How Meaning is Constructed in Film through Analysis of Visual Signification- Lighting in Horror

Meaning is constructed in film through visual significance through a number of methods and techniques. These include Lighting, Mise-en-scene, Representation, Actors/Actress, etc.

Lighting in Horror

Lighting is one of the easiest, yet most useful techniques utilised to construct meaning in film. An example of this is the contrast in lighting between different genres. Take horror films for example, where as this genre conventions detail that lighting should be dark, with use of shadows to connote a sense of danger and fear. On the other hand, a more mellow genre such as comedy, would prefer to implement a brighter lighting to set a more relaxed, humorous mood. 2 supporting examples to back up this theory can be seen below. The use of low-key lighting techniques could be said to represent a Freudian need to repress the Id or signify that there is an aspect of the villains personality that is evil.

In this official movie trailer for 'SAW II' (2005), clear use of high contrast lighting and shadows are present within the first 10 seconds of the video clip. Used to set an eerie atmosphere; a technique used consistently throughout the horror genre.

Similarly in the movie trailer for a more contemporary text, 'Annabelle 2' (2017), even as early as the first scene, the establishing scene is set to low brightness to give the preferred reading of darkness and evil. Shadows are then utilised in the establishing shot; the next scene inside the house to set an terrifying atmosphere.