Insidious opening scene - Horror Genre

Insidious opening scene - Horror Genre

insidious opens with a dark screen instantly allowing us to see what genre it's from, horror all in the same shot in the centre of the screen a lantern begins to move up the screen with faint thin writing in the lantern in the background there is slow music that gets louder throughout the opening scene to set the scary tone the lantern begins to rotate at a slow pace until it becomes the light from the ceiling in the boys bedroom (Josh). Still in the same tracking shot from the start we see a young boy sleeping, the setting around him is dark quite plain with only slight light shining through his window and night light. the camera angle is above the boy making us as the audience feel superior to him, this could suggest we are an entity following him around the house. the camera angle gets lower so we are inline with josh this has an added effect of fear because its as if we are creeping around like somethings wrong,whilst non diegetic music begins to get louder and more high pitched string music creating a sense of panic. we pass a grandfather clock in the hallway the setting is still relatively dark so we can only just make out the detail around the clock. the pace of the tracking shot begins to pick up and we pass a window with old fashioned floral curtains which makes the audience think that this part of the film was set in a different time, also there's a thin blind down therefore allowing us the see a dark shadow outline of a women as the camera shot moves closer to the women she slowly slides away. the tracking shot picks up even more pace and turns the corner slowing the audience a a small dark face in the shadows holding a candle close to its demonic face the camera shot is a extreme close up shot however because the setting is dark we can only just about see slight details on the woman's face. until the screen goes black.

The Conjuring 2 opening scene - horror genre

The Conjuring 2 opening scene - horror genre

In the opening scene of the conjuring 2 the first shot is a establishing shot. This shot shows the neighbour and characters surroundings, which contains a lot of mist and fog which gives off a fear and the unknown effect. Another camera shot which is used to show everything she is doing in the house while setting the scene. Close up shot is used in this opening scene to focus on her eyes to show her emotions during this scene, which is mostly fear. They use low angle when something bad is happening such as someone killing someone, which also shows that the murderer has more power because they are looking down on them. The camera zooms in and out on the characters face when she realises something and shows her emotions clearer which suggests to the audience what is going to happen.

The costumes the characters are wearing in this opening scene are all quite old fashioned pieces of clothing which shows the audience that the film is set in the past. The ‘demon’ in this opening scene is wearing a nun outfit which a usual character for a demon in horror films, therefore it shows the audience that the film is going to scary and contain things that all horror films contains. The props suggest danger and death, such as the gun and all the blood the scene contains. The setting of this scene is in a old house which suggests it would be creepy because old houses are known to be places where bad stuff would happen and ghosts would be.

At the very start of the opening clip you can see that the lighting is kept low in order to help make it appear darker, which gives the audience connotations of evil and sinister situations. I think that the directors and will want to have achieved this because the main narrative of the film is evil/sinister due to its relation to spirits and ghosts. A secondary interpretation of how this low lighting could be conceived by the audience is to show a clear differentiation between the lady's dream and real life after she wakes up.

Towards the end of the opening scene, the picture fades in to a colour that you would recreate using wet teabags in primary school, before fading to black. This colour gives connotations of old-fashioned times, which again relates to this idea of death and spirits.

A nightmare on elm street opening scene - Horror Genre

A nightmare on elm street opening scene - Horror Genre

In the opening scene we see the original mysterious pair of hands constructing the famous finger knives a brilliantly original take on the standard hack and slash maniac cliche. during the glove construction the film opens with key musical elements the tapping to enter the fear of visible pain, they also use high pitched drones and deep thumping drones also known as diegetic noise as the audience are supposed to hear. also we can hear heavy breathing of Freddy Kruger to make the audience feel uncomfortable and tense The opening sequence begins with the use of Mise en scene, heavy footsteps made by boots  and baggy trousers walking in, the audience just hear heavy breathing this instantly creates suspense and builds mystery for the audience as we don’t see who the footsteps belong to or where they came from or their purpose. The mise en scene created is dark and low lighted again creating suspicion and the audience are led through a dark and dirty workshop or garage it appears. It continues to build mystery as the figure begins searching through something this is seen by an Ariel shot and reaches for razor blades. The dietetic sound of metal clanging is apparent and the music peaks at this stage which suggest metal may have later significance. This figure again unable to see the face is covering himself with a baggy long sleeve jumper as the audience believe he may be trying to hide something with himself.  There is a close up of a dirty hand reaching for the glove it there is a continued close up as the person tests the sharpness of the razor blades, when he tears the material using the blade there is an minimalist growling sound which creates a serous, inhumane tone. They also contrast the darkness with the light and link light to fear and pain as the girl is shown in the light looking petrified and disoriented also the fact shes lost in the light could suggest death or isolation where her nightmares are being controlled and manipulated by Freddy Kruger. the long shot of thew victim running is effective because it only outlines her fragile shape as if she is a shadow possibly foreshadowing her later death in the film.the water dripping from the pipes simulates rain - pathetic fallacy as shes running in terror and confusing suggest something bad is about to happen. the digetic sound of a bang is emphasises by a close up shot shot of the young girls facial expression showing fear. the darkness and the sound effects link together to create typical conventions of a horror as they compliment each other to create fear for the victim as she is being chased in her dreams.

The Shining opening analysis - horror Genre

The Shining openning scene - horror Genre

The establishing shot, sets the scene and creates a tone of isolation in a cut off area which makes the audiences feel uneasy and foreshadows that something will happen due to the sinister feel the isolated area is giving off. One long shot in showing the audience the surrounding nature filled areas which juxtaposes the beauty of nature with the sinister music. The camera then cuts to a high angle shot – on a hill side again very isolated. The camera is following one lone car, which emphasises the emptiness. By the camera filming at a tilted angle is makes the audience feel on edge or even like they are the sinister ‘thing’ stalking this car as the angle filmed at relates to tilting of a head creating suspense. An extreme wide shot showing the mountain range in the background gives us the impression that it’s going to be a  cold and dark sinister film – these are all common conventions to horror. throughout the clip the colours gradually get darker foreshadowing that nature is not always safe and peaceful but may be something more sinister. also implies the film is going to get weirder as it progresses.using bright blue titles juxtaposes with the genre of the film as blue is related to peace and tranquillity yet its used to make the audience feel unsettled and disturbed.The music played in the background begins to have a higher tone and unnatural rhythm- the higher notes sound like screams and metal either cutting or hitting something. the unknown noises also sound extraterrestrial possibly suggesting alien/explainable goings on. also by only having instrumental theme tune it creates tension and builds anticipation about what is going to happen,creating an over whelming atmosphere.The constant following of the car suggests to the audience that it plays a key focus.

Cabin in the woods opening - Horror Genre

Cabin in the woods opening - Horror Genre 

The film opens with the institution animated lionsgate this shows the insides of a machine all working together and rotating this is dark colours like red and copper which turns from red and fades to black, blood starts seeping over pages revealing old egyption images, loud string music with percussion plays. the first credit appears and the camera continues to pan around the page and its pictures at a fast pace. more credits begin to appear across the screen telling us the name of director and companies that produced the film.

Extreme rapid pan to a modern day sign, the third shot is a medium shot cut to two men having a conversation with background elevator music (diegetic sound). the camera angle changes into a different angle of the two men showing different views following the 180 degree rule. continuing casual conversation with sound effects of money in the machine and coffee cup. the first man exits ans the other follows, sound of a women on the overhead speaker. cut to a long shot of an office cut to camera moving as the two men walk down the corridor in the background noise of a busy office at work cut to long shot of office and back to the two men and a female character joins them. again there is a cut to long shot of corridor as the three walk walk down the side on the left and back to the mid shot of them. then a long shot of a large room as the three enter in the distance wile other workers continue and the three speak the camera pans and follow the three as the two men get on a vehicle, woman is concerned about the two men's work then the camera goes back to the long shot of the large room as the men drive off cut to mid shot of men driving, camera is on the vehicle looking at the two sound effects of the vehicle driving.

Very sudden sound effect of screaming and brass instrument as big red bold letters appear with the title ' the cabin in the woods ' as the shot freezes and the scream holds out.

Codes and Conventions 'Coming Of age Genre'

Codes and Conventions  Coming Of age Genre

Bildungsroman  the main character (protagonist) following their journey  from child to and adult.

shows them grow up and turn from immature to mature or becoming less naive reasons for their change may vary,sudden death in the family,suffered an injustice, they may be in pain or suffering, they become in their world a sort of hero. For example in  mean girls katy moves from africa to america and is shown to be a outsider until the popular girl groups leader regina george takes her under her wing and creates a monster.

A Bildungsroman is a genre concerned with the education and maturing of a young protagonist. It follows the moral and psychological development of their character.

"The Novel of Formation as Genre"

-A Bildungsroman is, most generally, the story of a single individual's growth and development within the context of a defined social order. The growth process, at its roots a quest story, has been described as both "an apprenticeship to life" and a "search for meaningful existence within society."

 -To spur the hero or heroine on to their journey,they must suffer some form of tragedy which could differ from leaving town, losing a loved one etc. and this will deter them from their family

-The process of maturity is long and gradual, consisting of repeated clashes between the protagonist's needs and desires, and the views and judgments enforced by social order.

-the film or novel will usually end in the protagonist reevaluating  their place in society and how far they've come since the beginning.

Spectre opening scene analyis

Spectre

The opening starts with a black screen and white writing - the white contrasts with the black making it stand out,it also gives the film a professional look.The next shot is a close up shot of a skeleton from a parade the skeleton has a dark hat and a cigarette which has connotations of dark and mysterious characters and gives a sinister feel to the film. the tracking shot follows the skeleton until we see the bright and colourful setting mainly the crowd are in dark and neutral colours to represent the dead. the music in the background is upbeat as if celebrating for the festival however it also gives the audience an element of anticipation as its a Bond film nothing is unpredictable. The camera still all in one shot begins to follow a man and a women dressed in fancy dress, the male looks dominate as if he has a hold over the women as shes following him.They walk through a hotel  against the genuine flow of the crowd. the music changes to a more chilled upbeat rhythm that makes the audience question what is about to happen. the male and female step into the lift the women still looks up to the male as his got a hold over her - making ther audience question there relationship as its starting to look  a bit one sided. The characters clothes also contrast with each other as the female character is wearing some colour in comparison to the male who is wearing just black and white which may suggest to the audience he is a dark guarded character and his actions may be unpredictable. Also both characters are masked therefore us as an audience cannot tell who they are which leaves the audience with an enigma code - and builds suspense as the audience want to find out who these mysterious characters are. 

 The male and Female characters begin to get closer in an close up shot, whilst in the lift they show a key possible for a room as the audience can sense sexual tension between the two characters - as they face each other before leaving the lift. the door is dark brown and looks old fashioned suggesting they may be in an exotic country with traditional values. the room is also old fashioned complementing the rest of the hotel.

the male and female characters un mask each other allowing the audience to see the male figure is James Bond with one of his many 'famous' temptresses. whilst the music still plays in the background they share a passionate kiss which suggests to the audience that something deeper may be happening between the male and female characters. The women begins to lure Mr Bond to the bed - but to her surprise he leaves out the window which implies excitement and action.

The Notebook - Opening Of Romance Genre

The Notebook - Opening Of Romance Genre

 the opening scene shows a peaceful landscape with the sun setting,the sun set strikes us as the most important as it is shown with only black trees and scenery making them fade into the background. the opening shot is a long shot which lets us focus on the setting and the mood its trying to create. there is also non-diegetic piano music playing the background which is slow and creates a sad theme. the second shot is a medium shot which focuses on the rower in the lake using shallow focus - although we can still only see the shadow of the rower it begins to make the scene feel more personal as we start to follow the rower ' on there journey' this emotion is created through the third shot which is a tracking shot at a low angle making the rower look superior to us as the audience. the fourth shot is an extreme long shot as we can only just make out the rower again using shallow focus by colours as the black contrasts with the orange/red. Rowing is a cliche throughout the film as Noah is a keen rower and uses rowing to release anger and for pleasure so by opening with a rower looking lost and alone complimented by slow sad music could by foreshadowing a sad ending to the film. As the opening continues the scenery and footage starts to become more realistic allowing us to see more small features e.g. the birds flying and grass blowing in the wind also the rowing boat becomes slightly clearer, this prop is shown at the beginning to replicate the romance genre as place like Venice are known for having romantic river journeys on the gondoliers therefore we instantly and stereo typically relate them to romance. the white house shown in a long shot shown at a low angle making it look important also by the house being white it adds a clinical effect implying this is possibly a retirement home or an institution for the unwell. The birds in a flock fly toward it elegantly to the music by the rower, this begins an enigma code as we as the audience become curious as why the rower relates to the house and why they are going there. We now see a women standing at her window watching the rower suggesting this could be part of her imagination or her having a flashback of her past or someone in her life who meant great importance, leading the audience to think she may miss this part of her life or the person symbolised through the rower.

Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging Opening Analysis

The Coming Of Age Genre -  Angus Thongs And Perfect Snogging

The film opens with non diegetic up beat music to reflect the humour of the protagonists (Georgia) Halloween costume therefore sets the mood of a tragic teenage girls dramatic life whilst growing up into what she thinks is an adult. the first shot is a close up shot in a car, showing a father talking to his daughter also known as a two shot showing the relationship between the characters as they are bickering about dropping Georgia off to the Halloween party whilst shes dressed as stuffed olive which adds further humour to the scene. the second shot is a medium shot at a high angle making the protagonist look weak and vulnerable as shes seen to have not followed the dress code, also all the other characters are staring at her to further show she is the odd one out leaving her embarrassed whilst the rest of the room whisper about her costume (diegetic sound ) followed by laughing from what the audience can place as the school bully the camera shots are switching from Georgia and the bully whilst the laughter is going on showing the whole rooms emotions as they continue to make fun of her. Georgia is then followed by a tracking shot as she approaches her friends, shes made to look superior to them as they all have their heads down as they know they've let her down. the non diegetic music then picks up to up beat music which is ironic due to Georgia being angry and storming away from her friends this shot is a tracking shot following Georgia as she runs in frustration this could be foreshadowing more 'tragic' events in Georgia's life struggling as a teenager who wants to be cool and find the perfect boyfriend.

Action Genre - Spiderman 2

Action Genre - Spider Man 2

The opening scene opens with a tracking shot following him through New York, it’s a high angles close up shot making him look superior to us – as he is a heroic protagonist. Being in the city is a conventional setting of the action/sci-fi genre because they are always busy and full of all types of people and crisis. As spider man has super-abilities like super strength and spider-like abilities these help him fight crime throughout the city whilst the police fail to catch the criminals. These are all generic conventions of a superhero fantasy film. The first shot is a tracking shot which follows him up to the point of his phone call with Gwen, as well as the shot non-diegetic music is mixed with the diegetic sound of the traffic and spider man’s web-shooters to add excitement tension and a bit of realism to something that isn’t a common everyday event.

It becomes clear what genre the film is soon on as there is a clear villain group and its clear Spiderman is the heroic protagonist – action and adventure genre. When the villain is introduced via a loose medium shot his on a rampage throughout the city in a van causing chaos in New York. The opening scene is powerfully engaging as it builds tension and sets the pace throughout the film with fast-paced shots.

Romance Codes and Conventions

Romance Codes and Conventions

Typically romance films are usually aimed at a female audience, from the age of about 12 and onwards they have a 12-15 certificate to maximise the audience. Romance films generally include sexuality, status, gender and relationships that either break or become difficult at some point in the film. The narrative is falling in love, dating and kissing etc. sometimes a voice over is used to start the theme of love. Stereotypically the main characters are good looking but also programs like my mad fat diary have broken this stereotype. The setting usually is urban environment, a beach or school etc., these are typically places where things like this would happen. In a romance opening its deemed much of the setting will be shown from wide shots showing characters and much of the setting and area behind them.


Sounds

Diegetic and non-diegetic sounds are just as important as any other film, as it helps to set the mood and atmosphere of the film.  Romances usually would start with piano guitar or violin instruments. Sad films would use string music like a violin. Stereotypically in the beginning of a romance opening the music is merely in the background as usually the characters are narrating and speaking during the first few minutes of the film.

Conventions of Romance

The majority of romantic novels follow a similar structure of girl and boy meeting, then there’s a dilemma which by the end is solved. This is a successfully proven formula that attracts audiences of both female and male demographics. The protagonist is usually vulnerable, shy or socially awkward, which could be due to some disturbing problem in there life. For example they have an attraction but can’t be together due to some sort of social divide stopping their love. A love triangle is a theme that is found in many romantic movies, with the object of affection engaged to someone they don't love, or an ex-lover wanting revenge on the lead.  There are many sub genres for romance and romantic comedy being the most popular for example ‘just go with it’ is a good example of this, as its popular with a almost universal audience. Teen romances have distinct clichés, such as the jock and cheerleader characters, and many romances are set around a particular situation, such as a wedding or a party. Other romances can span years, such as The Notebook.

Action Genre - 'Spectre' Conventions

Action Genre - Spectre Conventions 

Mise-En-Scene

-Giant Skeleton walks through crowd with cigarette in mouth.

-Everyone is dressed up to celebrate the festival.

-Festivals being used as a disguise.
-Pulls out a gun from backpack.
-Buildings used for ‘ parkour’.
-Starts with a black scene and writing.
-Bright colours juxtaposing the death festival.



Sound

-Up beat non diegetic sound suggesting everyone is happy and celebrating the festival although they are unaware of the upcoming violence.
-Music changes to a slower more romantic song.



Camera/Editing

-Close up shot of skeleton.

-Medium shot of crowd.

-The cameras following them through the crowd.

-The same camera angle is used through the majority of the clip – effect.

Action Genre - Spectre Opening Scene

Action Genre - Spectre Opening Scene