Horror/Thriller film analysis

1. Function and Effectiveness of the
film: Conjuring

2. Function (Purpose):
The function of the horror/thriller film:
Conjuring, creates suspense and tension at
the start of the film. This is used to attract the
viewer’s attention and wonder more about
the mystery that lies ahead.
Effectiveness : The director used many build ups
to lead to a mystery. This engages the
audience wanting to know more about the
objects and creatures that haunt the house in
Conjuring.

3. Analysis on the opening scene
The opening scene of Conjuring begins with a
black screen with people talking in the
background (non-diegetic) , this is used to
prepare the audience for the horrifying
image they will see known as the build up of
suspense.
Suddenly, the doll: Annabelle, is shown in an
Extreme Close Up shot. The viewers know
that the doll is evil immediately from the
scarred eye and the face that is smoky grey.
The audience becomes more engaged and
want to know more about the doll so the
camera slowly zooms out to show the whole
image of the doll’s face.

4. Analysis on the opening scene
Then, there is a shot of the people who had the doll. From this shot,
the mise en scene is dark, mostly black and with a tint of pale white.
The pale white illuminates their faces and creates a ghostly look and
goes well with their frightened faces. The cinematography lighting
also connects with the dark atmosphere of the film.

5. Analysis on the opening scene
In this shot, the audience see a note
written in red. This connotes blood
and murder ,which creates mystery
in this scene. The audience engages
more and want to know who wrote
it. Also, the camera shot is taken
over the shoulder to make the
audience connect with the
characters. This is an effective way
to make the film terrifying and grab
the viewer’s attention.
The far shot shows the doll in the
distance. It is striking because
clearly the audience can see who
wrote it. Also, it creates tense
atmosphere because soon the
characters need to see what the
doll has done to their apartment.

6. Analysis on the opening scene
This shot captures the dark
theme of the film. There
is a contrast of light
between the two
darkened ladies and the
doll. The black
silhouettes foreshadow
death and that the doll -
which symbolises evil , is
hard to get rid of. This is
effective because it hints
the story of the film.

7. Analysis on the opening scene
Then, the ladies explore the vandalised and
damaged apartment. The audience can
already see vandalism in the room. The
red here connotes danger and possibly a
warning which reveals why the lady has
a shocked face.
The two bottom photos show the destruction
of the house and reveals how the doll is
sinister through her actions.