The Lesson
The Lesson is an English film directed and written by Ruth Platt and released in February in 2016. The Lesson is a horror film with themes of Revenge, Death, Friendship and Relationships. The film is about two boys who are known trouble makers are kidnapped by their teacher and are brutally tortured if they don't comply with the rules.
Within the film, the majority of scenes take place in the teachers hidden room which means Mise-en-scene is very important. Because the film has a low budget, they cant really rely on special effects or major stunts to scare or frighten the audience. The reason why mise-en-scene is important is because it is what the audience can draw the most horror from. What also works along side mise-en-scene to create the sense of horror and suspense is Lighting. The low lighting with the dirty look of the shed is important because it gives the idea to the audience that something bad is going to happen. The low lighting masks and hides parts of the room and the characters in it, which suggests that the audience don't know all of what is going on. The dark lighting puts the audience in the same position as the character as they to are 'in the dark' as to what could happen to the characters.
An important scene in the film is at the end of the film when two of the characters are sitting on a sofa covered in blood and they blankly stare into the camera. This is important because it is the last thing the audience expects them to do. Rather than going to the police or find some help, they return home and almost carry on with what they would normally do. The fact that they are sitting in their house covered in blood (some in which is not theirs) could suggest that theoretically they have blood on their hands even though they are not necessarily responsible for the previous events that took place in the film. Also the scene adds a further disturbed and gruesome end to the film as the films genre sort of changes as it has the same feel as a psychological thriller. The audience expects one ending but they are given something unexpected making the audience question what genre the film fits into.
I am not sure where you are finding these films Grace but you are consistent and prolific. It sounds like a project that I was planning for a couple of my students. You analysis is strong and you discuss the micro features well, however going forward I would like you to discuss the characterisation and narrative a little more, include comparisons with other films in the genre or by the same director, or on a similar budget. What was the response from the audience and critics. Remembering CCCEO will ensure that you access the higher grades. Well done Grace.
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