Textual Analysis 1

Textual Analysis 1

This is a textual analysis of 'Halloween (1978)', opening scene analysis:

The other day we watched the opening scene of 'Halloween (1978)', this was to allow that when we do our main task planning, we can take the conventions of a thriller that Halloween has and use them within our own opening scene. I will be looking at how the clip affects the audience, the use of media language techniques within the opening sequence and i will also relate the some of my own ideas that i have for the opening sequence. Therefore giving me and my group plenty of information about the thriller genre.

Firstly, the many techniques of mise-en-scene that are significant to the thriller genre, for example, there is alot of low key lighting throughout the sequence, until the point of view shot is framed with mask eyes, when then you see a shallow focus of the women in high key lighting. This creates a sense of danger for the audience as when the lighting is low key, the person who is holding the camera is perceived to be someone older than it actually is, as it is not what normally happens in thriller films. Moreover, when the lighting is made high key at the end of the opening scene, this suggests the women's innocence.

Moreover, the cinematography used in this clip is extremely effective to the audience, as the camera is always handheld, this portrays to the audience that there is always someone watching. This therefore includes various canted angles at different points, creating a sense of insecurity of the camera, maybe portray the unsure future. Also the handheld camera is always creating a point of view shot, and by adding the mask framing when the clown mask is put on, it creates a hidden identity for the boy who has put the mask on. This therefore creates a sense of mystery and tension to the audience as they don't know who it is, or neither does the girl in the high key lighted room, therefore linking to the genre thriller.

The director of the film Halloween, has also used a great amount of sound to create more thriller conventions within this opening scene. For example, at the beginning of the clip, there are diegetic sound of crickets, and the general stereotypical night time sounds. This creates a sinister atmosphere for the audience, and contrasting to what will happen further in the thriller film. As the film carries on, a soundtrack of non-diegetic strings enter, which is typical for the thriller genre, therefore creating a strong thriller film atmosphere, and putting the audience on the edge of their seats. Half way through the opening scene, a continuous piano playing is played as non-diegetic, therefore setting the pace for the thriller film, and making the audience aware that something is going to happen. Moreover, bells are chiming, also giving strong connotations of the church, also linking in with the thriller genre.