The Conjuring Opening Sequence Textual Analysis

Introduction • The conjuring is a horror film about two paranormal

investigators who are investigating a series of hauntings reported by a family. It is set of a farmhouse in 1971. The film is based on a true story and in an interview the family members said that they ‘did not flinch as everything they saw on screen they had experienced’. The film uses most horror conventions such as low key lighting, eerie music and the colour red. The producer, Walter Hamanda, said the director, James Wan, wanted to stick to the story as closely as possible as it is a ‘truly frightening story’.

Mise en Scene• The use of costume in the opening sequence

suggests the film was set in the 1970s. The furniture and decorating of the house also connotes this time period.

The scene, typical of the genre, uses low key lighting to connote something there is a darkness present. This could also connote something is lurking in the shadows, building tension in the audience.

The use of positioning is also key in this element as during the interview the doll is beside the characters. This connotes a sense of belonging. This juxtaposition is used to confuse the audience as try to get rid of the doll.

Iconography• The main use of iconography is the doll. However,

smashed photographs, notes, a red crayon and writing on the wall is also used to give the audience a sense the narrative. The colour red is used as it indicates danger and fear to the audience, stereotypical of a horror film.

Sound

• The first few seconds of the scene use a voice over (a black screen is shown). A non-diagetic piece of music starts to play when the doll is shown. The piece is a slow, high pitched song played quietly. As parts of the smashed room are shown, loud clash chords are played to scare the audience. This is typical of a horror film. Towards the end of the scene the music crescendos before cutting out completely. This is to build tension.

Camerawork and Editing• The scene uses continuity editing, however a flashback is

used to illustrate what the characters are describing. There is a black screen for the first few seconds and the footage comes onscreen in time with a sound effect of paper rattling.

• The first shot we see is a an extreme close up that slowly zooms out from the dolls face.

• A high angle shot is also used to show the doll from the protagonist’s perspective. This counter stereotype is also used to confuse the audience.

Continued…• A shot-reverse-shot is also used to show the characters

walking towards the doll. This reminds the audience that they are not safe as the doll is always there.

• Close ups are used to draw attention to things the doll has broken, such as furniture and photographs. This connoted the doll is a danger to them physically as well as mentally.