Genre analysis - Jeepers Creepers

Film name - Jeepers Creepers

Age certificate - 15

Production studio - United Artists

Distribution company - Capitol Films, United Artists

Director - Victor Salva

Box office takings - $513,292

This opening started like the majority of Slasher films, with 2 young people unaware of the horror that they about the face, in this case the brother and sister are casually driving down an empty road, the emptiness and tranquillity of the scene would leave the audience uncomfortable as they would be aware of the events that may occur in this genre of film, the 2 are shown from a close up eye level view from the driver side of the car, in order to easily present the 2 characters in dialogue.

Things start to escalate when the protagonists notice something that they should not have, in this case a figure disposing of a body, shown from a extreme long shot panning from the left to make the impression the car is passing, the dialogue of the protagonists shows their realisation and panic as the scene begins to escalate, an incidental non diagetic classic slasher screeching sound track is played to raise suspense.

an extreme long shot of the killer panning to the right of him is shown, but the angle of the killer does not change as it rotates, this shows that he is staring directly at the protagonists and therefore straight at the audience, the Mis En Scene of the killer is rugged dark scarecrow style clothing which reveals no form of expression or emotion, which makes the killer seem dark and heartless to the audience, the van he is stood next to is a classic style van which is rusted all over and dark, this looks like some form of stereotypical murder vehicle, the brother and sister's Mis En Scene is that of a modern look, the girl wearing a modern sleeveless top, the boy in a t-shirt, the way they behave is stereotype of siblings which is bickering, even in the sight of the danger.

The mobile phone fails to work, technology failing to work or any device that could assist the victims is a common effect used in a Slasher film, often in a time of crisis where it would be desperately needed, this leaves a feeling of hopelessness to the audience.

The view switches to an extreme long shot of the van starting to pull out, at this point it is clear that there is danger present and a form of chase is imminent, along with the escalated incidental sound track this creates a great feeling of suspense for the audience.

The camera angle switches to a low angle stationary camera which shows the protagonist's car starting to travel at great speed, then to a similar angle but instead of the killer's car, this is to emphasise the idea that the killer is starting to gain and increases the suspense, which is a tool used in Slashers but more often on foot rather then a vehicle chase.

A front angle, eye level close up of the driver is shown as he grabs the wheel in assurance with a great level of fear in his eyes, this is to try and express the pressure put on the driver at this moment, and also show the killer starting to catch up.