Review of Techniques of The Others

Review of Techniques of The Others The Others is a horror thriller set in a Victorian mansion on the

British Isle of Jersey in 1945. The film stars Nichole Kidman as

Grace, a mother who isolates her two children in a haunted mansion,

slowly discovering that she is surrounded by ghosts. Ironically the

twist at the end reveals in the stunning penultimate sequence of the

film that she too is a ghost. The Others provides a frequent use of

dull candlelight making it psychologically creepy and keeps the

interest level high. Not only does this engage the audience with none

of the typical horror thriller properties such as, explicit violence

and lots of gore but leaves them shrouded in complete mystery and

suspense throughout the film.

Once the credits fade out, the relaxing and homely background music

slowly dies down and is replaced by total silence. This effect

prepares the audience in for something to happen. The shot opens with

a Victorian mansion shielded by mist and fog what appears to be a

totally isolated location. Establishing a silent eerie atmosphere, the

shot gives an idea of where and when the film is set providing just

enough information for the audience to be tantalised while still

keeping them enough suspense to watch on.

Dull lighting is used to give an aged effect to reinforce that The

Others is a period drama in 1945 and it moreover establishes the

creepy atmosphere of the mansion. Adding to the sinister atmosphere ...

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...ence to watch more but it also

introduces the main character, Grace.

Following upon the heels of the startling scream, the audience are

treated to a burst of strange ominous laughter producing the kind of

horror that is rarely seen. The audience is plunged into further

confusion because they cannot at first see the source of laughter.

Finally, as the next shot begins do they realise that it is in fact

the harmless laughter of a new character.

By the time we have watched the opening sequence we are already drawn

in.

Writing this essay I have realised that there is much more to the

making of films as many factors have to be thoroughly thought through.

What makes this successful is its use of gripping storyline, good

acting, lighting, sound and camera angles, which all together make

this an outstanding film.