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.