RESEARCH - Convention analysis on 'Splice'

SPLICE 2009

 

 

The clip I have analysed is 'Splice'. Each convention is very important and the film 'Splice' includes several of these. For example, the opening. The opening involves the title sequence which introduces the actors in the film.  A title sequence is vital as first impressions count, so if the title sequence looks as though a great deal of effort has gone in to it then this will fill the audience with anticipation on what to expect. 'Splice' is an excellent example of a great title sequence because it hooks the audience within a few seconds due to the creepy, mysterious, 'womb-like' setting which has the actor's names embedded in and it creates a sense of awe and fascination from the viewers.

The whole opening is highly graphical, packed with CGI and special effects and linking back to the interpretation of the Splice poster, a theme is re-ocurring. That theme is linked with mutation and development of some sort. The colour green is fluent throughout and could indicate that this creation may not be human as the veins and the brain are not red filled with blood like a 'conventional' human. 
 
Another convention that the Splice opening includes is the use of various shots and angles. Here it appears as if we are being lead and shown different parts of this mysterious place with a flashlight. For example, when the actors' names are shown embedded within flesh, the name appears brighter than the edges and corners of the screen, as if a dim light is being shone on it. This is effective in grabbing people's attention because it's strange and unfamiliar which means they are intrigued by it. 

There are also various close-ups and tracking taking place. For instance, after Sarah Polley's name is shown, the camera moves into a fast tracking shot of a brain and slows down onto a close up of veins which then shows us another actor's name. Majority of these shots take us from one dark, shadowy place to another with glimpses of light inbetween and work well because there is a chance of surprising the audience.

The opening of Splice also uses another convention which is eerie/spooky music. The first few chords of a piano set the mood almost immediately and is quite frightening which later plans to send shivers down spines when violins and cellos kick in. The use of these stringed instruments help to build up tension effectively as the volume calms then fades and increases then decreases throughout. 

Towards the end, the music is somehow kicked up another notch and creates a powerful climax to the main title which says 'Splice' although during this moment, because the music is so threatening it feels as if something may pop up towards the screen and may literally have the audience clinging to the edges of their seats. After this the music calms and retreats and so does the 'green darkness' and we are then shown a blank white screen which is the perfect end to an adrenaline rush.

Other conventions that Splice uses is the production company logo, the distribution logo and mysterious objects - the womb-like location, veins, a brain etc. and these are all key aspects in adding and building up the opening along with the music.