we are greeted with sprinklers that spray blood all over the crowd. This use of blood that soaks the crowd is a scary thought to viewers and links in with a slasher horror. Overall mise en scene is extremely important in constructing the genre in the opening of this film.
Camera angle in this extract also help in constructing the genre. The use of mid angle close ups at various points in the opening can also be seen as important in showing off horror. For example when they are in the car at the start of the scene the man is shown off to be excited and happy with the use of this close up shot. However this changes later on in the extract - as blood soaks him from the ceiling a close up reveals him to be in a sheer state of horror, panic and disillusion. This transition of emotions is really emphasised with the use of these close ups and shows the effect of the horror and the state of horror that the viewers also probably are in. Another example is a tracking shot that moves about the club and constantly follows the blonde male. This suggests that he is in a spot of danger and that perhaps someone is watching him or following him - he is set up to be killed or in danger which leads the audience into believing this as he is the constant focus of the camera. So camera angles and movement can in all be seen as effective in creating horror.
Finally the use of editing further constructs horror in this Blade extract. The use of a shot reverse shot from the lady in all white and the blonde American man lead us to believe that she is of significance and is in fact a threat to the man heightening his risk of danger and the horror that is about to approach. Fast paced cuts in the club also give evidence that tension is building up and something with a case of horror is about to occur in the scene. Editings contribution plays a key role in the overall success of constructing the genre.
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