Research into Cinematography - Miss Miller

Introduction:
The clip i'm analysing for cinematography is Mama, this film has different types of cinematography which set the mood in the film. The fact that theirs different angles being used shows the audience that different types of moods are trying to be created. This particular clip I have chosen as it has cinematography that is easily to analyse and understand. Cinematography is used in thrillers as it makes the audience view things from a different view point when different things are happening.Cinematography is all the different angles, movements that help set the mood. Cinematography is the use of different camera angles and different camera movements, the use of different cinematography shows the audience parts of the sequence from different viewpoints. Moreover the use of cinematography ensures that you can see everything that is going on the sequence clearly. Cinematography is everything to do with the camera; such as the camera angles and camera shots; it makes a difference with what would make the scene more effective with the use of cinematography.

In the film mama Cinematography is used in the clip at 0:05, the angle used is a high angle this shot is to show that the two young girls in Mama are vulnerable, weak and submissive; This is when the girls are overlooking the balcony when they are trying to see Mama. This makes the audience think that something bad is going to happen to the girls as it's showing there vulnerability even more in the particular clip. Moreover the audience would feel engaged and curious as to what is going to happen next and why they're being shown as vulnerable. It causes a tense atmosphere because the audience doesn't exactly know what they are looking at until they begin running away. The high angle shot is used as it's showing the audience that the mood trying to be created is for the audience to feel sympathy for the little girls, as they are alone being haunted by the spirit. This is conventional to the thriller genre as the young innocent girls are being made vunerable by Mama.

Also in the clip tracking is used in the clip between 0:07 to 0:14 this again is when the girls are overlooking the balcony,  the camera begins tracking their every move/reaction. The tracking effect smoothly goes around showing everything in the scene. This makes the audience understand and see clearly whats going on in the scene and makes them think why this particular cinematography is used as it normally means that it's remaining focus on something constantly. It's like its trying to draw your attention away from whats going on in the background, by concentrating mainly on both of the little girls. This tracking effect makes us see everything in a slow pace which creates suspension as the audience begin to wonder what is about to appear or even happen. Moreover this is conventional to a thriller genre as slowly it picks up tension as it makes the audience wary.

A two-shot is also used in the clip I have used between 0:15 to 0:18 again this is when the two girls are overlooking the balcony and are both featured in one frame. This shows their relationship and how they're trying to comfort each other shows the audience that they have a close bond. It makes the audience feel sympathetic towards them as they are both standing close together which again shows us that they are trying to be there for each other. When a two-shot is being used it normally means that two people are trying to protect eachother and that they don't want to be without eachother otherwise they'll be lost and even more scared. This is conventional to a thriller genre due to the fact that theres two innocent girls that are again being picked on by a bad spirit.

Finally in Mama theres a zoom-in effect of the little girl between 0:50-1:03 a zoom-in effect creates tension and makes you think that something bad is going to happen to the girl or that something bad is going to happen in general. A zoom-in effect shows us in detail what character the director of the film wants us to focus on. This zoom-in effect focuses on the characters emotion which shows the audience that something is imminent is approaching. By using a zoom-in effect it is conventional as it's showing the weak clearly.





Also in the clip I have chosen a mid-shot right towards the end at 1:28 which is when the girl is trying to get into the room but the door is shut; a mid-shot in this shows the setting in detail and also the little girl struggling to get into the to, makes the audience feel sympathetic towards her as you can see her struggling to keep protected. A mid shot is used as it's highlighting the character and the setting as it's sort of a panic scene of her trying to get away from mama and showing her struggles and fear. This is conventional as you don't know whether or not the little girl will get away from mama. Which again creates suspense.

Conclusion:
In conclusion cinematography is used as it makes the audience feel like they're more involved in the film itself. Different type of cinematography is used to make you feel differently about each thing happening in the scene. Such as a low angle; if a low angle was used it would show us that, that the person in the low angle is dominant and in control and intimidating. If an over the shoulder camera effect was used it would put you in their shoes even more as it makes you see things from their point of view. Cinematography is key in a thriller as it makes you view things differently. A zoom in effect is one of the inspirations I've taken as it creates a sense of foreboding atmosphere as all attention is being focused on a particular character.