CONCLUSION
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Recapitulation of Research Aims
This final chapter encapsulates the insights and findings from the practice-based research, highlighting the pivotal role of production design elements in crafting a distinctive visual style for Chinese folklore horror.
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Insights from 'Sister Drum'
'Sister Drum' served as an artefact for the study, offering tangible evidence of the research's underlying theories and concepts. The choices made in set design, colour palettes, props, costumes, and lighting evoked the thematic underpinnings of Chinese folklore horror.
Set Design: Drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese architecture and landscapes, the set echoed a timelessness pertinent to folklore. The intricate wooden designs, faded walls, and the strategic placement of symbolic artefacts like lanterns and ancient roof decorations seamlessly transported viewers to an era of myths and legends.
Colour Palettes: The subdued hues juxtaposed against stark reds and blacks symbolized the balance between life and death, tranquillity and terror. This duality, inherent in many Chinese horror folktales, found resonance in the visual spectrum of 'Sister Drum'.
Props and Costume: Each prop and costume, curated with precision, was a nod to historical accuracy and thematic relevance. Whether it was the enchanted drum and engraved drumsticks, the skull beads signifying the luring of death or the fulu floor pattern representing the bewitchment, the attention to detail ensured an immersive experience.
SFX Makeup: Skin Peeling Off Effect: A highlight in 'Sister Drum' was the chilling use of special effects (SFX) makeup gradually showing the skin peeling off process. This gruesomely beautiful technique added a tactile layer of horror, blending the boundaries between the real and the supernatural.
Drawing from ancient tales where characters' transformations, punishments, or supernatural afflictions were made manifest on their skin, this effect was both a nod to Chinese folklore and a testament to the craft of modern-day SFX makeup artists. When applied, the skin appeared as if it was deteriorating or being torn away, revealing raw flesh. Not only did it offer audiences a visceral reaction, but it also served as a potent metaphor for the overarching theme of duality: the thin veil separating life and decay, the external facade, and the truth hidden beneath.
Lighting: Collaborating with cinematographer Dev Kannaya Somu, the chiaroscuro techniques adopted in 'Sister Drum' heightened the sense of foreboding, with shadows playing a crucial role in accentuating the horror elements. The interplay of light and dark hinted at the ever-present tension between the seen and the unseen in folklore tales.
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Implications and Future Directions
In conclusion, 'Sister Drum' serves as a testament to the potency of production design in bringing to life the eerie charm of Chinese folklore horror. Through meticulous design choices, the project bridges the ancient tales of yore with contemporary cinematic techniques, offering viewers a visually rich and culturally immersive experience. As cinema continues its journey of evolution, it is projects like these that emphasize the importance of staying rooted in tradition while branching out into new realms of visual storytelling.
Furthermore, it paves the way for future research on similar cross-cultural adaptations, examining how various production design elements can be calibrated to resonate with different cultural narratives.
While 'Sister Drum' stands as a testament to my journey thus far, I believe its universe is yet to be fully explored. With a refined understanding of my aesthetic, the horizon is replete with opportunities to delve deeper. I'm equally enthused about evolving it further, adapting, and experimenting as I traverse this exciting path ahead.
Reflecting upon this odyssey and its resultant artefacts, I discern a heightened clarity about my identity as a practitioner. Through iterative experimentation, I navigated challenges during creative lulls by revisiting the ideation phase and adopting an artefact-centric approach. Comparing my abilities now to when I embarked on this journey, there's an evident transformation in my skills, vision, and confidence. The experience accrued during this project has endowed me with invaluable insights into my own creative practice, positioning me for greater feats in the future.