Freaky Friday Film Review - Sophie Burton

The host, Sophie B, welcomes actress Dakota Fanning to discuss the film "Coraline" and how it fits into the fantasy horror genre. They talk about the dark opening scene, the use of lighting and music to create a sense of fear, and how the characters' voices contribute to scary scenes. They also discuss the transformation of the character "Other Mother" into a witch-like figure. Overall, they agree that "Coraline" is a fantasy horror film with typical conventions of the genre. Hello to my Freaky Friday film review lovers. It's Sophie B and I'm back for another Friday's film review. Today I'm very excited to say we have very talented actress Dakota Fanning here to join us in discussion of the film Coraline and how we believe the film adheres to the genre of fantasy horror. But before I introduce you to Dakota, let me give you a quick refresh on the storyline of Coraline. Coraline is an animated film in which the main character, a girl named Coraline, is exploring her new home and discovers a secret door. Behind this door lies an alternate world that closely mirrors her own, but in many ways is better. Coraline is excited in her new discovery of this new world until a character known as the Other Mother and the rest of her parallel family try to keep her there forever. Coraline must use all of her resources and bravery to make it back to her own family and life. So how does this storyline incorporate the genre of horror you may ask? Well let me introduce you to the wonderful Hollywood actress Dakota Fanning who is the voice of Coraline to discuss this topic further. Hi Dakota, welcome to Friday's Freaky Film Review. Hi everyone, I'm really excited to be here and discuss the horror themes and film techniques used in Coraline. It was so much fun working on the film. So Dakota, I believe the horror genre is evident from the very first scene in the movie. Lighting designs help create the tone of the film. Bright colourful scenes are comforting and uplifting, however a dark, dimly lit scene creates a sense of uncertainty and fear. During the opening credits the visuals used are dark and grey colours. There's also shattering techniques used. We see spider webs and dolls with buttons for eyes are being cut with pairs of scissors. Yes, I agree Sophie. The opening scene is very dark and sets the tone of the film. Even the music used in this opening is typical of a horror film. Sound is a very important technique used to create a horror scene. Intimidating instrumentals, eerie tones and a lack of harmony are all used by the music producer to create a sense of fear and darkness. Let's play some for the listeners to hear. Music Dakota, can I ask you about the actors in the movie and how they use their voice to help create scary scenes? Yes, sure Sophie. So to set a scary scene our voices often start quite calm and controlled. But then as drama builds and we increase our volume and directioness, more than likely a scream and distress will follow. Let me play for you the scene where this is evident between Coraline and the other mother. Is that any way to talk to your mother? You are my mother. Apologise at once, Coraline. No. I'll give you to the count of three. One. Two. Three! What are you doing? Hey, let go! You may come out when you've learned to be a loving daughter. Thanks, Dakota. I'm feeling scared just listening to that audio. So another technique commonly used in horror films is the change of a character's personality and the plot moving this person into a dark place. This is evident with the character of the other mother. Can you provide us with your thoughts on this? Oh, I just love the character of the bedlam, the other mother. Initially, she resembles Coraline's mother, Mrs Jones, but with button eyes. However, as the film progresses, she develops a witch-like personality who appears spider-like and evil. Her fingers and body grows longer and she visually gives a ghost-like appearance. Yes, I also feel her witch-spider-like appearance is one typically seen in a horror film. It really makes the viewer scared and intrigued. I'm really glad that you feel that way as the director, Henry Selick, really tried to make the bedlam's character portray a witch-like character. Well, Dakota, I would like to thank you for joining me today for my Freaky Friday film review. I think you can agree the film Coraline clearly falls into the fantasy horror genre. The visual effects, the way the actors use their voice and the music used are all typical conventions used to create a horror film. Yes, thank you, Sophie. I do completely agree. I've really enjoyed talking with you about the fantasy horror conventions used in the film Coraline. Well, that's all we have for today's Freaky Friday film review. If I have you intrigued into watching this film, I suggest you head on to Binge, Foxtel or Google Play. Enjoy your Friday. Bye-bye.