The document analyzes the camerawork, mise-en-scene, sound, and editing techniques used in the opening of a horror film. The camerawork uses fluid motions and unusual angles to create an unsettling atmosphere. Low-key lighting, spooky props, and a red title enhance the scary nature of the scenes. Non-diegetic classical music plays to establish the genre. The editing uses fades, dissolves, and flickering to suggest supernatural elements and the battle between good and evil.

1. (An Analysis)

2. Camerawork
 The opening of this film begins with a mid-shot of a lamp. This stationary shot comes across to the
audience as too sterile and still.
 The camera then rotates around the lamp to convey a sense of unease and imbalance.
 There is then a dolly shot from the boy (who is asleep) to the bedside lamp then to the closet. This
fluid motion replicates the movement of a ghost or spirit.
 The title sequence then begins. The camera tilts, perhaps suggesting hellish things.
 The camera zooms into the mirror, and then rapidly zooms out. This increases the sense of unease in
the viewer.
 There is then a pan on the stairs – showing an important location.
 Next, there is an aerial shot of the staircase – implying otherworldly beings.
 The camera tilts are always stagnant and unnatural.
 Finally, there is an extreme close-up of a family photo. This indicates that the characters displayed will
be integral to the story.

3. Mise en Scene
 The low-key lighting in this clip enhances the shadows, making the darkness appear more eerie.
 The mask (prop) accentuates the scary nature of the scene as it makes the audience feel frightened.
 The title is red – this connotes to blood, and therefore brutal and grotesque imagery.
 Chiascuro lighting in the initial shot conveys a battle between light and darkness.
 The setting (a house) gives the viewer a greater insight on the storyline and context.
 The grandfather clock highlights the setting.
 The picture (prop) on the wall moves, portraying a ghostly presence.
 As the scene progresses, more objects begin to move – supernatural elements get more evident.
 The composition of the living room shot conveys a sense of being trapped. Boxes (props) block all see-able
exits. This heightens tension.
 The light (in the majority of shots) is focused upon on object – implying that it is of great significance.

4. Sound
 In the opening of this clip, non-diegetic music plays throughout the entirety of the
scene. This is introduced to us in the form of orchestral violins (among other string
instruments).
 As the camera moves about the room, the violins grow with both intensity and
pitch until the title is revealed and the music crescendos.
 This use of classical music creates a traditional feel, as well as signifying to the
audience the movie’s genre. The majority of horror movies have a classical music
background.

5. Editing
 The title flickers. This links to the element of fire, subsequently signifying danger.
 The whole opening sequence is shot in black and white. This clear contrast links to the
battle between good and evil, light and dark etc.
 The text that appears onscreen dissolves into a gaseous looking image. This gives an
ethereal look to the intro.
 There is a consistent fade to black after each shot of the house’s interior. These gradual
cuts to darkness allow for the audience to absorb and retain everything that they are
shown within the scenes.
 In one shot of a hallway, footsteps appear on the floor. This also adds to the dramatic
tension and suggests that there is a ghostly being within the house.
 The final dissolve summarises the supernatural elements of the film.
 When the film is about to begin, the hue is slowly increased and colour is brought back
to the shots. This subtly implies a return to reality and tells the audience that the actual
film is about to begin.