Techniques Used To Create Tension In The Film The Woman In Black

The Woman in Black is the bone chilling thriller, directed by James Watkins and produced by Momentum. The plot is about a deceased woman, whose child was taken away from her. She seeks revenge on the locals and believes that if she can't have her child, no one can. This causes her to possess children, and lead them to death. The film follows Arthur Kipps, a failing lawyer sent to El Marsh House to settle the grounds of the house. He sees the woman and becomes indulged in who she is, and why all these horrific events are taking place.

The Woman in Black uses Mise en Scene, camera angles, diegetic and non diegetic sound to create a gothic horror masterpiece. Miscellaneous is everything you see in the scene, such as lighting and expressions.

The use of diegetic, non diegetic sound and mise en scene created the extremely uncomfortable watching experience. As Arthur walks into the marsh, the squelching sound of the marsh is enhanced to create an unsettling feeling in your stomach. This is an example of a diegetic sound being used to create tension. As Arthur walks further into the marsh, his struggling noises are enhanced, showing the viewer how strong this marsh is. This is an extortionary use of diegetic sound to create tension as the viewer is aware of how much strength it will take to escape. When Arthur can feel what he is looking for, he dives down into the marsh. The Non Diegetic music becomes high pitched and fast, creating suspense, keeping the viewer on edge and making their heart start to beat faster, creating fear and tension. Throughout the whole scene, the only thing that is visible is the small area of marsh that is Arthur in Sam's car. The camera angles create tension and fear as it creates the element of the unknown and that anything could be lurking in the darkness.The last important detail from this scene is how mise en scene is used. The facial expressions of Arthur and Sam throughout the scene are extremely tense and worried. This builds tension by giving you the constant feeling that something bad is going to

As Arthur is talking to Sam at the train station, his son standing next to him becomes emotionless. His eyes are blank, and his face is blank. This is a use of mise en scene to create tension as the viewer knows that the many other children before experiencing their fate become emotionless. Straight after the son becomes emotionless, a soft eerie lullaby starts to gradually play. This is an example of non diegetic sound to create tension as, as this music is another sign that he has been possessed. Now the viewer is on edge, as they realise that Arthur's son may suffer the same gruesome fate as many other children. As Arthur's son leaves his care and walks towards the tracks, the director has used sound and light to amplify the tension. When Arthur's son becomes closer to the tracks, the train light and noise becomes far more prominent, causing the viewer to become distressed and tense, as the light and sound have an overpowering effect on the viewers senses. Now the viewer realises that it is too late to save the son. As Arthur realises that his son is on the tracks, his expression becomes frightened. This is a use of Mise en scene to create tension. The raging noise of the train increases as Arthur runs onto the tracks to save his son, then it goes silent. This makes the viewer tense, then at peace. In other words, a rollercoaster of emotions. When Arthur and his son reappear, the lighting is