Textual Analysis of 'Lights Out'

'Lights Out' is a short horror film made by David Sandberg and Lotta Losten. In this post I will comment on how the use of camera work, editing, sound and mise en scene conform to the generic horror film uses.

Camera Work

I will start by discussing the use of camera shots, angles and movements. 

The opening shot establishes the area the film is shot/based in. In the case of 'Lights Out' it is a spooky-looking house as seen to the below. This fits the horror film conventions.

Establishing shot

In the next scene long and over-the-shoulder shots are used.

Over-the-shoulder shot

Over-the-shoulder shot

These shots are used to show what the character is seeing. This point of the short film helps us to identify the genre as a figure can only be seen when the lights are off.

We then see mid-shot of the main characters face in order to see their facial expressions and emotions. In the picture below we get the feeling the the character is confused but scared.

Mid-shot

The camera stays in the same position until this scene is over. The scene finishes when the figure gets closer to the woman, this shot can be seen below.

We then see a close up of her hands and the tape she is holding. This clarifies that our thoughts of her being afraid are true as she attempts to stick the light switch into place.

Close-Up shot

This scene then ends and we see a close up of the girl laying in bed shortly followed by a point of view shot of the corridor. This tells the audience that she is still afraid of what may be outside.

Close-Up

Point-of-View Shot

We then see another close-up of her hiding from the monster under her duvet. This sparks fear into the audience as her expression tells us that she is once again scared.

Close-Up

The final shot we see is a mid-shot of the monster itself. This gives the audience a sense of closure as they are now aware of what the creature was.

Mid-shot

Sound 

As well as camera work, sound plays a big part in the horror genre. Tension building sound is a generic and useful convention of horror films, Lights Out fits this theory.

The non-diagetic sound first starts to play when the creature/monster is suddenly closer to the camera lens. This will startle and frighten the audience. This music then finishes when the shot cuts to the main character sticking the light switch on. 

The tension-building music then starts to play again once darkness has fallen, this continues to play until the end of the short film when the monster is seen.

The choice of music played in horror films determine the effect on the audience. Without the uncertainty of the music the films in this genre wouldn't be as frightening. 

Editing

The editing of this film helps us to identify it's genre. Each shot is longer than usual to build the tension in each moment.

Mise en Scene

A lot of low key lighting is used in 'Lights Out'. This also fits the conventional idea of horror films. The slight darkness over every shot makes the audience more wary of what is going to happen.

The costume of the main character is reasonably normal as she's in pyjamas. This encourages fear within the audience as they may start to believe that it's an unexpected occurrence in a life as ordinary as theirs. Being able to see yourself in the situation of a horror film helps to frighten those who are watching.

The main prop used in this short film is the flickering lamp beside the bed. This prop is very important as it causes us to discover the appearance of the creature the audience had become so afraid of.