Props and their Significance
Props fall under the category of mise-en-scene, the French term for everything within a scene. Props are one of the most important factors because they can help build up a character or even reveal or tell elements of a story which are crucial to the narrative. For example, within the genre of horror, certain props have become synonymous with the films and brands they feature in. In The Texas Chainsaw Massacare, Leatherface kills his victims with a chainsaw, in Sinister, the plot revolves around videotapes and in Get Out, the tea and spoon is what is used to hypnotise people.
The Props We Used
The Knife
Our weapon of choice shown in the trailer was a knife. Knives are an extremely popular weapon choice in horror folklore because they are so accessible and so effective. We chose a standard kitchen knife because it fit the 'home made' feel of the cult. The idea of the Sanctuary was that they had the ability to penetrate the stereotypical household which is what makes them so terrifying. The knife we used was blunted and for health and safety reasons but looked as realistic as possible to create the full effect. This conforms to horror conventions also as it appears in ma y other successful horror classics. |
The Bath
The bath was a crucial prop for a filming as it ended up contributing to one of the most iconic shots in the trailer. It represented the drastic change that the Sanctuary's recruits have to go under to gain favour with the leader and the kind of behaviour they begin to exhibit. This seemed to both conform and defy horror conventions. Films like Nightmare on Elm Street and A Cure For Wellness feature prominent bath scenes but it is still not the most stereotypical horror prop/location.
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The Sign
The sign covering the face of the members of the Sanctuary represents the mask the group would hide under in order to blend in with the rest of society. We wanted the blood smeared writing to be representative of the evil side of the group which later comes out. The sign was used for the purposes of the trailer and defies horror codes and conventions as a blood smeared sign is not typical in a horror film. Yet the element of writing in dried blood is something which is extremely prominent.
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The Leaflet
The leaflet we used in the trailer was used to help purify the image of the group and portray them as just another religious resembling organisation. It represents how the group is trying to reach the widest range possible to increase their following. The leaflet defies horror conventions as not many "killers" promote themselves as a self help organisation. |
The Bag
The bagged victim on his knees was used to show the power that the group has over their captures. Having the audience look down on the victim shows just how little power they have and assess that all of the influence is in the hands of the Sanctuary. The bag conformed to horror conventions as the act of masking your victim to not reveal their location and generate fear is one that has featured in many horror, thriller and crime films and series. |
The White Rose
The white rose was used on our poster and also in our trailer to create continuity and a sense of synergy between our media products. It represents the purity of the group and once again helps build up this image of a mask in which they hide behind. This defied horror conventions as the group is hiding behind an image which resembles purity, something that behind the mask they do not have. |