My film opening has many qualities that are similar to ones in the same genre, for example the lighting, props, setting and suspense.

Lighting – The Trap (ours) Lighting – Shutter Island

Props – The Trap Props – Scream

I feel that the lighting in this scene makes the whole film feel like a horror movie.

The use of the phone builds suspense as you do not hear the conversation, however the way the girl reacts shows that it has something to do with the storyline that they may find out later on in the movie Evaluation

Setting – The Trap Setting – Blair witch project (woods)

Suspense – The Trap Suspense - Scream

I feel that the setting we used is really good for a horror movie as it feels as if it is in the woods.

The use of this over the shoulder shot builds suspense because you do not see the characters face, only his point of view,.

This is a point of view shot, however has the same effect.

Evaluation

In films that I researched, the key aspect within the first two minutes were to introduce one or two characters, I feel that this is a good number to open with so the audience can relate to them in depth rather than a lot of characters which can be overwhelming and will not be able to understand their character fully.

Another key aspect was to build suspense and not give a lot away in the beginning; this was hard to not make it look as if we were producing a trailer. The way in which we built suspense was the dramatic non-diegetic music throughout alongside the dark lighting, slower duration effect and camera angles. The camera angles and shots used such as the over the shoulder shot of the boy, establishing shot of the setting and close up of the girls feet are all different in the feeling they give at the time, however all build the suspense, tension and fear; the qualities of a horror film.

Over the shoulder shot Establishing shot

Close up

Evaluation

Differences The differences in our film opening from others are that ours use a lot of repetitive shot types to create the sense of fear in the girl, I feel that we have done this well because by repeating similar shot types; such as the over the shoulder shot of the boy, it builds suspense as in every shot he has moved forwards slightly; this is a slight change but will be very effective. Plus by repeating similar styles of shots on the girl it is easier for the audience to follow what is going on. They will also be able to relate to her character more and the way she is feeling due to having slow shots as she has more time on screen to show emotion.

Another way in which I feel our film opening is unique from others is the slow effect put on quite a few of the clips and also the change over of the scenes. I feel that this is more effective because it lets the audience follow easily. Plus, in conventional horror films when the music gets tense, has dark lighting and feels slow there is usually a shock coming, we made it feel like if we filmed the next part of the film this is what would happen and the audience would want to watch more.

Evaluation