The opening scene of Evil Dead introduces a teenage girl and her father in an isolated location. Their relationship causes viewers to feel uneasy, as the father burns the girl to death, implying she is possessed. Throughout the scene, audio and visual techniques like increasing soundtracks and makeup are used to create tension and suspense. An old woman reciting from a spiritual book further implies an exorcism is taking place as the girl's voice changes during her burning. Several shots are used like close-ups and over-the-shoulder views to increase the pace and connect viewers to the disturbing events.

1. Codal Analysis - Evil Dead
Josh Manley

2. Visual Code
The identified main characters in this film opening are a
teenage girl and a father. This relationship results in
strong connections with the audience due to introduction
family relationship. The can cause the audience to feel
uneasy because the father burns the girl to death in the
denouement of the opening. The audience can realise
that the scene is set in a location which is isolated, with
no natural lighting. The costumes and make-up are also
very influencial in the opening as the costume/make-up
of other characters make them seem deformed, implying
that something has possessed them therefore agree with
the conventions of horror. The stereotypical use of blood
is also introduce to add to the gory effect.

3. Audio Code
Throughout the opening of there is a substancial use of
sound used to great effect. There are soundtracks used
throughout the opening which gradually increase in
volume to create suspense and tension for the audience.
Also there are many included sound effects to enhance
the sounds of actions taking place. The dialogue is also
very significant in the scene as it reveals plot and implies
that an exorcism is taking place. This is evident through
the girls speech when she begins to be burnt alive.
When this happens, her voice shifts which represents
the demon/spirit inside her. This conforms to horror films
due to the recognition of the exorcism taking place and
the change in voice.

4. Narrative Code
The scene begins with a young girl tied to a pole with a
black bag over her head. A man then walks over to her
and takes the bag off and this is when the audience
realise that they are father and daughter through
dialogue. A conversation takes place where the girl is
confused with what the father is doing a doesn't
recognise her wrong doing. The father then reveals that
she killed her mother. He then covers her in petrol and
lights the fire with a match. This initiates the presence of
the demon/spirit, as this happens the girl looks less
innocent as her voice changes and displays what
possesses her. Also throughout the scene an old woman
is reding from a spiritual book which furthers the
impression that an exorcism is taking place. In the
denoumnent the father shoots the girl in the head.

5. Technical Code
Many short close up and reaction shots are used to
increase the pace of the opening and then create more
tension. The close up shots are very effect as they are
used to emphasise certain actions and objects which
further the plot in the opening. Depth of field is also used
very frequently in the opening where objects in the
foreground are blurred and the camera focusses on the
background. During the scene there is only low key
lighting used which sets the mood of the set and
contributes to the feel of tension and horror. Many over
the shoulder shots are used to allow the audience to
have a closer connection with whats happening and
experience what is happening from various point of
views.

6. Enigma Code
Throughout the duration of the opening scene where an
old woman appears re-sighting speech out of a book.
This is an enigma code as the audience at this stage do
not know the conveniance of her. Enigma code is also
used when close ups of the deformed men are used,
forcing the viewers to question their importance and their
presence. Also the audience does not know the
reasoning why the girl is in this state or how she got
there. This causes the viewers to continue to watch the
film as these enigma codes intrigue them.

7. Enigma Code
Throughout the duration of the opening scene where an
old woman appears re-sighting speech out of a book.
This is an enigma code as the audience at this stage do
not know the conveniance of her. Enigma code is also
used when close ups of the deformed men are used,
forcing the viewers to question their importance and their
presence. Also the audience does not know the
reasoning why the girl is in this state or how she got
there. This causes the viewers to continue to watch the
film as these enigma codes intrigue them.