Untraceable Scene Deconstruction 2

Editing

• A grey tint is used throughout the scene. This creates the impression of a dull day and creates a negative atmosphere of foreboding.
• An eye line match from a shot of the girl, then the computer, shows us it has caught her attention. It highlights the importance of the computer and raises our awareness of the threat it is posing.

Camera Angles

• At the beginning of the scene, we see an establishing shot of what appears to be a typical family home. The dull tone surroundings and grey shades of the house dim the mood and it appears menacing. This seems to be a depressing environment and puts us at unease about what events may take place next.

• A long shot of the house, as the woman approaches in the foreground is used as she walks towards the camera pointing her gun. This puts us in perspective of the camera and we are able to see her anger and fear as the knocks it over.

Sound

• A non diegetic, subliminal, high pitched screech, like long violin notes can be heard as the girl notices a film of their house on the computer and goes on to look out the window. This adds to the sense of shock and is very ominous as it begins to build up. This is a common convention of horrors/thrillers.
• When the woman answers her phone and looks in horror after what she hears, the non diegetic soundtrack becomes louder, and more layers. This creates tension and emphasises the idea of danger.
• As the woman open the door, the non diegetic music become louder and more layered yet again as piano notes begin to repeat. This further builds the tension and the idea of a discovery.

Mise en Scene

•  When we are introduced to the mum in this scene, she is wearing denim jeans and a plain blue top. This represents her as a casual character, playing a simple role in her home as a mother. This is later juxtaposed by the use of a gun, when she has a stronger role in need of protecting her daughter.

• The woman leaves the house holding a gun; a common convention within horrors, thrillers or crime movies. This helps portray her role as a police detective and portrays the idea of danger and a need to protect.