The document analyzes the opening sequence of the film "The Shining" through the lens of mise-en-scene, editing, sound, and cinematography. It notes that the empty, isolated setting is meant to unsettle viewers, and the dissolves between shots introduce the characters in the car as important. The non-diegetic music contrasts with the calm scenery to create an unsettling atmosphere. Dutch angles and extreme long shots are used to confuse viewers and establish the isolated location.

1. ‘The Shining’, (Kubrick, 1980, US)
Thriller Genre Analysis

2. Misé-en-scene
The opening sequence opens with the films distribution
companies, then cuts to a quiet setting – calming audiences,
allowing them to think that nothing will happen here.
The aerial shots of the forest make the scene empty, and follow
the convention of a thriller to be seen; thrillers use abandoned,
peculiar setting to unnerve its viewers. The empty roads that
can be seen makes it quite creepy; it appears to be a hostile
and secluded environment.

3. Misé-en-scene continued
The opening titles begin to roll over a moving image – the
blue font goes along with typical ‘thriller’ titles; they seem
cold and chilling.
The building introduced at the end of the opening
sequence appears to be in the middle of nowhere, and
seems out-of-place against a mountain – this reinforcing
the isolation of the environment, as well as unsettling the
audiences further.

4. Editing
At the beginning of the clip, the shots dissolve into one
another: from the establishing shot to an aerial shot
tracking inwards towards a car – suggesting that the
characters inside the car are of significance.
However, the lack of cuts in the opening sequence
allows the pace of the beginning of the film to
match the quiet, tranquil setting; the atmosphere is
calm, however the music in the background ruins
this.

5. Editing continued
As the clip continues, there are cuts between different
shots of the car in different locations, yet always in a long,
empty road – creating a creepy and isolated atmosphere.

6. Sound
The non-diegetic instruments that play in the
beginning are loud, and also intrude on the
calmness of the setting; the music is a clear
contrast to the tranquillity of the scene.
The contrast in sounds heard – whether it be the
tempo/pitch, makes it quite uncomfortable for
audiences, as the music isn’t indicating what is to
come – viewers are unaware of what is to follow.
When the titles of the film begin, the music
becomes very disturbing and strange – this being
quite unsettling towards audiences.

7. Cinematography
The camera tracks in, then into a Dutch angle. This tilted
shots creates an element of confusion, and therefore
follows the conventions of a thriller genre.
The extreme long shot of the setting acts as an
establishing shot; it gives audiences information on the
location of the film.

8. Cinematography continued
As the camera tracks in towards the direction of the
car, audiences are being drawn in as it intrigues
audiences.
The film then cuts to the camera panning over a
building, indicating that this will be the principal
setting for the film.