The film Pulse is a horror movie; I know this because of the number of codes and conventions in the films opening sequence.
This film’s opening sequence has opening credits to let the audience know different information on the film and a rough idea on what the film will be about.
During the opening credits you can see several clips of the film including quick shots of computer keyboards and chat rooms, this gives us an idea that the film will be a horror, where the internet and chat rooms will play a big part.
Conventions
- Dark Backgrounds is a convention of horror; it makes the whole experience of watching the movie scary, eerie and mysterious.
- Non-diagetic music is a convention of horror; this also makes the whole experience of watching the movie scary, eerie and mysterious.
- The title of the movie appears during the opening sequence.
- A quick image of the killer/murderer/monster appears near the end of the opening sequence which makes the audience scared just before the film begins, it builds up the tension in the audience.
- Dim/dark atmosphere is a convention of horror, I would expect to see the room or scene dark and not light up as this will not make the experience scary.
- Quick flashing images of the titty, also builds up the tension, the audience get a glimpse on what the creature looks like and make up the rest, this makes the viewer of the movie feel like they are involved in the movie.
- First person - like you are in the room, makes the audience feel they are in the movie, builds up the tension and 'scariness' of the movie.
- Build up of music the turns out it is only another character, a common diesease of horror is a build up of music, this keeps the viewer on the each of their seat and interested.
- Flashing men adds to the dim/dark atmosphere also adds to the tension building, the flashing men also make it difficult to see what is happening which adds to the suspense and thrill of watching a horror movie.
Codes
- Black and dark makes it seem the film will involve murder and death; it makes the whole experience of watching the film scary.
- Black and white writing which flashes red - shows death and creates suspense while watching the film, the audience has the feeling 'What's going to happen next'.
- Credits and titles have a static effect, no music playing, the static effect goes with the idea of chat rooms and the internet, also makes the movie feel scary before the movie has properly started.
- Shows the main character at a close up/mid close up shot, makes you know exactly who the main character is.
- A quick image of the monster/creature appears briefly on the window screen and again in the library. Builds up the tension and the idea that the audience have to use their imagination on how the creature looks.
- Character jumps back and hits bookcase, music starts over. Music plays a big part in horror movies, it adds to the tension.
- Monster grabs the character, climax of the opening sequence, what you would have thought would have happened.
- Cuts to a completely different/irrelevant scene of a party, most likely set earlier, before the library scene. I like this effect because you know what is going to happen before the character does, it gives the audience a feel of control, and also something to look forward to, I believe if the film started with this scene less people will be interested.
- Monster - White and scarred skin, no hair, dark eyes and wide open mouth
After analysing this opening sequence it has given me good ideas on what I can include in our opening sequence if we chose to do a horror movie.
08/02/2010
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