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Sunday, September 16, 2018

Analysis of a Media Still: American Horror Story


I choose this still because in my opinion, it's one of the most important shots of the season, Murder House. The establishing shot, greatly reveals the setting which is what the season is based around. Meaning is conveyed through the props, setting and editing of this shot. Firstly, the ivy growing all over the house and the overgrown, dead hedges and bushes in the garden convey how the house has not been maintained, possibly even abandoned. The little girl, placed right at the front of the house, looks extremely small compared to the rest of the house. This could show how big, daunting and scary the house is, already setting up an atmosphere of suspense. We question why the little girl, who could be used as a device to symbolise purity and innocence, is positioned in front of this house. Through this, we can already depict that the series is part of the horror genre since two conventions of the genre have been used in this still: a little girl and a haunted house. Also, the monotone, low colour contrast added to the shot helps create a macabre atmosphere which significantly compliments the aura of the shot and fits in nicely with the horror genre. 

1 comment:

  1. This is a very confident first analysis, showing very good understanding of genre and denotation/connotation. You have included a wide range of relevant examples and have thought carefully about audience response. Well done. EBI: check that you have included relevant technical detail and media terminology in your answers.

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