Back to Heavenly Creatures:HEAVENLY CREATURES - YEAR 13 VISUAL TEXT

Why is the ending of the film so effective?


Already knowing what is going to happen / has happened makes the closing sequences very moving.
Jackson creates a feeling of horror of the inevitable, strong tension and a feeling of dread.
Techniques used
· Backlighting
· Choice of music: “The Humming Chorus” creates a melancholic mood
· Time closer to real time. Feeling of time moving slowly accentuated by shots of feet walking to the rhythm of “The Humming Chorus” AND by close-ups of clocks and watches.
· Honoria’s innocence is emphasised by shots of her enjoying her outing (give specific examples) and by the script
e.g. “Treat yourself.”

· Jewel of death. Links the murder with the fantasy world. Signal.
· Screams convey the horror of the murder
· the CU of the bloodied faces of Pauline and Mrs Rieper

The ending has strong similarities with the beginning of the film.
Ÿ the narrative circle is completed
Ÿ murder scene
Ÿ boat sequences
Ÿ final song echoes words of hymn
Ÿ sub-titles
Ÿ Final shot close-up of Pauline’s face
Ÿ brutal reminder of the horrible conclusion of the girls’ obsessive friendship.