Opening Sequence Analysis - Miss Georgiou

Opening Sequence of Halloween

Narrative
Before the opening sequence begins the audience already has a general idea of the narrative of the film. They know that the film will be based on Halloween night. So they would expect children, costumes, fear, and trick or treating etc. The film's opening sequence is based upon the theme of enigma as the viewer does not know who the killer is and why they are killing. There is also a feeling of mystery because the audience knows that the protagonists are unaware of the killer. Shock, suspense and surprise are all created in this opening scene.

Cinematography
Shallow focus on the iconography such as the knife creates suspense as the audience question the antagonists reasons and purpose.

The high angle above the house at the end of the scene highlights the vulnerability and safety of the girl in the house because you would expect her to be safe in a street crowded with others that could help her but nobody was yet aware of her murder.This makes the viewer paranoid that something similar could happen to them.

At a similar time in the sequence the camera begins to zoom out from the high angle shot of the house. This builds shock and surprise as the parents unmask their son.

Editing
Wipe at the beginning of the scene introduces the house setting and location.

Slow editing when the antagonist is looking into the house and going up the stairs creates suspense.

Unlike the part of the sequence when the antagonist is running down the stairs. The faster speed of this scene suggests he is trying to get out of the house quickly before anyone notices him.

The fade technique shows us that it is the end of the scene. This could also portray the end of the protagonists life as she fades away.

Sound
Non diegetic sound effects such as eerie music create a tense atmosphere because it sounds unnatural. This is parallel to the narrative because it is unnatural for a young boy to kill his sister.

clock chiming

The sequence is silent as the camera pans. This creates suspense because the audience anticipates that something is going to happen.

Diegetic sounds such as the knife being pulled out of the draw and the chiming of the clock highlights certain iconography that is important to the narrative as well as making the audience feel more engaged and involved in the scene.

Before the opening sequence begins the audience has a loose idea of what they expect the narrative of the film to be.

The singing of the children backs up there understanding that the film will be based on Halloween and trick or treating.

Conventions
Iconography like the knife is stereotypical in a thriller film. The antagonist opens a kitchen drawer and pulls out a large kitchen knife. At this point the camera zooms in slightly and focuses on the weapon to emphasise what will happen next. The knife connotes that the antagonist is in control and more powerful than the other characters who are not armed and therefore more vulnerable. The knife suggests murder and danger which makes the audience believe that he will hurt or kill some one. It is confirmed that the character is going to be the films main killer who will be the focus of the narrative but the audience do not yet know who he is.  Suspense is increased because the audience question who he is and why and what he is doing.


Slow timing of shots occur when the killer walks up the stairs this is conventional to a thriller because the audience questions whether the female victim will escape before the killer reaches her.

At the start of the film no one else is around to hear or help the girl so the house appears isolated. This  makes the viewer feel scared and empathetic for her, knowing she is alone. Eerie music is typical to a thriller film because it creates enigma as the viewer is anticipating what will happen next.


Representation of characters
The hidden identity of the killer means the audience does not know who is walking around the protagonists house. This makes them question who it is and why they are spying on the characters as well as walking around the female victims house. This is conventional to a thriller film because the killers identity tends to be concealed at first, increasing enigma. This creates shock when it is revealed who he is at the end of the sequence.
The protagonist says "Michael?" in a surprised manner when the killer walks in on her. This confirms she knows who he is personally. The antagonist knows the victim which makes it even more unusual for him to be carrying out these actions. The viewer knows he is an unexpected killer and questions the reason the victim is being killed.The father also says "Michael?" in a questioning tone as he unmasks his son.This matches to the protagonist saying it moments before so we find out that the killer was her younger brother.This makes the viewer question why a young boy would kill his sister, keeping them engaged and making them want to keep watching the film.