Thursday 15 October 2015

THE SHINING (1980) - OPENING SCENE ANALYSIS



As the opening sequence begins, we are introduced to an establishing shot to show the audience where the movie is going to be set. This shot shows the perimeter of a lake, of which creates the concept of the movie being held within open land, far away from help - the cliche of many horrors, this represents the isolation of the setting. This along with the non-digetic soundtrack infers the loneliness and likeliness of a horror story line - with an eerie atmosphere, which instantly intrigues the audience, there are slight remarks of echoes, showing the emptiness of the surroundings. This creates suspense and is engaging. The way this is set in broad daylight subverts the typical horror scenario (night time) and beings to develop the contrast we are looking for. 
The way the camera does not smoothly flow across the lake shows uneasiness and creates tension and confusion - but this is slightly toned down due to it being set in daylight as opposed to the fright of night. This then transitions into a tilting motion which gives the audience a feel as if they were exploring the setting and following the car along.  The birds eye view of the road creates the illusion of the car being miniature and inferior to its surroundings. 

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