Let the right one in was a good starting film when we are looking at conventions because this particular film both develops and challenges conventions whilst at the same time is completely dependent on conventions of similar seemed films.
This particular film develops conventions in the sense that most ‘horror’ films priorities are the scare factor, however this film which is categorised as horror is more focused on storyline rather than the typical horror element we see in many similar films. I think this is setting A good example to newly developed horror as it reiterates the importance of the audience/character relationship establishment which many similar films forget thus making the storyline less meaningful.
Let the right one in also challenges typical horror and specifically vampire film conventions as the ‘villain’ character is a little girl. In older horror films we see young girls playing the victim, however more and more popularly they are being used as the ‘villain’ character, such as Hide and Seek (2005). I think that this poses an interesting question about the innocents of young girls which ultimately makes the film scarier. Vampires in particular are always perceived as being of the older male category such as Dracula (1931).
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This film along with developing and challenging the original conventions of horror and specifically vampire films, it is interestingly completely dependent on the viewer being aware of the typical ‘rules’ or suggestions to vampires as we are not told directly until quite later on that Eli is a vampire. The creators rely on knowledge which has been imprinted throughout generations of these suggestions of vampir-ism. I think that this has been very cleverly developed as it leads the viewer into being curious and suspicious of the main character at the beginning. in contrast to by the end where the audience turns out to sympathise with the vampire, an ending rarely used in horror.
Relating this film to NARRATIVE THEORY
I think that the narrative theory which goes with this film best is Levi - Strauss. His theory is based around binary opposites, and this is what makes a good film. There are many binary opposites in Let The Right One In; light and dark, blonde and brunette, boy and girl, companion and companion-less.
I think that although binary opposites are not the basis of a ''good'' film, I think that it gives the film a more arty feel and look.
Aspects I am going to use for my own film
I think that using binary opposites is a good idea as i think it will more interesting to look at. I also like the idea of a clash between two opposing sides weather that be good and bad, light and dark etc.
I also could use aspects from the setting, this setting seems easily achieved yet very effective when used in the right type of narrative.
