Conventions in Holloween opening- Mrs Georgiou

A opening sequence before/during the films opening credits is generally used to set the scene for the film. Particularly in the context of the thriller genre a opening is usually used to introduce the murder and sparks the enigma that will follow as the viewers begin to guess as to who the killer is. This convention is used within the opening of the film Halloween which i will be analysing today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELF1DCf1ChA

The female victim stabbed during the opening is a common convention of the thriller genre.Their femininity, beauty and blonde hair suggests venerability.  Her being naked also suggests that she is defenceless to the attack, furthering my initial interpretation about her vulnerability during the scene. The theme of vulnerability is why they are used again and again as easy targets for murderers throughout the genre as the audience feel even more scared of the antagonist as they are killing a symbol of western vulnerability.

Low key lighting is another convention of the thriller genre that Halloween has invoked in their classic opening scene. The darkness (low key lighting) that shrouds, what appears to be the boy, moving through the house, creates a sense of fear, mystery and suspense. Helping to create more tension as we don't know or who the murderer will kill. Low key lighting is relatable to the thriller genre as it protects the killers identity from the viewers so as the thriller continues the viewers and expected to keep guessing who the killer is. This unpredictability helps build relationships and emotions towards all different characters during the film.

The point of view camera shot used throughout the opening scene hides the killers identity as well increasing the tension  that the film inflicts on the audience as the viewers are able to see the killers journey through the house from his point of view, this makes the film feel more realistic and insights more fear as the viewers become increasingly aware that anyone is capable of murder. This particular camera shot is relatable to the thriller genre as it creates tension through seeing the murder through the killers eyes ad tension is what thrillers always look to achieve in the filming.

The Non diagetic music throughout increases tension as its jumpy pace invokes a jumpy atmosphere and the audience are ready for the killer to kill his victim.This is relatable to the thriller genre as it makes  the audience feel on edge.