Opening Analysis

1. Horror
INSIDIOUS

2. Buscombe’s Theory
Buscombe’s theory states that genres are differentiated by the icons associated with
it; that is, the physical objects or symbols which we can see on screen.
He also identified four areas in which to look for these icons:
- Location
- Appearance
- Tools
- Miscellaneous

3. Semiotics
Ferdinand de Saussure
Saussure argues that a sign can be a physical form to which we give a meaning, including words, pictures,
colours, clothes etc.
A sign such as a word or image is composed of two parts:
- The physical form – that which we can see or hear. This is what we call the signifier (denotation)
- The meaning of the form, which is called the signified (connotation)

4. INSIDIOUS
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBCQLGZTBxI

5. Location
The opening scene starts off in a child's bedroom. This is identified by the duvet on
the bed, and the miscellaneous items around the room, such as the teddy bear in the
corner, and the bright colours which are associated with a younger child. Items such
as the teddy bear connote that the location is a child’s room as this is a typical place
for this item. Another example, is the coloured bed sheets; a child’s bedroom is likely
to have many colours, which signifies the imagination of a child. Therefor, as the
audience we understand the setting is a child’s room, also it outlines a possible main
character for the movie. Furthermore, the bedside lamp is an example of using
lighting to emphasise his youth, as it insinuates that he is scared of the dark – we as
the audience sympathise for the child. The location of the child’s bedroom could
foreshadow later events that may happen with the child in his bedroom.

6. Appearance
The appearance of the child in the opening scene is very stereotypical. The pyjamas, the
position of the child whilst sleeping, and the ‘bed hair’; all represent that the boy is young and
innocent. The connotations of the child's appearance are important in setting the scene, and
grabbing the audience’s feelings. The appearance of the child helps the audience feel fear for
the child, as they can see that he is helpless, and very unaware of the danger –the more the
audience falls for the child, the greater the suspense is.

7. Tools
In the opening scene an example of a tool used is the candle that the monster uses to illuminate its face in
the mirror face. This has been used to create a form of suspense as we don’t know what it fully looks like; as
we are only shown the face. The candle is used to illuminate only parts of her face, which its purpose is to
create a mysterious, tense moment. This suspense is emphasized with the high pitched music that creates a
jump scare. The lighting within the title, ‘INSIDIOUS’, reflects the lighting used in the previous scene, as it
flickers like a candle.
The title sequence catches the audience off guard, and by doing so, creates more tension.(as the audience
do not know how many jump scares there will be.) The candle has connotations of hope and despair.
However in this context, the candle represents fear and danger, as it is clear that whatever is in the house, is
trying to stay hidden.

8. Miscellaneous
The low key lighting is used to represent the time of day, and also the setting of the bedroom (being a place to sleep)
– the use of the lighting signifies the youth of the sleeping child, especially with the lava lamp that pans into the
scene. The use of the lava lamp could indicate the time period the film is based within. The use of focus on the lava
lamp changes your normal expectations of a typical horror film, so that when the woman appears it creates a sense
of shock, allowing the initial scene to have an increased impact. Furthermore, the lava lamp is used to represent the
innocence and youth of the child. The bedside night light is used to create shadows, which creates an eerie feel
whilst conveying the innocence of the child.
The sounds of the violins pick up pace as the camera tracks through the house. The high pitched sound resembles
screaming, which directly relates to the horror genre. The sounds of the violin climax as the title scene appears, and
this is used to catch the audience of guard and add to the suspense.
One continuous camera shot is used to pan through the house. The use of this is so every detail is captured by the
audience, and an early atmosphere of fear is found from the very beginning of the opening scene. The camera
movement also picks up in pace as it tracks through the house. The pace of the camera movement is used to make it
feel as if the audience is there in the house, and this creates a sense of tension. These camera movements and
effects are used to convey the genre of horror.