analysis of stills from the first episode of stranger things.

1. Birds Eye, close up shot of scientist in the lift. The aerial shot makes the
character appear venerable and in danger, it also gives the impression that
it could be a from the POV of something that is above him. The fact that it
is a close up, means you can clearly see the characters expression. The
characters costume is a lab coat which is what leads the viewer to believe
he is a scientist or possible a doctor, it also leads the viewer to believe that
the setting is a laboratory facility or hospital. The costume makes the
character appear professional and official, which juxtaposes with his
expression which is of uncertainty and terror. The lighting is very low,
making the scene dark this adds to the tension and sense of fear, because
you can’t see whatever has scared the character which also adds mystery
and intrigue.
Close up on a toy from the boys game, the Demogorgon. This
close up implies that the Demogorgon will be important later.
The connotations of the toy are of fantasy and horror because it
is a monster, this shot gives the viewer a glimpse of the direction
stranger things is going in. The Demogorgon toy is the only clear
object in the frame, making the viewer focus on it, reinforcing
hat it is important. The colour of the toy is quite dark and there
is low lighting, this all goes towards creating tension and a sense
of fear in the introductory scenes of stranger things.

2. Establishing long shot, shows the whole building and its rural
surroundings, suggesting that it is isolated and hidden,
perhaps further suggesting that that the things inside are
secret. The low lighting also adds to the intrigue and mystery.
The building is large, grey, hi-tech and appears to have a lot of
glass, a building of this style has connotations of being official,
leading the viewer to believe that it is a laboratory, regardless
of the text. The font is a serif old fashioned typeface, making it
seem official, but also retro.
Close up, slightly low angle shot of a glowing light
bulb. The close up and low angle suggest that it is
important. The light bulb stands out because it is the
only light in a dark setting, this makes it seem
ominous. The setting is out of focus and appears to be
a simple wooden shed, which has connotations of
being rural and isolated.

3. Mid, almost over the shoulder shot