The purpose of an opening sequence is for it to establish the mood and visual character of a film so it engages the audience. It is also used to introduce the audience to all or some of the following elements, which are; Characters, locations, Narrative, Plot, Themes and Visual style. I analysed the film 'Halloween' (1973), I decided to look at the editing styles, camera angles, sound, conventions and the representation of characters within the scene.
Halloween didn't have many editing styles, as most of the scene was film on a had handheld camera which creates continuity . The main point of using an handheld is to create jerky and unsteady images to produce a sense of urgency or chaos. However in this scene its the unknown murderer who has the handheld, this creates a mystery for the audience. This immediately draws the viewer in as they have no idea what is happening. At the end of the opening scene they use of a jump cut, when the parents rip of the mask. This shocks the audience as they realise that the murderer was a child.
As well as editing styles, Halloween's opening scene also included's camera angles. There is a point of view angle, when the killer picks up the knife, this allows the audience to know that they are seeing the scene through the killers eyes. It also makes the audience believe something bad might happen, therefore the camera angle is creating an enigma. Additionally, at the beginning of the scene, before the viewers are introduced to the characters, the camera zooms into the pumpkin, putting an emphasis on the title 'Halloween'.
Of course, a thriller wouldn't have the effect on an audience as it does without the use of music and sound. In Halloween, the scene starts of with dialogue which begins off screen but gradually becomes on screen. This introduces the audience to two of the characters. Also the scene has a continuous non - diegetic sound, made by a electronic keyboard which uses high pitched sounds, this starts to build suspense in the scene. Further along in the scene, a proper piano is introduced when the killer enters the house. The piano almost resembles his movements, it starts and stops with the killer, the electronic keyboard is contentious throughout. Just over two minutes into the scene, a clock starts to chime, it represents the victims time running out as the killer climbs the stairs. Meanwhile, behind the sound of the clocks and electronic piano, the audience can hear a childlike voice singing which is off screen. This shows the vulnerability of the victim. As the killer enters the victims room and goes to kill her, the non - diegetic sound becomes louder, showing the panic of the victim when she realises her fate. The electronic sound continues all the way through this scene.
Convections of a thriller include, low key lighting, eerie sound or music and much more. In 'Halloween', the director and writer have made sure that the film covers all aspects of a thriller genre. As the camera is from the killers point of view the audience never see who they are, therefore leaving an hidden identity and a mystery. Also the victim is a woman, this is conventional to a thrillers as woman are seen like the most vulnerable sex. Shock, Suspense and surprise are usually added to a thriller to make the audience enjoy the film. The shock, comes when the killer pulls open the draw and picks up the large knife. Suspense is introduced when the music and sound begins, and finally the surprise comes at the end, when the killer is revealed as a child.
As well as editing styles, Halloween's opening scene also included's camera angles. There is a point of view angle, when the killer picks up the knife, this allows the audience to know that they are seeing the scene through the killers eyes. It also makes the audience believe something bad might happen, therefore the camera angle is creating an enigma. Additionally, at the beginning of the scene, before the viewers are introduced to the characters, the camera zooms into the pumpkin, putting an emphasis on the title 'Halloween'.Of course, a thriller wouldn't have the effect on an audience as it does without the use of music and sound. In Halloween, the scene starts of with dialogue which begins off screen but gradually becomes on screen. This introduces the audience to two of the characters. Also the scene has a continuous non - diegetic sound, made by a electronic keyboard which uses high pitched sounds, this starts to build suspense in the scene. Further along in the scene, a proper piano is introduced when the killer enters the house. The piano almost resembles his movements, it starts and stops with the killer, the electronic keyboard is contentious throughout. Just over two minutes into the scene, a clock starts to chime, it represents the victims time running out as the killer climbs the stairs. Meanwhile, behind the sound of the clocks and electronic piano, the audience can hear a childlike voice singing which is off screen. This shows the vulnerability of the victim. As the killer enters the victims room and goes to kill her, the non - diegetic sound becomes louder, showing the panic of the victim when she realises her fate. The electronic sound continues all the way through this scene.
Convections of a thriller include, low key lighting, eerie sound or music and much more. In 'Halloween', the director and writer have made sure that the film covers all aspects of a thriller genre. As the camera is from the killers point of view the audience never see who they are, therefore leaving an hidden identity and a mystery. Also the victim is a woman, this is conventional to a thrillers as woman are seen like the most vulnerable sex. Shock, Suspense and surprise are usually added to a thriller to make the audience enjoy the film. The shock, comes when the killer pulls open the draw and picks up the large knife. Suspense is introduced when the music and sound begins, and finally the surprise comes at the end, when the killer is revealed as a child.
Your analysis of Halloween, demonstrates some understanding of the codes and conventions of a thriller film. You have identified some of the micro elements within the opening sequence and you have also referred to some examples, to support the points that you have made.
ReplyDeleteTo develop this post, you need to-
1) Include a summary to explain how your research will assist you with planning your own sequence
2) Consider the relationship between the characters and the audience
3) Read over your notes and aim to include further points on the camera shots and the representation of the characters
4) Focus on codes and conventions of a thriller film in more detail throughout