Horror Movie Analysis - One Missed Call

This 2008 movie titled "One Missed Call" is a remake of the 2003 Japanese film of the same title. The plot of this resembles that of the myth I have based my project on, with the use of a phone to terrorize the innocent protagonists. The use of the phone is quite clever because it creates a sense of anonymity and fear of the unknown. 

Official release poster for "One Missed Call", released 2008

Official release poster for 2003 Japanese original.

The plot of 'One Missed Call' follows a young woman who after the death of her four friends, enlists a detective to help discover what happened. The plot differs from the myth in the sense that the antagonist is the ghost of a young girl, which contrasts the myth as the victims of the myth are three young children. The inclusion of children in both the movie and the myth automatically adds a satanic feel, intensifying the fear levels. 

Shannyn Sossamon portrayed the character of Beth Raymond, the main victim and protagonist of the film. Not only were the plots similar between the movie and the myth, but also the protagonist and victim are one and the same in both adaptations, as well as being a young, vulnerable woman. The actress cast for the role was naturally brunette however it appears her hair has been dyed for the role as it appears slightly darker than the actress' natural hair colour. Throughout the film, her hair is styled for an everyday wear, her fringe is simply pinned back and her hair naturally flicks at the bottom, presenting the typical image of a young american conservative woman. Her make-up and hair remains simple throughout the film, however as the tension of the film sets in, a gradual decrease in the character's appearance becomes visible. The circles under her eyes become darker, indicating exhaustion and desperation as she continues to be tormented, her hair becomes disheveled and greasy to highlight her mental state as she continues to suffer. This representation is something I will definitely consider when thinking of the portrayal of the young female victim from the myth, as it is an accurate, believable portrayal of an innocent young girl as the victim of a horror story.