HEAVENLY CREATURESBy Rahim Rahat

MISE-EN-SCENE• Immediately the film opens with a chase in a forest. This is very conventional of the thriller

genre as forests are stereotypically used as a dumping site for bodies. This strengthens connotations of panic and fear as well as isolation. This creates a strong atmosphere of intensity and suspense which grips the audience. The contrast between the black and white shots and the green forest is very interesting. Typically within a thriller, black and white is used to emphasise action, suspense and create sinister connotations. Here, it uses it as a device to establish connotations of nostalgia and joy. The black and white, paired with the colour shots, construct connotations of hopelessness and a distant past. The use of colour in the panic scenes appear far more vivid and real which breaks the realism barrier with the audience. This will in turn reinforce the suspense but also create confusion. The juxtaposition of the mud outside and the luxurious ship express stress as it is very evident that the environment that they are in is not one they are used to. This emphasises the phrase ‘bursting ones bubble’ as the bubble of luxury and contentment is met with the harsh pin that is reality. The same effect is used in Once Upon A Time In America as the scene where Eve gets shot initially emphasises patriotism and hope whereas she is abruptly shot and killed which creates an experience of remorseless de ja vu. The red of the blood so suddenly imminent is very grim and makes the scene uncomfortable and haunting. This establishes the twisted nature of the content of the film and further entices the audience.

CAMERA WORK AND EDITING• The immediate use of the POV shot establishes connotations of empathy

and worry as the action begins immediately which isn’t conventional in a thriller. Usually, a thriller is very slow an methodical for example Kill Bill Vol.1. is still very sadistic but not as action packed from the very beginning. The initial pace from the offset of Heavenly Creatures, however, immediately peaks the intrigue of the audience. The use of very dynamic shots, e.g. the panning shot, increases the intensity of the atmosphere. It expresses worry, fear and extreme helplessness and invokes the audience to feel anxious at the girls’ state. The utilisation of the high angle shot on the boat is highly contrasting to the close up of the feet. Being able to see their joyous facial expressions will further reinforce the feeling of empathy on behalf of the audience. This will in turn emphasise the anxiety and stress the girls are facing. Putting the black and white scenes against the colour scenes reinforces the stereotype of ‘rose-tinted glasses’ and the blood on their faces at the end of the shot brings a strong sense of realism.