Sound...

Within Psychological Horrors the convention with sound is to use diegetic contrapuntal sound, one that contradicts and contrasts to the actions that are happening on the screen. Below are some of the best examples of contrapuntal sound, that we are aiming to take inspiration from:

• A Clockwork Orange- Here the non diegetic contrapuntal orchestral string instruments, oppose the violent kicking and slashing of the main character with his counterparts. It uses the slow motion action, to elongate and accentuate the classical sound; almost condoning what the males are doing, and highlighting the insanity they experience.

• The Birds- Whilst the female protagonist, sits with a cigarette, tension is built as she spectates isolated birds instead of finding the flock behind here. During this action, especially once she discovers the birds behind her, there is a class of primary school children singing over the top: despite, the innocence of the children demonstrated in their pitches and volume, it adds a sinister aspect to the piece helping to build the tension. 

• American Psycho- Using 'Huey Lewis and The News' 'Hip to be Square' it demonstrates an alternative contrapuntal sound where the use of an optimistic song, with a distinctive rhythmic beat, determines the joy of the male in his killing, yet again recognises his insanity. The use of "Square" emphasises his happiness in being a contrasting character to the distinctive norm.

•  Layer Cake- Using a popular 80's pop piece 'Ordinary World' by 'Duran Duran' with electric guitar being the predominant instrumental influence, sorrow is depicted especially for the victims as they are both murdered at the same point: again the title of the song contradicts with the actions on screen as clearly from the scene we can distinguish that this world for these characters is the opposite of ordinary. 

• WATCHMEN- The use of the jazz tune "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole, it juxtaposes with the action, fighting that elevates to torture and murder. The slow rhythm presents the sadness at the superhero's murder, whilst the lyrics depict his unforgettable legacy from saving humanity on numerous occasions. Its slow close demonstrates, the inevitable end and death of the male hero; its effect with this scene for the audience to demonstrate sorrow, one that is normally depicted since in fight scenes we usually expect the antagonist to win.

Outfit Ideas

We want our character to be have a grunge look - usually associated with a reckless, rebellious teenager type figure, stereotypically someone who is perceived as unique/ different/ strange. Girls who wear this style of clothing are also stereotypically known to have some sort of social insecurity - choosing to dress in predominantly black, with ripped bottoms, baggy layered jumpers and jackets, heavy Doc Martin type boots or worn-in converse/ van canvas trainers. Sleeves are usually long, with some holes in the clothing, and sometimes a beloved band tee or skull-motif top, faded from the many times it has been worn. These elements give an edgy look - we want the character to appear quite alternative, therefore helping to project how she is different from other teens, due to her problems and troubles, hence bringing on a dark, atypical, moody vibe to her outfits.

LOOK 1 (normal personality): Distressed denim jacket (dirty, oversized, stonewashed), flannel shirt, black turtle neck, high-waisted shorts, ripped tights, converse/ vans/ doc martins.

LOOK 2 (dark side of personality): Black leather jacket, black undergarments and black skinny jeans. 

(Inspiration images, sourced from Pinterest)

   

Location Photos 2

These photos were taken using an iPhone 6 by Katie Schartau

As an alternative location, I visited a local underpass at Penhill, Blackfen. This location has many advantages - the fact that it is local means easy access, the lighting inside the tunnel is high key and bright, there are winded railings and a long footpath at either end. The walls are relatively dirty, a dull white, with some graffiti to give it an urban edge. The entire tunnel is derelict looking, cold and empty, which will be perfect for shooting in, considering that in this scene our character is running, being chased. We also liked the bubble-mirror on the corner of the wall, giving a edgy, fish-eye effect, if we angle the camera cleverly enough. 

 

Location Photos...

Location Photos taken by Bobbie Notcutt with a Canon 700D

• Bedroom- here is where our main character will be staring at herself in the mirror, she will be contemplating within this location her past crimes and current vices, which are the culminated reasoning to her current mental state. Below are a number of close up, and medium shots of the room to distinguish the un-homely, bare, naked vibe, which continues into our main character as she strips her wall and fully recognises her inner self.

• Hallway- here the architecture of the hallway of the stone pattern on the wall, provides a medium to receive a shot where the alter ego is distinguished in shadows, yet recognised by the back lighting, demonstrating her existence. Moreover, in the glass of the door a dark figure could appear, yet due to its frosted affect their details will be distorted.

• Bathroom-  here is where we will film the drowning scenes, in contrast to the bedroom the warm tones are opposed by the cool tones found here (found with the dark whites and blue tiles), the close ups of the plug hole take aspects from Psycho, yet due to the modern taps and shower head it illustrates the time period the schizophrenia is occurring, within modern time.