Analysing opening sequences - The Exorcism of Emily Rose
1. In the opening shot to this film there is very low rumbling non-diegetic music, which is effectively creating a dark atmosphere for the audience and this paired with shot 1 sets the scene for the rest of the film. In shot 1 it states that ‘’ This film is based on a true story’’ this therefore prepares you for the events ahead as it tends to be that if this phrase is used the story itself is bound to scare the audience way more, if they believe it has actually happened. Even if you don’t believe this, you recognise the attempt to scare you. The background around the writing is pitch black and this also adds to the phrase as that is the only thing you focus on.
2. In shot 2 there is use of part of a barbed wire fence, which gives connotations of being trapped or needing to keep something out. This fits in very well with the overall mood of the film as exorcism is basically focused on being trapped and setting something free. This is the title page of the film and blood dripping off the barbed wire creates the film’s title. This is an inventive way of introducing the film and increases the audience’s attention as the blood looks like it is a sign of what is to come.
3. Shot 3 is an establishing aerial shot and the colour as with shots 1 & 2 is very bleak and the light is barely there, this could be due to the time of day showing it is way before anyone would normally be up. It affects the audience because it is very dreary and unappealing; this ensures the audience feels trepidation towards this location.
4. This shot is a mid shot which allows you to see the location a reasonable amount, whilst showing the rolling clouds overhead. This creates tension in the shot as the audience is positioned to feel an oncoming storm. In all of the shots I have picked out there is a gray, cold atmosphere and throughout the first 2 minutes the colour doesn’t visibly change, this is used to affect the audience by helping them envisage actually being there.
5. This shot is effective due to its use of crop that hasn’t been harvested or collected and sets the scene as this opening scene is definitely based on farmland. It also begs the question of why this hasn’t been taken off the land when the weather is clearly winter/spring.
6. In this mid shot there is the first introduction of a character, mid shot is used in particular so as to show the characters emotions but also so we can see that his surroundings is the doorframe of a house. His emotions portray anxiety and possibly expectancy; this creates interest for the audience as we are left wondering what he could be looking out for.
7. This shot could be a POV shot as the angle is low and just before this we see the man looking up to the eves of the building. It is also a low angle shot and this is effective as this gives the illusion that it is possibly hanging over the onlookers head and is therefore dangerous. This would also seem strange to the audience as not many buildings have a bee hive present on the side of them, which means it could have been placed there by the director to show clear warning that this place doesn’t warrant visitors.
The opening two minutes are there to generally set the tone of the film and also to give little insights into the surroundings, showing a desolate unkempt place and as more pieces are shown the audience will start to wonder why this place had been abandoned.
Useful For
- showing how lighting affects interepretation. This bluey lighting works well. We use to use broght lighting to establish our tone.
- the use of sound, which helps create the atmosphere.
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