Analysis of the Film “Hush"

Plot:

“Hush” is an old-fashioned home invasion thriller. The protagonist, Maddie, is a deaf-mute writer living in a secluded home. She has been deaf since the age of 13, and we get a bit more of her history and the way her mind works when neighbor/friend Sarah comes over for a brief visit. After Sarah leaves, Maddie goes back to cooking. We see a screaming Sarah run toward her kitchen door, pounding on it for help, but Maddie is completely unaware, even as a crossbow-wielding maniac slices Sarah’s throat about ten feet from her neighbour. He even knocks on the door but Maddie doesn’t respond. The masked killer becomes fascinated with Maddie, and decides he wants to prolong her fate and play games with her. He starts by stealing her cell phone and texting her pictures of herself that night. Then, even after he has revealed himself to Maddie, he doesn’t just kill her. In “Hush”, the psychotic killer’s motives are vague, so if he’s just a lunatic killing for fun.

Camera Shots:

Lots of close up shots are used but they contrast depending on where they are in the film. For example at the beginning of the film there are close ups of Maddie turning on the oven, preparing the food and pouring a glass of wine; this suggest a calm, relaxed tone. However, by the end of the film the close ups are of her broken leg, other injuries and her panicked and distressed facial expressions.

A close up arch shot is used in the beginning sequence to build tension as we loose the background and see more of the side of Maddie's face. This slows the pace from the quick close up shots and makes the audience suspect that something is wrong.

Tracking shots are used throughout to follow the protagonist in the high action scenes and to also establish that she dominates the film.

Over the shoulder mid-shots are used a lot during the film. For example, when Maddie is meeting up with her friend a mid shot is used because they have to use sign language and the frame must fit this in. An over the shoulder shot is used in conjunction to this so that the audience can easily follow the conversation.

Lighting:

Low-key lighting is used throughout the whole film. At the beginning it is set at dusk and the rest of the film is set at night. This creates more tension, as the protagonist is deaf and therefore would rely on her sight, however this is not possible when the killer cuts the power. It is also conventional for a horror film to be set at night.

Editing:

A slower pace of editing is used at the start of the film created a feel of equilibrium and therefore created a more dramatic feel when the main event occurred. However, there are quick cuts between the close up of Maddie preparing the food, but it still seems relaxes and unthreatening.

Eye-line matches were used to allow the audience to get a better understanding of what is going on. These were missed out in some parts of the trailer to leave a sense of anticipation and mystery.

The protagonist, Maddie, was given prevalence basically throughout the whole film. This connected her to the viewer and made it clear that she was the protagonist and that the audience should feel sympathy for her.

Sound:

Foley is used throughout the film as it is about a deaf woman and therefore this is amplified so that it is not like a silent film. For example, the text tones are amplified. By turning up these notifications and by using the Apple sound effects, the audience can relate to, it establishes a familiar sense of place, only to be shattered once the killer appears.

The lack of dialogue heightens the tension in the film, as the protagonist cannot express/defend herself well or hears the killer approaching; therefore the audience feels high suspense.

The score starts off quite serene and you can hear birdsong, which is very peaceful. This contrasts to the fast past, dramatic score near the end of the film, which build tension and suspense.

Mise-en-scene:

The costumes were pretty simple which conveyed a calm, easygoing way of life; the characters were being themselves and weren't trying to show off to anyone.

Maddie's home was comforting, homely, clean and simple, also conveying her way of life. This was a strong contrast for the horrors, which took place in there. Props, like photo frames, high-end electronics and modern furniture was used to portray a sense of wealth and comfort.

Location:
One location used throughout the whole film; Maddie's cabin in the woods. There are no signs of other cabins or civilisation nearby therefore, creating a strong sense of isolation. Although the woods seem peaceful in the beginning, with the sound of bird song and the sun setting, it has an eerie and unsettling atmosphere when it becomes night.