Grave Encounters 2 - Horror Movie Task

Grave Encounters 2

The movie 'Grave Encounters 2' is one of my most favourite horror movies. The sequel follows a similar storyline to the original 'Grave Encounters'; which focuses on a paranormal investigation team exploring an abandoned mental asylum (Collingwood Psychiatric Hospital) during what seems to be an ever-lasting night. The sequel came out during 2012, a year after the original release.

In this clip, we can see that there is continuous use of a handheld shot. This has been used to build the tension within the scene as we can see what the character can see (through their point of view) and not what is behind the character. Furthermore, the use of the hand-held camera can make the events seen in this clip appear to be more real, unlike using a camera on a tripod. This keeps the audience in suspense as they will feel like they are experiencing the horror as if they are the cast within the scene; exploring within the unknown, abandoned hospital.

Low-key lighting is also used continuously in this clip. This indicates to the audience: suspicion, mystery and danger. It may have also been used in this clip to pay attention to certain details, whether or not they are being concealed or hidden; this is commonly used within the horror genre. As low-key lighting is being used, shadows, darkness and patches of bright light appear to be more noticable; which is perfect for this film.

In the beginning of this clip, we see the handheld camera exploring the abandoned halls. We also hear a diegetic sound of what sounds like an old fashioned children's toy, which fits the scene; this is because the mise-en-scene features these toys in the hallway. Furthermore, this could also suggest that the location the cast are in, is the children's ward. Shortly after this, we hear a diegetic sound that has been added through editing of the cradle/rocking horse creaking up and down slowly. This has been added to emphasise how quiet it is within the abandoned mental asylum which creates a sense of fear and suspense to the viewer as we see that the cast are clearly not alone. We also see the use of a long shot (alongside numerous jump cuts of scenes of the cast finding old abandoned toys); this is to establish the setting and where the characters are in the scene. Following on from this, we hear a quick build up of non-diegetic sound (played by violins) alongside the camera panning from right to left; this could also be a transition technique used in editing as there is no focus on where the camera is, but still remains fluid. The camera then zooms from it's original long shot to a medium shot to establish that there is a little girl sitting on the bed. The use of special effects has been added in post production on the little girl when opening her mouth; at the same time the camera supposedly 'glitches', which has actually been edited in. This has been edited in to raise suspense to the viewer as we do not know what has happened for the few seconds the camera glitches for, also the idea of a spirit or some sort of entertity having that much power to affect technology in this way is abnormal.