Analysing Compositions

 Nope [2022]

OJ distracting Jean Jacket

Scene : https://youtu.be/jOfY-MO51i0?si=E3M7DcFLOix1UPN2

In this scene, OJ [the main character] is riding his horse Lucky away from the big alien pursuing him from behind. It is a high intensity chase and one he does alone. This scene is laid out with it's elements centrally placed, with radiating lines going towards OJ to draw the viewer's eye to him. With this type of composition, the characters take more importance over the setting as very little background is shown. Another element that helps frame OJ is the use of contrast, OJ is cast in a very dark shadow against a beige foggy background, this brings him forward into the scene whilst pushing Jean Jacket back. Not only does this help separate elements, but also shows that he has the lead in the chase. Moving onto elements that help with increasing that tense feeling of a chase is the foggy elements in the midground, this choice to add fog builds a feeling of isolation and the sense that OJ has nowhere to run, very much building that theme of a cat and mouse chase. The size difference between OJ and Jean Jacket also places emphasis on the power imbalance between the two characters, with Jean Jacket being of a wildly higher power standing. It identifies the alien as being a clear threat and something to run away from. Also on Jean Jacket, the green geometric shape of their eye organ stands our greatly from the bleak beige setting, this makes it seem very otherworldly whilst also differentiating it from the background scenery.

The Descent [2005]

Sarah emerging from the blood pool

In this scene, the protagonist Sarah is emerging from a pool of blood found in the cave they are exploring. This is one of the most iconic scenes in the film and does an excellent job of showing the themes of claustrophobia, horror, and isolation. For example there are very few areas of rest within this scene, this makes the scene feel cluttered and claustrophobic as over 80% off the shot is taken up by the red visceral elements. On top of this the darker toned elements in the foreground are quite fuzzy implying they are close to the camera, this also makes the shot feel very tight and claustrophobic. The shot is filmed at a canted angle which feels quite unnatural and gives an uncomfortable feeling to the scene. In the background, there are piles of viscera that build up unnatural shapes and formations, some of which look vaguely like creatures staring at the protagonist, this builds a sense of uncertainty and horror to what might be stalking the main character from the shadows. The overall red hue also makes the scene feel more visceral and unnatural, and overall makes it an eye catching scene.

Analysing my own compositions -

Looking at my own Compositions, I tried to use a range of techniques to make my pieces both visually interesting as well as using elements to tell a story. To begin with my Katya piece, The first composition technique i implemented was the height difference between characters to imply a power imbalance between the higher placed character [Katya] and the subject below her [The soldier]. This piece's main focus is the attack that the character does and how that puts her in a position of power above her captors. Although Katya is the main character in this piece, her attack is above her in the heirarchy of importance in this piece, as such i used leading lines in the arms and chain to draw the viewers attention to the action taking place.

Along with this i also supplemented it by having Katya's outfit blend somewhat into the darker background with the higher contrast areas such as her face and arm being the more important elements. This feature of her blending in somewhat with the background is also a way of showing the more stealthy aspects of her personality and how she attacks suddenly and out of sight. 

Moving onto the environmental aspects of this composition, I made the piece with a cool toned colour pallet in mind, with the greenish fog in the background, tool toned rain, and the bluish overlay lending itself to a cold harsh environment, which lends itself to her grim past and unsettling appearance. It is my hope that these cooler tones instil a sense of discomfort and unease in the viewer. I also used the fog elements to give an eerie and unnatural feel to  the piece as a whole, showing how unsettling the presence of Katya is, her silhouette being almost reminiscent of a grim reaper. 

I also added a note how i tried to go for a more triangular composition, with the main 3 elements, the soldiers head, Katyas face, and the hook being arranged in a triangular formation to guide the viewer's eye through the piece.

For the Hogg and Swine piece i opted for a rule of thirds composition, with the main focus of the piece being offset to the left, and some supplemental environment elements being arranged to the right. The Largest element of the scene is the Hogg, showing it is the most important subject and that all other subjects are merely used to set the scene for the Hogg's location. 

I used a lot of Pathetic fallacy in these two compositions with the rain and overcast environment demonstrating the unpleasant and hopeless emotion those who are on the wrong side of the Hogg and Swine may feel. I also reinforced this hopeless and overpowered feeling by framing this scene in the perspective of someone on the ground level, the slight upward tilt of the Hogg puts the viewer in a worms eye perspective, making them feel inferior and powerless to the great beast before them.

For the background of this piece, I opted for fairly simple building shapes using atmospheric perspective to extend the canvas backwards, This is to provide a setting for the Hogg and Swine without taking attention away from the main elements of the scene. Finally, the elements in the foreground use a more muddy and dirty colour pallet in comparison to the almost pastel looking background, this difference in contrast not only allows the main focus to pop out from the canvas more, but also reinforces that vile and foreboding feeling of looking at the Hogg as it is so wildly different to the environment around it.