Opening Title Sequence Analysis
The Conjuring (2013)
Directed by James Wan
Written by Chad Hayes & Carey hayes
The opening title sequence of The Conjuring starts off with showing a glimpse of what we assume could be the killer, putting us instantly on edge and giving us, the audience, an idea of what the killers appearance could be. In the background we hear characters talking about the killer, giving the audience a bit more information. This gets the viewers involved and engaged, already in the first minute of the film. Half way through the scene, as the characters enter a room, a creepy unsettling non-diegetic soundtrack is played, helping to set a disturbing atmosphere for the viewers. From the soundtrack in the background, we the audience, understand that the music is perhaps building up to something scary, making us feel unsettled and wondering what could possibly happen next.
BB
07/11/14
BB
07/11/14
Shaun Of The Dead (2004)
Directed By Edgar Wright
Written By Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright
In the opening of shaun of the dead everyone is moving very slow and are showing almost no emotion acting almost zombie like this is foreshadowing the zombie crisis. The background music is a sort of up beat rhythm but is also sounds very bland and dull this is also non-diegetic sound this means the characters cant hear it. Towards the end of the opening you see someones feet and shadow they are moving their legs in an odd limping manner almost like a zombie and the large shadow simply adds to the attempt to frighten the audience.
SG
08/11/14
SG
08/11/14
Sinister (2012)
Directed by Scott Derrickson
Written by C. Robert Cargill
The Opening Title Sequence of Sinister is one clean shot throughout its entirety, showing only four people tied to a tree from their necks. After a long and tense build up with the sound of an old tape recorder buzzing away, something happens to the parallel tree branch, of which said four people are lifted into the air and are hung, resulting in their death. After a few more seconds of unsettling music and old tape recording and letting of a flickering light, the tape cuts and stops, revealing a cut in the film with the word Sinister showing through. Unlike most other Opening Title Sequences, this OTS features no titles apart from the film title itself. This however, is not uncommon in most horror films today, as only the producer(s), writer(s) & director, along with the film title, are shown to the viewer.
JL
08/11/14
JL
08/11/14
Insidious (2010)
Directed by James Wan
Written by Leigh Whannell
The opening to Insidious starts off with a suspensive build up, hints to what could be a jump scare and screeching music. You can see the child who is led in bed, knowing that he is the first character you see suggests he is going to be the focus point of the film. The camera moves past the child into another room in the house, if you look carefully you can see the figure of a woman standing in the light of a window, she moves out of the way as the camera approaches. You expect there to be some sort of jump scare of some sort and there you see a woman stood with a candle lit in her hands, this leads the viewers to believe that she is the villain or killer. Then the titles roll on with series of images of scenes that may occur later on in the film and increased tension in music.
MM
07/11/14
MM
07/11/14