Introduction
Released in 2016, ‘Do Not Breathe’ is a psychological horror film directed by Fede Alvarez. The film follows three friends as they attempt to break into the home of a blind man in order to steal a large sum of money. However, their plan quickly goes awry when they discover that the blind man is not who he appears to be. This article will explore ‘Do Not Breathe’ in depth, examining its use of suspense, its characters and relationships, its cinematography, and its impact on the horror genre and its social messages.
A Review of the Thriller ‘Do Not Breathe’
The film stars Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, and Daniel Zovatto as Rocky, Money, and Alex, respectively. The three protagonists are small-time criminals living in Detroit who decide to break into the home of a wealthy blind veteran, played by Stephen Lang. They believe that he has recently come into a large sum of money, and they hope to use this money to escape their current lives. However, when they enter the house, they quickly realize that things are not as they seem. The blind man turns out to be a former soldier with a violent past, and he is determined to protect his home and his money at all costs.
The film was well-received by both critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an approval rating of 88%, with the consensus reading “Tense, smartly written, and above all terrifying, ‘Do Not Breathe’ offers thrills that more than compensate for its lack of originality.” Additionally, the film was nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Achievement in Sound Editing.
An Analysis of How Suspense is Used in ‘Do Not Breathe’
One of the most effective elements of ‘Do Not Breathe’ is its use of suspense. Through the use of music, lighting, and camera angles, the film builds tension throughout, creating a sense of dread and unease.
The film’s soundtrack is essential in setting the mood. Its score is composed by Roque Baños, who uses a combination of strings, percussion, and synths to create a tense atmosphere. During moments of intense suspense, the music builds to a crescendo, adding to the tension of the scene.
Lighting also plays an important role in the film. In one particular scene, the antagonists lurk in the shadows, while the protagonists are illuminated in bright light. This creates an unsettling contrast between the two sides, heightening the suspense of the scene.
The film also uses a variety of camera angles to build suspense. In some scenes, the camera is positioned at a low angle, making the characters appear larger than life. This gives the audience a sense of vulnerability, as if they were the ones being hunted. In other scenes, the camera zooms in on the characters’ faces, allowing the audience to see their emotions in stark detail. These techniques help to draw the audience further into the story, keeping them on the edge of their seat.
Exploring the Characters and Relationships in ‘Do Not Breathe’
The three protagonists of ‘Do Not Breathe’ have distinct personalities and motivations. Rocky (Jane Levy) is a young woman desperate to get out of her dead-end life in Detroit. She is strong-willed and determined, but she also has a vulnerable side. Money (Dylan Minnette) is a thrill-seeker who is easily swayed by Rocky’s enthusiasm. He is brave but reckless, often taking unnecessary risks. Alex (Daniel Zovatto) is the voice of reason, trying to keep the group grounded in reality. He is pragmatic and level-headed, but he also has a wild streak.
The relationship between the three protagonists is complex and nuanced. Rocky and Money share a special bond, and there is a clear romantic chemistry between them. Alex is an outsider, but he eventually develops a bond with the other two. There is a deep sense of loyalty between the three, although they often disagree on how to proceed with their mission.
The antagonist of the film is the blind man (Stephen Lang). He is a mysterious figure who is driven by a need for revenge. His background is slowly revealed throughout the course of the film, adding an extra layer of complexity to the story.
Examining the Cinematography of ‘Do Not Breathe’
The cinematography of ‘Do Not Breathe’ is essential in conveying the tense atmosphere of the film. The use of color, close-ups, and long shots create a powerful visual narrative.
The color palette of the film is highly saturated, with bold blues and reds. This helps to create an unsettling atmosphere, adding to the tension of the film. Additionally, the use of close-ups allows the audience to connect with the characters on an emotional level. This helps to make the stakes feel real, drawing the audience further into the story.
Finally, the use of long shots is essential in conveying the size and scope of the environment. These shots give the audience a sense of the danger lurking around every corner, heightening the suspense of the film.
The Impact of ‘Do Not Breathe’ on the Horror Genre
‘Do Not Breathe’ has had a significant impact on the horror genre since its release. It is seen as a new take on the found footage subgenre, combining the traditional elements of horror with a more realistic style. Additionally, the film’s visuals have been praised for their effectiveness in creating suspense and tension. Finally, the film has influenced future horror films, with many directors citing it as an inspiration for their work.
A Comparison of ‘Do Not Breathe’ to Other Psychological Thrillers
‘Do Not Breathe’ has drawn comparisons to a variety of other psychological thrillers. The film shares many similarities with Alfred Hitchcock’s classic films, such as ‘Psycho’ and ‘Rear Window’. It also bears some resemblance to Jordan Peele’s ‘Get Out’, another successful psychological horror film. Additionally, some have compared ‘Do Not Breathe’ to Jennifer Kent’s ‘The Babadook’, which similarly explores themes of fear and isolation.
Exploring the Social Messages in ‘Do Not Breathe’
The film also touches upon a variety of social issues. It critiques economic inequality, showing the desperation of the protagonists and the ruthlessness of the antagonist. It also reflects the fear of technology, with surveillance cameras and other gadgets playing a prominent role in the story. Finally, the film delves into mental health issues, exploring how trauma can shape a person’s life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘Do Not Breathe’ is an effective psychological thriller that uses suspense, characters, and cinematography to create a gripping experience. It has had a significant impact on the horror genre, and it has drawn comparisons to a variety of other psychological thrillers. Additionally, the film touches upon a variety of social issues, providing an insightful look into the human condition.
Overall, ‘Do Not Breathe’ is an excellent example of a psychological horror film. It combines suspense, characters, and social commentary to create an unforgettable viewing experience. If you are looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking film, then ‘Do Not Breathe’ is definitely worth a watch.
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