PAN'S LABYRINTH

PALE MAN INDUCTION TEST

How is meaning created through the use of micro features in the following clip

The music changes suddenly when she opens the door 

Slow tracking shots 

Music suddenyl stops when she sees the monster as she is frightened

Sound effects of children screaming when seeing the pictures of the monster make you uncomfortable.

Horrible screeching sound effects making you uncomfortable. 

All the colour of the table is red, red is the colour of death. 

Fire in the background represents demons.

The pale man represents a demon. 

Effect on spectator. 

Del Toro successfully creates meaning when he unveils the pale man, as he creates a hellish atmosphere which affects the total mood of the film. The camera precisely tracks Ofelia to the exact pace she is walking at. This is done for the spectator to be completely involved with her emotions and actions. The table is illuminated by bright red objects as it symbolises the death and decay around the room; as the colour red usually represents death and blood. The spectator will have a sense of fear as the fire behind the pale man adds to the hellish nature of the setting as it represents a devil. When Ofelia first sees the pale man she takes a step back in horror and stands there in a curious nature to see what this horror entails. The music complements the sudden lack of movement by Ofelia and camera movement, as Del Toro wants the spectator to have time to analyse this ghastly being and its purpose for being there. This creates meaning for the pale man as he is a character of importance due to the long pause before Ofelia's movement. 

Throughout the whole part of the scene there is the diegetic sound of the crackling fire which adds to the mystery of the whole scene. Del Toro wants to make the mysterious atmosphere create meaning for both Ofelia and the pale man and does this effectively with the sound. The sound of Ofelia's footsteps are isolated and are a main part of the sounds that are able to be heard. This creates meaning for Ofelia as she is all alone in her quest and must take care of herself. This makes the spectator feels sympathy for Ofelia as she has no one to help her and makes the spectator question what other 'demons' lurk in the shadows of this quiet open space. The crackling fire in the background creates an enigma code and leaves the question for the spectator of how it got there. This creates meaning in the setting for the spectator, as it is a normal object that has been put in such a mythical place which adds to the suspense of the Film.