Insidious
Introduction to the film/brief background
The second Supernatural film opening I chose to analyse was Insidious (2010). Directed by James Wan, staring Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne, made by alliance films and stage 6 films.The film is based on a family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further.The film was budgeted $1,500,000 and received £1,441,292 for the opening weekend in the UK.
As for critical acclaim Roger Ebert gave the film 2 1/2 stars out of 4 saying, "It depends on characters, atmosphere, sneaky happenings and mounting dread. This one is not terrifically good, but moviegoers will get what they're expecting". The film also received several awards, such as The Empire Awards in 2006 and The Young Artist Award in 2012.
Key characters/Stock characters
After watching the first scene of Insidious, the first key character is immediately identifiable by a medium eye-line match shot .With one of the first shots/settings being in bedroom, with a child ling in bed peering up at the camera .By using direct mode of address, it engages the audience, as they feel some involvement into the film.Although this character cannot yet be classed as either a protagonist or antagonist for Insidious, it is clear, given it's the first shot, that this character is critical to the plot/narrative of the film .Also emphases the importance of this character.
However, as the audience, we can infer that this key character is perhaps the protagonist in the film. As immediately we can see that it's a male child, which is represented to appear young and vulnerable. Peering up from behind his covers, showing connotations of fear, linking back to idea of vulnerability. As stereo typically society see children as being fearful, using their imagination to fear the worst, such as supernatural occurrences.
The film is also using a key convention of the genre here, as conveniently supernatural Horror movies use children as their key characters, which usually involves the child being a victim/ companion, sharing some relation or emotion towards the supernatural being.Which not only helps create tension due to the child being in danger, but engages the audience.
The antagonist is also shown in the opening scene, as the non-diegetic increases as the character is relived.This key character also follows the key convents of a stereotypical horror, through both mis en scene and sound.The female figure appears as a stereotype of a witch, dark, eerie and of course supernatural.The opening contains several shots of the characters shadow passing from wall to wall, suggesting she is searching or investigating the setting and adding to the idea of the character being supernatural.With the final shot of the character confirming this, as she is almost transparent, showing the light from outside the bedroom through the keyhole.From this the audience can instantly understand the type of narrative this film would follow and the danger the protagonists will encounter.
No other stock characters are shown in this first opening scene, as the majority of the scene is a added climax of the appearance of the antagonist.
Narrative/Stock situation
Through the use of different shots, the audience are able to establish the main setting/location of the film.With long shots and eye-line matches of the character's bedroom.We can only assume that this film will follow the stereotypical conventions of a supernatural genre film, with it being based in normal environment
, in this case a home.Given this, the film's narrative would appear to be fairly stereotyped, with the idea of a child being vulnerable , controlled and in danger, with little knowledge of the parents, leading to frightful and severe consequences, resulting in ether revenge or defeat by the protagonist or antagonist.
Genre Iconography
By using iconography in this scene helps the audience establish the genre of the film.The music is a huge part of this, with consistent non-diegetic music played throughout the clip, with increases in tone to add to the tense atmosphere.
Several conventional icons are used, such as shadows and dark lighting/filter, linking to Horror.Using the child's bedroom shows clear representation of vulnerability, showing to the audience that the supernatural being is present, as the character appears frightened and tense.
The mis en scene used is very dominantly ideological of what a young boy's bedroom should look like, which makes the film seem like its based in a innocent location.
The muti-coloured quilt/bedding of the character also makes the child seem of a young age,showing icons of immaturity and youth, aswell as using icons such as a teddy bear, stereo typically linked to a child.
They have used iconography such as a old grandfather clock, a photo frame of the main protagonist's family, and a crib to indicate that young children are involved in this film.Low- key lighting is used to, again, representation the genre of Horror.
All in all the mis en scene used is basic, yet sets up the films location well, showing key convention to the Horror genre.
Themes of genre
The main theme of the film, after watching the opening scene, is Good vereus Evil.This is present throughout the scene, with the idea of the family and home being good and the supernatural occurrence being evil.At the beginning of the scene I also recognized a theme of the unknown, with knowledge of a supernatural being , yet not yet reviled
Score
As Insidious is a supernatural horror non-diegetic incidental is a vital part to build up a suspense for an audience member.The creepy music, makes you feel uneasy and uncomfortable as the presence of the supernatural appeals, as the tone increases.
Typography
The transitions in the opening are very smooth and they connect with one shot well.The colour red is used alot throughout the title sequence, connoting blood, danger and love, which fades in and out quickly, engaging the audience.When the insidious title appears on the screen the 'I' is shaped like a devil which foreshadows the events of the film, and can let the audience know what the film's antagonist may be (The Devil).The title sequence flows well, ensuring the shot change after 15 seconds, meaning the audience can get a glimpse of the location and a few main characters, but not enough to give away all of the narrative.This is effective because it encourages and entices the audience to continue watching.
Insidious has an effective title sequence, due to the sound, mis en scene, cinematography and editing.
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