Technical Codes And Conventions In The Film Where's My Mummy

The symbolic and technical codes and conventions of mystery films often are used to provide the audience with suspense, uncertainty and often satisfaction once the criminal’s identity is revealed. The mis-en-scene of mystery films are conveyed through the set designs, props, and costumes. These symbolic conventions specific to the mystery genre are often also integral to the film’s plot. In Scooby Doo! in Where’s My Mummy (2005), props such as the magnifying glass, torches, weaponry, traps, evidence, and disguises are incorporated to form themes of confusion and mystery by providing the audience with misdirection and plot twists. Colour and lighting are also used to convey suspense and to build tension in the audience. For example, the film’s opening scene successfully

Discovered secret passageways are also shaded by green and blue animation and lit by low-key lighting obstructing the villain’s identity from view. The shadows are manipulated to create tension such as when the villain enters through a dark cage and when the mystery gang carried out their final plan during nightfall. These effects provide a sinister and if successful, achieves the plot twist reveal by the end of the film. The aim of the film’s diegesis is to capture the attention and anticipation of the audience until the final reveal. The suspense in mystery films is often further supported by fast paced orchestral eerie music and soundtracks as the detectives are closer to discovery the identity of the villain. Lyrical music is heard during a chase seen, warning audiences of “doom” and “curses”. However, the non-diegetic music is an example of the unknown, as mysteries rely on the fear of the unknown. Additionally, the off-screen echoes of characters such as Shaggy and Scooby screaming for help, place the audience in a position to rely on the protagonist’s