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.
