e Woman in Black- Thriller Analysis

The protagonist within this horror thriller is faced

against the problem of Eel Marsh house, the danger
he faces is highly emphasised in order to execute
suspense and anticipation for the audience.
The use of a the women is particularly chilling
for the audience as they are stereotypically
perceived as vulnerable and weak within society.
The film directed by James Watkins provides a
start contrast as the female character is pure evil,
using a female as the antagonist is especially
unsettling at is unexpected from an audience
perspective.
The association with the word black conveys
negative connotations, whether its the unknown or
evil. In this circumstance it is referencing to death a
common theme of this sub genre, as an audience we
can recognise this title foreshadows later events.

The opening of the Woman in Black begins with the implementation of a close
up, the focus on the iconography is important as it is within a short depth of
field. This suggests that the characters within this scene are younger as they
are playing with a childlike miniature tea set.
The setting is a contrast to the haunting music as it is presented as a safe
environment, however the non- diegetic soundtrack that is enforced almost
instantly is of a chime like sound, the slow pace and high pitch applies an
eeriness that is unsettling for the audience. This suggests that time in running
out.
This midshot allows the audience to recognise the characters in this
opening scene. The director has chosen young girls to play this role as
often within horror- thriller films using an angelic character puts them
in a position of danger and as a result is presented as a victim. In terms
of mise en scene the costumes, props and setting represent the time
period. The vintage dolls are a contrast in particular as they appear to be
a toy, however as an audience we can acknowledge them as a haunting
object.
In addition the slow motion and actions of the young girls are jittery and
slow paced and therefore contributes to the tension built.

As the clip progresses the young girls are show through the
use of a slight high angle shot, this suggest that they are
powerless. This idea is furthered as despite having prevalence
and motivating the cuts it appears that they are being
controlled. In addition by the children looking towards the
window and the camera zooming inwards it is clear that they
are possessed. Their NVC shows that they having no emotion
due to their expressionless faces, this suggests that they are
unaware of their actions. The white light that is projected and
focused on by the camera portrays that death or the end is
near.
The music slowly increases in pace as we watch the audience
increasingly put themselves in dangers, the pleonastic sound of
the china ornaments smashing emphasises their helplessness.
This is then emphasised by the use of closed framing as it
conveys that the girls are trapped and cannot escape their fate.

The incidental music and use of a wide shot contribute to the climax
of this scene. The only diegetic dialogue heard throughout the clip is
the piercing scream and line from the mother, my babies. It is
evident from her tone of voice she is distraught and stricken with
grief and as a result provides a disturbing atmosphere for the
audience.
The change in sound and the absence of is an indicator of the power
the women in black has. On the right hand side at the last second me
can acknowledge her presence, the director has subtly introduced ten
figure as it leave the audience with a range of questions. Who is she?
Why is she killing innocent children?, a element that is key for the
thriller genre.
The woman in black contrasts the white walls
and the over the shoulder shot emphasises the
unknown as her face isnt revealed. Here, for
the audience the feeling of danger is at his
highest point, as we learn of her capabilities
but are unsure of what she will do next. The
scene concludes with a fade and as an
audience we feel we are with the women in
black, almost as if we are a threat of
becoming her next victim.