Crimson Peak Analysis

Crimson Peak Analysis 

The genre of this film can be easily identified as a horror as it follows the typical conventions expected of this theme of film. For example, the section in which the creature emerges from the ground has many aspects such as shots and diegetic sound that work together to create a frightening experience for the audience.  

A long shot was chosen to first reveal the creature because it informs the audience where the main character is in relation to the creature's location. It emphasises the short distance between the two characters which furthermore increases the tension of the scene as a chase is anticipated. To make the creature's appearance more surprising, the camera uses depth-of-field to focus on the expression of the woman at first, then switches to the thing crawling on the floor.   

By including the unidentifiable thing, it keeps within the horror genre as they often include otherworldly beings. The low-key lighting enhances the shadows that obscure the movement of the creature, creating a more sinister, menacing and mysterious atmosphere. Additionally, the diegetic sound of the monster crying and clawing against the wooden floor increases its otherness. This causes the audience to be unnerved at the unfamiliarity of the character.  

When watching, the viewers area able to see the camera is handheld. This type of camerawork has been chosen as it suggests an unrehearsed reality; it makes it appears more realistic so becomes more frightening. This technique paired with the eventual zoom on the character allows the audience to see its bloody, gory appearance.  

Earlier on in the clip, the use of a long mid-shot along with the panning around a point helps to establish the setting of the film. The mansion has features that hint the film is set during the Victorian period, and the mise-en-scene of props such as dated clothing and the candlestick further prove this point; fashion looked as such and there was no electricity. During this segment of the clip, the lacking non-diegetic sound allows the quietness to hang heavy in the air. The silence amplifies how alone she is, while also allowing the viewers to hear the echoing rain in the background; the pathetic fallacy creating an ominous atmosphere.  

Later on in the clip, the protagonist tries to flee from the creature by escaping down an elevator. To show it going down, a high angle is used to show its descent below, and also to accentuate how she’s powerless by making her appear smaller. The shot zooms in from the tilt to a close-up of the top of the elevator which effectively shuts out the small amounts of light remaining in the scene. This could symbolise the last of the 'goodness' dispersing and the darkness and danger enveloping the girl below.  

Once she's beneath the ground level, a wide-establishing shot allows the audience to see the sinister setting that is the basement. Tints of red line the walls which immediately clue the viewers in that this area is unsafe as red has connotations of blood and danger. With a colour scheme and such, the candlestick prop burning bright and the descent down, the director could be implying that this place is similar to Hell. By comparing it to Hell, it automatically insinuates evil and therefore entices the viewers as they know peaks of horror are likely to happen here.  

As she continues to delve deeper into the unknown, she comes across a box; one she can't open due to it being locked. The close-up shot of her fumbling with the lock reveals this without her stating it aloud, meaning she's as informed as the audience. This is an example of the enigma code as the audience become frustrated at the lack of knowledge and they continue to watch in the hopes that what is inside will be uncovered.