Genre Research: A Quiet Place

According to Rotten Tomatoes, "In the modern horror thriller A QUIET PLACE, a family of four must navigate their lives in silence after mysterious creatures that hunt by sound threaten their survival. If they hear you, they hunt you." Throughout the movie various camera angles and movements are utilized to create a sinister tone. For example, various low angles are used to create a sense of how intimidated and powerless the main characters are compared to the mysterious creatures. As another example, various wide shots are used to establish the setting of each of the scenes. In the beginning of movie, a wide shot of the abandoned city where they get there supplies from is utilized, as well as, a wide shot of the ranch where the main characters live later on in the movie. Another important aspect of the movie is the mis-en-scene, such as the costumes, lighting, actors, makeup, props, and settings. The costumes in the movie, such as the heavy jackets and jeans, contribute to the feeling of isolation that can be felt throughout the movie. The lightning and makeup has a dark and gloomy color, which the lightning at times having hints of red, for instance when the mother turns on the red lights to alert the rest of the family. Also, the actors are meant to resemble a family unit as they work together to try and survive this dystopian world. Finally the props and settings are meant to resemble a post apocalyptic society. The setting is overgrown wilderness with deserted houses and ranches, and the main characters use props/tools such as shotguns, radios, knives, etc. Furthermore, another important aspect of this film and thriller genre is the sound used. However, this movie is based on the fact that characters have to be quiet, so dialogue is very rare. Instead, the movie mainly makes use of sound loud effects such as the sand crunching underneath their feat and the creatures running. Finally, the editing contributes to keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. For instance, in the bathroom scene (which can be seen in the picture above) a shot-reverse-shot is used to shift focus from the mother in the bathtub, to the monster on the stairs, and then back to the mother trying to remain silent while giving birth. Jump cuts are frequently used aswell to "jump scare" the audience and shift settings.

Overall, the movie "A QUIET PLACE," follows the conventions of the thriller genre. Despite having rare dialogue, the movie makes use of action packed scenes, multiple points of views, an antagonist stronger than the protagonist, loud sound effects, and amazing editing. These elements all help to contribute to the movies dark and sinister tone. This tone then in-turn keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. A QUIET PLACE makes use of many elements that I like such as the suspenseful plot structure, loud sound effects, amazing editing, and multiple points of view. However, there are some elements of the movie that I do not like. The audience is kept in the dark a lot regarding certain aspects of the plot such as the strange creatures and the basement in the house. I would also have liked to see more dialogue between the characters. Overall, A QUIET PLACE is an amazing movie and will be useful in constructing my Final Task. Additionally, if you still have not seen the movie I heavily recommend it.