Task:2.1 Horror Film Analysis: Insidious

Horror Film Opening Title; Insidious

Conventions within the scene;

The title of the film appears at the end of the opening scene, the writing is bold with points like devil horns and red which is the blood like which marks that it’s a horror film. There is a dark black background with only a slight hint of brown which creates an eerie setting as well as the creepy music that is played throughout the scene.

The only light you see in the first 20 seconds is this lamp-like silhouette. This could reflect the fact that the film is dark and creepy and in the film they also use candle lanterns as a light source when looking round the house.  

 

They also use typical horror film iconography, for example; old grandfather clock, photo of the family (the protagonists) and also a child’s cot which indicates that there is a child in the film which is a popular horror film icon.

When the credits fade in they move across the screen very slowly. As well when they fade out, smoke is dispersed from the writing making it very ghostly. Also the writing is red which reflects blood and pain.

Shots & Editing;

The eerie feeling of the house makes the viewer uncomfortable as the movements are very slow. Throughout the scene there is several times when the shot looks like someone is walking through the house (a point of view shot) this makes it look like there is a ghost floating around the house. The shots are in black and white which makes it look old fashioned and creepy as it resembles a haunted house as you see several shadows behind objects this create a lot of tension as you don’t know whether something is going to jump out at you.

The music that is playing throughout the sequence is slow and creepy making which matches the feel of the scene which makes it effective. The music speeds up as well as increases volumes in certain parts; for example when the shot zooms into the scary women’s face. As the antagonist is revealed it gives you more of an idea of what the film is about.