They finally get the onboard light on, which in essence becomes their key light. This light only illuminates objects two or three feet in front of it, the rest falling away into darkness, and when the light hits it really overexposes. This light is perfect for the scene because it causes every subject to get right up to the camera in order to be seen, really making the viewer seem like their line of sight is being blocked in a place where you want to see what’s coming next. I found myself craning my neck in order to see around the subject in the shot.
Here we have a nice medium close up in which the subject seems to be in an infinite abyss of darkness. Creating another terrible feeling of groping through blackness not knowing where you’re going. All that is seen up ahead is another tiny ceiling light marking their next destination. Also her face is overexposed, making her seem as his her face has lost all color, a typical response to fear.
This shot has some awesome levels going on which really show how far the light is able to throw. The woman closest to the camera is well lit while the two people right after slowly fall out of the shot because they are not lit well enough, yet another great way to show their descent into darkness. The camera represents safety, because that is where the light is. The characters hear a noise but they cannot see where it came from because no matter what light they are in, all three characters still cannot see.
This is one of my favorites. Here we have three patches of light, one small light on the wall, which really just creates some dimensions to the shot without revealing anything. We have one pool of light in the back, and then a lake of blackness, showing this unknown area where the rats are coming out of. They keep wondering what the rats are running away from, and the light tells the story in that we have no idea what they are running from.
Another good close up shot, the character is out of focus and only half of his face is on screen. This signifies well how they are completely blinded by bright light and darkness, and no one’s eyes can focus on what’s up ahead.
Finally the night vision comes on in this close up and instantly reveals what we have been hearing and fearing the whole time. I like the framing of this shot too, the creatures are up above creating a dominating feeling, and a feeling as if they are about to pounce. Also there is some great depth going on here, with an out of focus face in the foreground and in focus creatures in the background.
This is a shot conveying panic. It is from the ground level perspective and there is dust being kicked up from everywhere. The creature is out of focus and the viewer feels very panicky and disoriented at this point. Also the cameraman, (a character named Hud) is in a weak position, consistent with the story-line. The handheld camera is at its best in this shot.
The final shot is them finally escaping the tunnel and getting to a safe place. The lighting tells the story yet again. Here we have a well-lit place signifying safety and we see utter blackness through the door, highlighting in a way the terrible place they just came from. Also the blood on the lens helps create a feeling of fear as well.