- Camera angles used within the cinematic were very reminiscent of survival horror game play, for instance a high and almost 'birds eye' view of a hallway was shown which revealed the entirety of the hallway, yet none of what was beyond that. This is typical of a 3rd person survival horror game therefore the film emulates the game in that sense.
Left: Game. Right: Film- The screen shot the similarities between game and film camera shots
- As with the Silent Hill game series very little dialogue is present with the film clip. Within this genre of game dialogue is only usually applied at critical stages of the game to further narrative progression. Taking this into account the film can be compared with a survival horror game as very little of importance is said apart from at stages where the plot needs to evolve.
- A further similarity between the Silent Hill game and film franchise is the soundtrack and backing track used. In the Silent Hill game series, as well as other popular Survival horror games such as the Resident Evil series, the backing music is hauntingly quiet and eerie during the scenes where the character is in danger or is approaching a critical point. As the character meets danger or reaches a certain predetermined point in the game the music starts to change into something more fast paced and industrial, alerting the player to oncoming danger or plot changes. In the film the same music placement is applied. As the female walks through the fog the music is quiet and gentle pulsing. However in strict contrast to this as she walks into the dark the backing music gets louder, becomes more industrial, introduces prominent sirens and pulsates more clunky and loudly. Just like the game this signifies impending danger and horror.
- To coincide with the more obvious convergence between the game and the film less noticeable ones such as the relation from game cut scenes to actual cinematic. As the film plays little is spoken or understood as the female character navigates the world by herself. As soon as an extra point of interest is added, such as the police officer, more dialogue and action is present. This portrays itself in such a way that this part of the film seems bares similarities to a cut scene. In contrast the parts of the film where the lead female character wanders by herself seem more like actual game play, especially when taking into consideration the above.
- As the character navigates the new world she is thrust into various items become available at her disposa
ble. Items such as a lighter, a set of keys and later on a torch are reminiscent of items placed within games belonging to a survival horror genre. As the film clip continues the characters seems to conveniently stumble upon these items which seem apparently necessary to her survival in this new world. This again is similar to the format of a game where items are given to the player to aid their survival. This in a way is replicating an in-game inventory of useful items. The screen shots to the right show the usage of items in both film and game.
- During the film the female character navigates the foggy world using a series of bus route maps placed on several street corners. This is similar to the way a player would need to solve a puzzle or collect certain things to advance further in the narrative or complete a goal.
- finally, iconography is used at varying intervals during the film clip. An example of this would be the opening shot of the sign for the town 'Silent Hill' indicating to the viewer where the character is. Another example would be the scene where the character is walking down a street and the camera shot shows her walking past an old dress shop with several charred manikins. These are bought to the attention for a reason and all bare significance to the character or the plot further on. This is similar to a game in the sense than certain aspects are highlighted on purpose to draw the players attention.
- Camera Angles
- Dialogue
- Sound track
- Game play in Film
- Items/inventory
- Puzzles and goals
- Iconography
