Genre and Auteur Theory Case Studies.

 

Genre Theory Case Study – The Curse Of Frankenstein and The Woman In Black.

Hammer Horror is a British film production founded around 1934. They are best known for producing Gothic horror films in the mid 50’s until the 70’s.

The Curse Of Frankenstein was made in 1957 and was one of hammers first Gothic horror films. It consists of all the things you’d expect in a classic horror film like blood, death, monsters, eerie music etc. For instance one of the films most famous ‘jump scare’ scenes in this film is when Frankenstein tears his bandages off his face and reveals a scary messed up face.When this particular clip was shot it’s as if the director filmed going close up to Frankenstein’s face at a normal pace, but in the editing department it seems as if the pace has been fastened as the clip isn’t very smooth but it creates a creepy affect.

Hammer kind of died down after the 70’s but in 2012 they came back with the horror film The Woman In Black. The Woman In Black is also a Gothic horror film with blood, supernatural entities, death, creepy music etc. The Woman In Black is filled with jump scares that are a lot scarier than hammer used to produce or some may disagree. For instance one of the scary jump scares is when The Woman In Black appeared after the whole film not revealing her face using the concept of ‘the fear of the unknown’.

Even though both films are years apart they have many similarities ass they both use similar codes and conventions. For example both films are under the genre ‘gothic horror’. Also both films are set in the same location which is the dark creepy mansion that appears very gothic like. Both films being set in a creepy mansion also consists of both the monsters living/created there. Frankenstein was created in the mansion and The Woman In Black is situated at the mansion as that’s where she always stays. Also Frankenstein runs away from the mansion which links in with The Woman In Black as she is able to leave the house to do her killing. Another similarity are the colours used in both films, that represent a dark gothic feel. The colours they seem to mainly use in both films are dark reds, purples, black etc. There’s also a lot of similarity with religion as Victor Frankenstein can be seen as a god as he’s controlling life and death. With The Woman in Black there are crucifixes and constant references to heaven. Both films also consist of an innocent person dying which seems to be a re-occurring situation in many hammer films. With The Curse Of Frankenstein being made in 1957 some scenes can be seen as dragging and long but still has a big affect. With The Woman in Black because it was made in 2012 it does have some long scenes that can be seen as dragging, but in my opinion it gives more of a creepy effect off. Both films include jump scares that are quite similar but The Woman in Black gives more of a big affect as it’s newly made.

Case Study-

David Lynch is an american director, screenwriter, visual artist, musician, actor and author. Known for his surrealist films, he has developed a unique cinematic style. Lynch is very known for being a auteur director from how amazing he creates his films they are just like a piece of art. He is also known for having complete control over the films he creates and that’s why they are all so good. Lynch is known for creating his films, writing, directing and even appearing in them. David Lynch has produced many iconic films like Blue Velvet, Eraserhead and The Elephant Man. Also Lynch created the best series Twin Peaks which is still iconic today. With auteur directors they seem to use the same actors. That’s one of the many reasons Lynch is a auteur director as he uses Kyle MacLachlan in various of his creations such as Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, Dune and many more.

An example for David Lynch’s creations is that ‘Eraserhead’ took five years to film. It was his first full length feature film, and in many interviews he has it to be the perfect film. This is a good example of the Auteur Theory as Lynch made sure every scene and shot was perfect, and was filmed his way. Even though it took Lynch quite a while to create, the outcome is exactly what he wanted. Also the same goes for Twin Peaks. Twin Peaks is shot so perfectly every scene is pleasing to the eye. For example Nadine in Twin Peaks is obsessed with the smooth running of her drapes. The curtains are supposedly meant to link to night time and night time is when most of Lynch’s action is set. Especially in Eraserhead and Blue Velvet. Spotlights are also used in many creations often to highlight certain elements. With unnatural light featuring strongly especially in the black and white films. These lights are often created by standard lamps which are compulsory furniture in Lynch’s mind. Lynch also created the masterpiece ‘Dune’ but behind set it wasn’t all fun and games. For instance Lynch who seemed so excited about the film said ‘it was nightmare’. David Lynch is my opinion is one of the best auteur directors there is. All his films are created so perfectly and they are all done his way. All his creations have a big distinctive style to them which makes them stand out.