Analysing the horror genre/horror films - Representations and techniques

Devil's Due

Let The Right One In 

Why are these films successful?
 

The first element that is similar in both films is that they represent the female gender as killers. In Devil's Due the main female character gets possessed by a devil and starts to attack random people frequently. And in Let The Right One In the main female character is a vampire and kills people for their blood. Another similar thing in each film is that they are both set and location in modern suburbia. In these films they are both set in large populated cities. The types of criminals are both supernatural and the crimes are also supernatural associated. In Devil's Due the female has been possessed by demons and in Let The Right One In the female is a vampire. The methods of killing often involves a lot of blood being spilled. Non-diegetic sound is used in both films to add a tense and dramatic atmosphere to each, it instils fear too. Another representation is of the victims. They are all just random killings and by them being random it sends a message that no one is safe and the police are helpless. Similarly there is a representation of the female characters boyfriend/husband. They often play a large part in the films. In Devil's Due the husband is the one that is trying to find out what's happening and in the end it ends with him. In Let The Right One In the main female character loves the guy so much that she sacrifices herself for him. A technique that is notable in the films is the omniscient narration. From the start, we know that the young girl in Let The Right One In is a vampire but some other characters do not. And in Devil's Due we know that the lady gets possessed and starts going crazy however her husband doesn't until the end. Another technique that is often used in these films are close ups. Close ups are used to decipher the characters emotions and feelings. For example if they are to kill someone, having a close up will show the audience if they enjoyed it or not. Rule of thirds is also distinguishable throughout the films. In the image about of Let The Right One In, rule of thirds in depth of field is used. In addition to other camera techniques used, Follow Shots are used in films such as the ones I'm analysing.  The audience is made aware of the character's presence and is able to observe them in action, while also being forced to identify with the character.

From analysing the two films, I know that I would like to add most of these techniques and representations into the film I'm going to create.