Opening Sequence Analysis:

Drag Me To Hell By Rebecca, Tyler and Marissa

Drag Me to Hell (2009) dir. Sam Raimi - Horror

Genre Conventions

• Within the opening sequence of this film many conventional aspects of a horror movie are used. At the very start of the extract an establishing shot shows a huge gothic style building, with all the colours in the scene being dull and muted. Also the weather is seen to be cloudy and dark, adding pathetic fallacy to the scene. All these together sets the idea that it will be a dark movie right from the first shot.

• As the scene progresses a distressed woman goes to the door and starts calling for someone, fear can be heard in her voice. This gives the idea there is something to be scared of and they are seeking help. When she begins explaining what is wrong she talks about “hearing voices.” This paranormal element is conventional of a horror and can set up the mysterious scary element to them. Through out the conversation with the woman the fear on her face grows. Even though as an audience we aren’t aware of what it is, it builds the tension by not revealing it straight away, also something conventional of a horror movie. Within this extract the idea of a cursed object is displayed and this is something very conventional of a horror movie. The idea of a curse in itself adds to this idea of a mystical element.

CGI and post production

• Within this opening sequence there is a lot of CGI and other post production added in. This gives the impression that there are demons and creates a more mythical element that the audience can see, so feels more of the tension from it. The use of fire connotes hell, which would be conventional iconography of a horror genre. Other post production in this includes the shadow reaching up to the woman’s face, this could show that Jaun is reaching to her for help and she will be the one to avenge him.

Sound

• Within the opening sequence, many different sounds are used to create mystery and to reinforce the idea of horror. At the beginning the family are talking in a foreign language, presumably Mexican, already adding an air of mystery to the scene. This would be considered stereotypical as there are many superstitions in many foreign cultures, including cursed items. The dialogue from the woman talking to the family seems panicked and scared, making the audience sense that something is wrong. Finally as Jaun is being taken by demons there is a lot of screaming and extra sounds edited in to represent the demons. All of this is conventional of the horror.