Meaning through Film Sequences and Action/Shot-by-Shot Analysis

January 15, 2021

Meaning through Film Sequences and Action/Shot-by-Shot Analysis

Hello and welcome to my fourth blog entry!

Today, I will discuss opening sequences in horror and comedy films, meaning through opening sequences and actions in film openings, occurring action within the first two minutes of the film, and a shot by shot analysis.

The horror genre usually obtains a somewhat stereotypical, predictable, and cliche film opening. Typically, someone is dying or being hunted by the antagonist(s). Simultaneously, there are high pitched and unsettling violin strings playing in the background to grab the audience's attention, produce the feeling of suspense, formulate the sense of unease, and confuse the audience.

Whereas the comedy genre usually contains sunny blue skies, the protagonist(s) first appears with a cheerful attitude and upbeat music playing in the background to connect with the character and introduce the protagonist(s).

The opening sequences reveal the movie's meaning and tones without exposing too much information to the audience through music and visuals.

Audio, musical scores and sounds play an imperative role in film openings. Film tones are primarily displayed through the music. For instance, if you are watching a film opening with dark, low toned, low beat music, there are slim chances of being a comedy or romance movie. Movies with similar music are primary in the genres of horror, thriller, slasher, disaster, (etc.). However, no music can set the film opening's emotional tone. No music enables the audience to become more up-close and in touch with the scene, and it's the character(s).

When watching a film opening, visuals partake the most notable factor in emotional tone.

Camera angles, height, movement, and shots are the base of film openings. If there are no visuals for a film opening, there is simply no opening. However, shots, angles, height, and movement emphasize the opening's emotional tone between the audience. For instance, in the TV show "Dexter" film opening, various close-up and extreme close-up shots were encrypted to emphasize Dexter's connotative and denotative actions. His actions established the tone and provided meaning for the TV show as a whole.

Typically in the first two minutes of a horror film sequence, the antagonist(s) is introduced. Characters, setting, and tone is revealed in the first two minutes.

In the first movie of 2012's Scary Movie, a blonde girl is alone at night in her house cooking popcorn. She receives a call from an unknown number, yet she still answers it. The anonymous caller asks to play a game with her in a flirty yet creepy tone. She thinks nothing of it and plays along.

While answering the caller's questions, she locks her house door. Then the caller admits that he can see her. She gets nervous and is freaking out because she can see him looking at her, but his identity is still hidden. She threatens him with her boyfriend and the cops. The caller isn't bothered and still plays along.

While their conversation is continuing, the popcorn rises. The caller trolls her and tells her to lock the back door since she forgot.

The blonde character results from stereotypical horror movies; she is dumb, vulnerable, flirty, attractive, and most likely, the first character to be killed. She is wearing a white blouse and a skirt. Her blouse signifies her persona, the color white signifying purity, vulnerability, isolation, and openness.

The caller also results from stereotypical horror movies; they play games and prey on their victims. The caller is seen wearing a ghost mask and a black robe. The outfit represents the caller's persona with black signifying mystery, intimidation, fear, and death.

The setting is the first shot displayed in the first two minutes. The environment is a typical horror movie setting (nighttime, empty house, isolated house, woods).

As the conversation progresses, the popcorn rises and is about to burst open. The popcorn signifies the intensity and tension in the atmosphere, not only between the characters but the audience as well.

High pitched violin strings are playing as soon as the caller hints to the blonde that they can see her. The violin strings signify suspense and alert the audience that an event of action will occur soon.

There is low-key lighting applied to the scene to create a dramatic and mysterious atmosphere.

Lastly, the close-up shots of the blonde create an emotional connection between the audience and the character. Also, the close-up emphasizes her facial expressions and actions. Therefore the audience grasps a better understanding of her current state of mind and feeling.