Understanding Micro Elements in Film Openings
By Aaron McGreevy
Mise en scene
Setting The opening scene is set in a house at nighttime in the kitchen. I know this because there is food and other kitchen items in the shot. It is set at night which is a generic convention for a horror movie.
DecorDuring the shot there is various objects to set the scene such as sofas, tables and a TV. It is set out to look exactly what a normal home would look like so the audience believes that it is a real house and that it could happen to them.
Props In the opening sequence there are many props which can be seen in the shot such as TV remote, fruit bowl and a glass she is holding. The reason she has a glass in her hand is to make it look like she is just going about a normal routine ,so it makes it a believable experience which could happen to any one.
Costume The costume for the character is casual as she is just wearing a shirt that suggest she has just come home from work and she is an average person than anybody can relate to.
Body Language The actors body language shows that she is scared as when she is walking up the stairs she proceeds with caution. Also she is hiding behind the wall so her body language show she is terrified of what she may find at the top of the stairs , this fits the generic conventions.
Extreme close upThe idea of this extreme close up is that is emphasise the door handle and focuses the viewers attention on a specific object. We know that the person is going to open the door as it focused on. The use of this shows the viewer that it is the focal point of the scene and creates the feeling of anticipating what is going to happen next.
Close upThe close up of the main character is used to show facial expressions in detail and this particular shot to show fear which is good for horror movies. This will provoke a response from the audience as they get to see how the character is feeling.
Medium Shot The medium shot is used to show the main actor as well as the costume and some of the location. This also shows body language and facial expressions so you get both instead of one or the other. It is also good for showing something in the background for example if someone is creeping up from behind which is used widely in the horror genre.
Long shot
The long shot is used to show the surroundings and location. It also shows the whole of the character however it does not show their facial expressions but it useful in showing the characters body language.
High Angle ShotThis type of shot is used to look down on the actor and for them to appear weak and vulnerable. It also make the viewer feel more powerful as they are higher up. Also it is used in horror movies if the person is scared and we are meant to feel empathy for them.
Point of view shotThe point of view shot is used in this opening scene to show anticipation of what is around the corner as it slowly moves into view. This creates great tension for the viewer as they are unaware of what is going to be revealed. This heightens the suspense and is used frequently is horror films. It makes the viewer feel the fear that they and that they are in the room with them.
Shallow Focus
This is when the main focus of the camera is a sharp image and the background is out of focus. This is to draw your attention to a specific point. This creates a mysterious effect for the viewer as they are unaware and unsure what is happening in the background.
Zoom
The zoom is used to focus on something specific from a distance and then it appears close up and large this gets the viewer intrigued . In this opening scene it is used to zoom in from a long shot to a close up of her facial expressions. Also it can zoom out from the face to show the location and costume.
CutThe cut is used to move from on angle or scene to another. In this opening scene the cut is used to show what she is looking at and then it cuts to her facial expressions. It is used to keep the viewer interested instead of just watching the same camera angle.
Low angle shot The low angle shot is used to look upwards to the character and to make them look powerful. However in this scene the main character is not powerful so it has a reverse effect also the camera is stationary at the end of the hall .Which highlights the water on the floor and makes you ask why it is there ?.
Pace
The pace of this film is slow , as it is a horror film it is building up suspense and leading towards the climax. There are many cuts but are not as frequent as an action film. The whole tempo is slow as she is cautious this suggests she is scared so this fits the generic conventions of a typical horror movie. Also it zooms in slow which builds up tension and increases your interest.
Performance
The physical expression of the main character is frightened so this suggest they are portraying the emotion of fear. You can also tell that she is scared by how she speaks for example she asks if anyone is there this tells us that she is unsure and wonders what is happening. This follows the conventions of a horror film leading up to the climax. There is no other characters for her to interact with so she is cautious when she walks exploring the house.
Diegetic Sound
There is a lot of examples of diegetic sound in the opening scene. For example when she is walking out of the kitchen the TV turns on. It is making a noise ,because of this it is diegetic sound as she reacts to it as it part of the narrative and the actor is meant to hear it. As she is home alone there is no other sound for example people chatting and other noise. This not only makes it believable but adds to the effect e.g. any noise would emphasised even more as it is silent. In many horror films the character always seems to be in a silent house alone. She also hears a noise up stairs and goes up to investigate this is another example of diegetic sound as her attention is drawn to what is happening upstairs.
Non- Diegetic In this opening scene there are no examples of Non-
Diegetic sound this is unusual for a horror film, as there is no theme music or music to set the mood because of this there is only diegetic sound. This not only makes it more powerful but more realistic as there is silence which gives the opening scene a unique feel. Due to this there is more emphasis on the sounds that you do hear e.g. the importance of the TV and video tape.