Research into Similar Media Texts: The Shining

THE SHINING

For my second opening sequence I used the Shining. I choose this because it fits within the horror genre.

• The film opens with the Warner Brother logo-this fits the usual conventions. 
• Then there is an establishing shot of the landscape which is an extreme long shot, we zoom in to the island in the middle of the lake and then the camera tilts. This is effective as it shows that something is not right in this beautiful landscape. This conveys that it is horror. 
• The sound used in the clip is also haunting. It is non digetic. 
• The music is very low and quite eerie at first. It remind me of echos which links to the vast open space seen in the opening sequence, this could connote loneliness and isolation. 
• Then the music gets higher towards the end suggesting increasing danger, the bizarre music creates a surreal feel to the film.
• The music is also played all the way through the opening sequence which helps build tension again meaning when the shock comes the audience are more scared.
• The setting is also very beautiful and picturesque which means that the audience least expect violence, also the fact that it is being shot in daylight which is not usually expected in horror films. The audience least expecting it means that when you show them it will make the jump, which is of course one of the reasons why horror can be so enjoyable.
•  The camera shot from above the car shows how small it is and where exactly it is. The overhead shot also shows power and a sense of watching them without them really knowing.
• The titles start after some shots of the area have been shown. 
• They are in simple blue writing, this doesn't detract from the footage as it is being played behind them.