- The title sequence is written in small, factual font and has a sinister voice over. Facts are included are used to set the scene for the film, this is a common convention in horror films as it makes the audience think it could happen to them.
- Slow motion tracking shots move from left to right displaying traditional and attractive American homes in what seems like a normal neighbourhood. As these shots fade in and out of eachother it becomes apparent that the camera is moving out of this suburban area and out into countryside, meaning isolation.
- The police phonecall is realistic and combined with the shot of the car with a smashed windscreen adds enigmatic codes to the opening.
- This is reinforced by the capture of items such as the ring box, knife, record player (still running) and a shot gun. It makes the audience wonder what has gone on there, the blood on the wall is a clue and makes them want to keep watching to find out.
- The boy's voice describes to us what has happened without us seeing, making the viewer to want to find out and therefore continue to watch (common convention of a horror film) which is also aided by the enigma of the items above.
- There is a dark rumble when the boy's voice fades away describing how there is blood everywhere, this sound is also used when the shots of different house are shown. It has been used to connote danger and gives the sequence a dark feel.
Scream (Craven 1996)
- Titles are large and fast moving, they have sound effects involving dark music and sounds such as stabbing and screaming, creating fear from the outset.
- To begin with cutting rate is slow and shots are long, panning is used in some areas to display the location and set. The conversation also appears the same way, it starts friendly and somewhat flirtacious and becomes somewhat more alarming over time.
- The woman character is typical for a horror movie, she is young, blonde, flirtacious and perhaps dumb. These characters are often used in horror films as easy murders.
- Like with many horrors, the film takes place in an American neighbourhood with nice houses, that arent particularly isolated. This is very common and is done to promote the idea that the events within the film can happen to anyone, no body is safe from the danger.
- Relatively pleasant conversation quickly changes when man mentions he can see her, woman begins to have urgency in her voice, low and dark music is played and a dog barks as if to show unrest.
- Piano music is used throughout, it can be done to show mystery and unknowing i.e. when she looks out at the dimly lit, foggy pool. Or as a sound of danger and shock i.e. when he tells her he can see her. The music continues this way throughout the clip.
- (I watched up until 4:00 of this scene) We are positioned to sympathise with the woman as she is being threatened and interegated by the protagonist over the phone. This idea is also common with horror films for example The Hills Have Eyes (aja 2006) where a family are attacked brutally for no reason. Again the phone is another common technical device by which tension is created due to not being able to see the person, fear of the unknown for example When A Stranger Calls (Walton 1979)
Good choice of openings Dan, some good comments. To improve, insert some iconic stills from the film and highlight most important media terms used.
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