The Hanging Tree: Final Cut (with annotations)

The Hanging Tree Annotations

Below are the annotations you can see in the video for The Hanging Tree.

We used these to analyse and evaluate our final product.

0.05

This is a close-up, tracking shot of the gnarled tree root. This establishes the diegesis of the film but also sets the slow, eerie emotion of the whole trailer.

0.13

This expressionist high angle puts the character in a position of innocence and vulnerability foreshadowing the event of her disappearance and the reaction of her peers.

0.21

Though this is part of the seemingly happy slow montage sequence, there is the connotation of imminent danger due to the presence of the brambles/creepers. As the plants surround the area in which the characters are, it connotes the feeling of isolation and entrapment.

0.39

This shot is part of the flashback sequence of the trailer where the desaturated colour design clearly indicates these shots are set in the past.

0.44

This extreme close up of the Victorian psychopathic killer creates discomfort for the viewer. We feel we are in her personal space, creating an uncomfortable sense of claustrophobia. Even though she is the antagonist of the trailer, this shot forces the audience to interact and even sympathise with her.

0.49

In this shot, low key motivated lighting was used, creating dark shadows which connote fear of the unknown, mystery and death.

1.01

The canted angle in this shot suggests a feeling of disorientation and unbalance. This creates drama and suspense.

1.03

This extreme close up on the eye of the male hero holds the direct address of the audience, making them feel uncomfortable. This gives the impression he is watching them and that they are to blame for what’s happening.

1.13

This low, expressionist angle gives power to the male hero who is racing across the screen. At the same time, it hides his identity. This helps to create a sense of mystery. However, at the same time, the shot is eerily beautiful and the artistic feeling is something we really wanted to convey in our trailer.

1.17

This extreme point of view close up shot of the foliage whizzing past the male hero’s face as he rolls down the hill creates a sense of drama and action.

1.20

This high, expressionist angle of the female antagonist standing of the unconscious male hero puts her in a position of power and dominance.

1.22

The white, distorted typography in this shot suggests innocence and purity. However, due to its distortion and fade effect it gives a ghostly quality as well. The text therefore becomes a metaphorical representation of the psycho killer.

1.24

This expressionist high angle looks down at the naïve victim (Nicole) covered in blood, emphasising how vulnerable she is. The use of body horror makes the trailer more dynamic and vulnerable.

1.32

Using an overlay of two shots created a disorientating effect, manufacturing the illusion that the extreme blood loss has seriously affected Nicole’s balance.

1.40

During this shot the vine winds around the ankle of the female victim (Nicole) and this relates back to the entrapment with the brambles/creepers as well as reinforcing the link between the “hanging tree” and the antagonist.

1.44

The low key lighting on the lake creates dark shadows that appear to reach out towards the character as she emerges from the water, gasping for breath. This suggests that the antagonist has some form of control over this dire situation.

1.52

Extreme low key lighting (almost to the point of back lighting) emphasises the bark-like texture on the antagonist’s skin, reinforcing the idea she is connected to the tree at the start of the trailer. She is also holding direct eye contact with the audience, creating an unsettling feeling as well as a striking and memorable last appearance.