3. Setting
The opening scene is set in a house at nighttime in the
kitchen. I know this because there is food and other kitchen
items in the shot. It is set at night which is a generic
convention for a horror movie.
4. Decor
During the shot there is various objects to set the scene such
as sofas, tables and a TV. It is set out to look exactly what a
normal home would look like so the audience believes that it
is a real house and that it could happen to them.
5. Props
In the opening sequence there are many props which can be
seen in the shot such as TV remote, fruit bowl and a glass she
is holding. The reason she has a glass in her hand is to make it
look like she is just going about a normal routine ,so it makes
it a believable experience which could happen to any one.
6. Costume
The costume for the character is casual as she is just
wearing a shirt that suggest she has just come home
from work and she is an average person than anybody
can relate to.
7. Body Language
The actors body language shows that she is scared as
when she is walking up the stairs she proceeds with
caution. Also she is hiding behind the wall so her
body language show she is terrified of what she may
find at the top of the stairs , this fits the generic
conventions.
8. Extreme close up
The idea of this extreme close up is that is
emphasise the door handle and focuses the viewers
attention on a specific object. We know that the
person is going to open the door as it focused on.
The use of this shows the viewer that it is the focal
point of the scene and creates the feeling of
anticipating what is going to happen next.
9. Close up
The close up of the main character is used to show
facial expressions in detail and this particular shot to
show fear which is good for horror movies. This will
provoke a response from the audience as they get to
see how the character is feeling.
10. Medium Shot
The medium shot is used to show the main actor as well as
the costume and some of the location. This also shows body
language and facial expressions so you get both instead of one
or the other. It is also good for showing something in the
background for example if someone is creeping up from
behind which is used widely in the horror genre.
11. Long shot
The long shot is used to show the surroundings
and location. It also shows the whole of the
character however it does not show their facial
expressions but it useful in showing the
characters body language.
12. High Angle Shot
This type of shot is used to look down on the actor
and for them to appear weak and vulnerable. It also
make the viewer feel more powerful as they are
higher up. Also it is used in horror movies if the
person is scared and we are meant to feel empathy
for them.
13. Point of view shot
The point of view shot is used in this opening
scene to show anticipation of what is around the
corner as it slowly moves into view. This creates
great tension for the viewer as they are unaware
of what is going to be revealed. This heightens
the suspense and is used frequently is horror
films. It makes the viewer feel the fear that they
and that they are in the room with them.
14. Shallow Focus
This is when the main focus of the camera is a sharp
image and the background is out of focus. This is to draw
your attention to a specific point. This creates a
mysterious effect for the viewer as they are unaware and
unsure what is happening in the background.
15. Zoom
The zoom is used to focus on something specific from a distance
and then it appears close up and large this gets the viewer
intrigued . In this opening scene it is used to zoom in from a long
shot to a close up of her facial expressions. Also it can zoom out
from the face to show the location and costume.
16. Cut
The cut is used to move from on angle or scene to
another. In this opening scene the cut is used to
show what she is looking at and then it cuts to her
facial expressions. It is used to keep the viewer
interested instead of just watching the same
camera angle.
17. Low angle shot
The low angle shot is used to look upwards to the
character and to make them look powerful. However
in this scene the main character is not powerful so it
has a reverse effect also the camera is stationary at
the end of the hall .Which highlights the water on the
floor and makes you ask why it is there ?.
18. Pace
The pace of this film is slow , as it is a horror film it is building
up suspense and leading towards the climax. There are many
cuts but are not as frequent as an action film. The whole
tempo is slow as she is cautious this suggests she is scared so
this fits the generic conventions of a typical horror movie.
Also it zooms in slow which builds up tension and increases
your interest.
19. Performance
The physical expression of the main character is frightened so
this suggest they are portraying the emotion of fear. You can
also tell that she is scared by how she speaks for example she
asks if anyone is there this tells us that she is unsure and
wonders what is happening. This follows the conventions of a
horror film leading up to the climax. There is no other
characters for her to interact with so she is cautious when she
walks exploring the house.
20. Diegetic Sound
There is a lot of examples of diegetic sound in the opening
scene. For example when she is walking out of the kitchen the
TV turns on. It is making a noise ,because of this it is diegetic
sound as she reacts to it as it part of the narrative and the
actor is meant to hear it. As she is home alone there is no
other sound for example people chatting and other noise. This
not only makes it believable but adds to the effect e.g. any
noise would emphasised even more as it is silent. In many
horror films the character always seems to be in a silent house
alone. She also hears a noise up stairs and goes up to
investigate this is another example of diegetic sound as her
attention is drawn to what is happening upstairs.
21. Non- Diegetic
In this opening scene there are no examples of Non-
Diegetic sound this is unusual for a horror film, as there is
no theme music or music to set the mood because of this
there is only diegetic sound. This not only makes it more
powerful but more realistic as there is silence which gives
the opening scene a unique feel. Due to this there is more
emphasis on the sounds that you do hear e.g. the
importance of the TV and video tape.
