Coraline - Henry Selick



INTRODUCTION

This review is written in an attempt to determine the elements of different genres such as horror found in the film Coraline directed by Henry Selick in 2009. The theory to use is semantic and syntactic approach to genres.

 THEORY DISCUSSION

 Semantic approach which is related to the visual aspects of the film determines the horror elements in the film such as appearance of supernatural phenomena and German Expressionism with chiaroscuro lighting.

In terms of Syntactic approach which is the thematic aspects of the film, there were horror, action, fantasy, and comedy elements shown in the film.



SYNOPSIS

Coraline Jones and her parents move to a new home. She feels bored and alone because her parents are always busy working at home. 

She finds a bricked up passage in the wall, but during the night it open's up. She discovers a world that seems to be an alternate version of her life with slight difference - everything is better, and everyone has buttons for eyes. 

Coraline's "other mother" invites her to stay forever if she lets her sew buttons. She begins to realizes that this alternate universe is a trick to lure her in so her "other mother" can "eat up her soul".

Coraline has to rescue her parents who are trapped in a snow globe from the "other mother". The family make it home safely, relying on her tricks and the help of a talking cat. 

ANALYSIS

There were horror, action, fantasy, and comedy elements found in the film. The supernatural ghost kids and sewing button eyes fell in the category of horror. It was very uncomfortable and freaky to watch an eye-button-sewing scene even if it's just an animation film and they had not really show the sewing scene yet. The German Expressionistic settings in the film also created horror atmosphere with chiaroscuro lighting throughout the film. 

The action scenes in the film were some chasing scenes where Coraline was being chased by her "other mother" who had turned into a spider. It was an intense and thrilled chasing scene especially when the tunnel/passage had shortened as the two of them were about to reach the small door. 

Fantasy elements were also found in the film such as the transformation of the "other mother" into a spider and the house turning into a spider web. The existence of magical tunnel in Coraline's room every night was also unrealistic. Same goes to the mysterious garden in front of her house full of bizarre-looking plants and animals which turned into monsters in the alternative world.

Despite being quite horror, there were also comedy elements in the film. Caricature of the Spink sisters were really hilarious especially during their performance in the alternative world.  

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, there were several types of elements found in Coraline although it was categorized as fantasy film. It was quite uncomfortable to watch during the alternative world parts (hate dolls concept personally) but overall it's an amazing animation by Laika Entertainment. 

REFERENCE


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