Function and Effectiveness of the film: Conjuring

By Elisa Dubignon

Function (Purpose):The function of the horror film: Conjuring,

creates suspense and tension at the start of the film. This is used to attract the viewer’s attention and wonder more about the mystery that lies ahead.

Effectiveness : The director used many build ups to lead to a mystery. This engages the audience wanting to know more about the objects and creatures that haunt the house in Conjuring.

Analysis on the opening scene The opening scene of Conjuring begins with a black

screen with people talking in the background (non-diegetic) , this is used to prepare the audience for the horrifying image they will see known as the build up of suspense.

Suddenly, the doll: Annabelle, is shown in an Extreme Close Up shot. The viewers know that the doll is evil immediately from the scarred eye and the face that is smoky grey. The audience becomes more engaged and want to know more about the doll so the camera slowly zooms out to show the whole image of the doll’s face.

Analysis on the opening scene

Then, there is a shot of the people who had the doll. From this shot, the mise en scene is dark, mostly black and with a tint of pale white. The pale white illuminates their faces and creates a ghostly look and goes well with their frightened faces. The cinematography lighting also connects with the dark atmosphere of the film.

Analysis on the opening scene In this shot, the audience see a note

written in red. This connotes blood and murder ,which creates mystery in this scene. The audience engages more and want to know who wrote it. Also, the camera shot is taken over the shoulder to make the audience connect with the characters. This is an effective way to make the film terrifying and grab the viewer’s attention.

The far shot shows the doll in the distance. It is striking because clearly the audience can see who wrote it. Also, it creates tense atmosphere because soon the characters need to see what the doll has done to their apartment.

Analysis on the opening scene

This shot captures the dark theme of the film. There is a contrast of light between the two darkened ladies and the doll. The black silhouettes foreshadow death and that the doll -which symbolises evil , is hard to get rid of. This is effective because it hints the story of the film.

Analysis on the opening sceneThen, the ladies explore the vandalised and

damaged apartment. The audience can already see vandalism in the room. The red here connotes danger and possibly a warning which reveals why the lady has shocked face.

The two bottom photos show the destruction of the house and reveals how the doll is sinister through her actions.