Paranormal Activity: editing and lighting anlysis

Editing:
Paranormal activity is shot on a handheld camera and laptops. The handheld camera gives a realistic view that the audience can relate to. When using the handheld cameras it gives the scene a much more realistic view as the camera shakes connoting drama and action. Using the laptops to film the events in the house is an understandable way of capturing the events as if that was to occur to a normal person. Therefore the audience can relate to the family which will enhance the horror. There are also short takes of scenes during the trailer to create tension which is also parallel to the information given to the audience. This combination of features creates drama as it evokes a chaotic scene in which the audience can feel apart of. After the short takes to build the tension there are collection of long takes. This is done so the audience are anticipating  a jump scare which will affect them more as the are on edge.

Lighting:
The opening scene of the trailer is very dark which creates fear, this is done because of the fear of the unknown. The dark lighting is parallel to the on scene images as both create a uncomfortable experience. The next scene of the police arriving at the neighbors house is also at night creating a mystery and and enigma surrounding the issue. The audience begin to assume a  crime has been committed which is associate the colour black with negatives. This is in contrast to the next scene as it is much brighter suggesting purity. We associate the colour white peaceful and tranquil experiences which ironic as we meet the boy for the first time during the day. This contrasts as the day suggests purity but the boy is the beginning of the the horror for the family. The light in this scene is also natural suggesting innocent and normality that the audience can connect with. If the audience can bond with the characters on screen then they will relate and empathize with what is happening. Creating this rapport is crucial as the audience need to relate to the characters.