The Gift

1) The opening shot uses an extreme close-up of a present bow, this

immediately relates to the title of the film The Gift emphasising the
significant of this particular element. The fact that this is an extreme close
up not allowing the audience to have anywhere else to look plays on the
theme of the mind, which is typical of the genre convention, as it is
abnormal to have such a prime focus on a present bow, which evokes a
sense of enigma amongst the audience as they would be wondering as to
why this is made so prominent and as the opening shot. There is a
contrast between the concept of a present bow- which is usually
associated with gifting someone something in an act of kindness to the
non-diegetic music which has a really airy and empty feel. This music has
an element of creepiness as the two things do not go together, again
tampering on the theme of the mind in order to allure the audience and
keep their attention. The use of the colour red connotes anger, war and
danger which is very alarming and prominent in the opening scene, this
immediately implies those themes to the audience.

2) This wide-shot exposes the vulnerability of the female character, this plays
on genre stereotypes as she is alone and exposed. The fact that she is
wearing black connotes ideas of death and grief suggesting that she may
be being targeted, particularly through the use of this angle as it makes it
appear as though someone is watching her. The colour black also connotes
wealth and prestige which is evident in the modern and expensive-looking

house, which suggests that she may be being watched due to her wealth.
The character being barefoot and not dressed emphasises her
vulnerability in this situation and makes her appear as though she is naive
as she has no idea what is going on. For the audience who are aware of
such genre conventions, they expect that this is again playing on the
theme of the psyche as they are assuming that there will be death, most
likely for this character. The dark and shadowy lighting of this scene
connotes the idea that the character is left in the dark and has no idea
what is going to happen. The excessive use the colour grey in this shot
connotes ideas of isolation and loneliness which are evident in the fact
that the character is alone and susceptible to being targeted. The winebottle with the bow on it simply adds to the creepy and airy feel of the
shot as it is strange for it to be simply left which provokes questions in the
mind of the demographic.

3) This wide-shot alongside the silence in terms of the non-diegetic music,

before the characters see each other, has a greatly gripping feel as it
plays greatly on the mind of the audience because normally someone
would use the front door not look through the window. The fact that the
music stops at this particular point replicates the moment that the female
character feels when her heart stops for a moment, this helps to allure the
audience the demographic of a psychological thriller they expect to be
kept on edge for the entirety of the time. Outside of the window, the view
appears extremely picturesque and perfect which connotes the idea that
the male character Gordo is ruining her perfect life, acting as a
disruption. The colour brown (on the jacket of Gordo) typically connotes
support and security which provides a great contrast as the character of
Gordo has a very discomforting personality about him. This plays heavily
on the theme of perception and reality as what he is being perceived as by
the female character is not what he is later perceived as.

4) This over the shoulder shot adds an element of creepiness to the shot as it
emphasises the vulnerability of the female character as Gordo suddenly
appears to character as he appears to audience, whilst she is clearly
alone. Again there is a very shadowy and airy feel to the shot through the
lighting which really emphasises the discomfort in the situation. Gordo
being dressed in all black connotes ideas of death, danger and evil which
implies the nature of his actions as he is constantly approaching the
female character whilst she is alone.

5) This close-up alongside the change in the non-diegetic music suggests

that Gordos other side is going to be made very apparent. The eyes of the
character appear extremely dark and like they are being filled with anger
and darkness as he is thinking connoting the idea that is preparing to
execute his plan. The fact that he is not directly looking into the eyes of
the other character suggests he is already thinking of a way to obtain
revenge for what has happened. Again, Gordo is dressed in all black
making him appear extremely dangerous, dark and psychotic.

6) This shot which uses all text as intertexuality is used to give the film
credibility and also provide a sense of association as the demographic
would associate this movie with the other one which has a high credibility
rating. The use of the solid black with the glowing white writing conforms
to the genre conventions of a psychological thriller as there is a huge
contrast which makes it immediately stand out and grab their attention.

7) This close-up of the dead fish in the pond with the non-diegetic music adds
dramatic emphasis. The dead fish connote the general idea of death
suggesting a message is being sent to the female character as a threat.
The fact that the fish are rainbow coloured and bright connoting happiness
and are now dead connotes the idea that the happiness is being taken out
of her life. Similarly, the cloudy sky being reflected suggests the darkness
that is about to overtake her life.

8) This wide-shot of the male character looking over his shoulder to see what
Gordo has left is extremely significant in the fact that this is a large
present in comparison to the others, suggesting that he is making a large
impact due to his anger. It is also directly opposite the character connoting
the idea that he is the cause of what is happening and is perhaps not as
innocent as his wife. The present also has the red bow which was featured
heavily at the start and has been significant throughout, which suggests
that idea that he is leaving a trademark in order to intentionally cause
discomfort- this then resonates onto the audience as they are unsure of
what is going on, making this scene extremely enigmatic.

9) This close-up of the character watching the DVD exposes his vulnerability
and guilt in his tears, it also displays him appearing as though he is in
agony emotionally. The extremely dark lighting suggests that this
character has some hidden dark secrets which are y et to be revealed,
again playing on the psyche of the audience as they are confused as to
what to believe and as to what is true and what is not.

10)
Alongside the voiceover: You think youre done with the past, the
past is not done with you this mid-shot implies that this is a video from
the past exposing the male character for whatever happened with Gordo.
It also connotes the idea of revenge which Gordo is clearly out to seek due
to whatever happened, due to this lingering question, the enigma acts as
a bait to the audience, the opportunity to then have these questions
answered in the movie acts as the hook making them want to go and
watch the film. The face appears to be a monkey mask suggesting the
childhood of the characters which implies this is what Gordo is set on
reminding him of. This also plays on the theme of distorted reality as it
connotes the idea that the story is not fully black and white, rather there is
more to it, again acting as an allure.