conjuring 3 opening scene analysis

1. The Conjuring 3: Opening Sequence Analysis By Phoebe Little

2. Establishing Shot Introduces the setting of the film, telling the viewer where the action could possibly take place. Low key lighting- sets an eery tone for the film, conventional/ typical of the horror genre. The house is seen to the audience as old and creepy. This could foreshadow the house to be haunted, and for the house to be the centre of all the action. Fades out into another shot- furthers the gloomy, eery feel of the scene. The house could become a symbol of death. The music behind this is discordant and non-diegetic. This furthers the intended genre of the film (horror) and makes the viewers feel uneasy.

3. Track into exorcism Gradual track into the main action of the scene allows for sufficient tension to be built and lets the viewer know that what is happening is significant to the narrative. Low-key lighting- again, this is a common convention in the genre of horror. Creates an spooky, haunting atmosphere and allows the audience to wonder what is going on (ritualistic, séance-like, exorcism) Shallow Focus- The family photo is in focus, whereas the action happening behind is out of focus. This connotes that the photo is important to the plot. It also juxtaposes the frightening, tense ritual happening in the background. Superimposition- Information for the audience, educating and letting them know the backstory of the film. Especially useful if you haven’t watched the previous films (since this film is part of a series).

4. Close up shot of David Glatzel Close up shot of his face- emphasises his distress/anxiety. Shows the audience that David is the predominant focus of the scene and the narrative is currently revolving around him. The shallow focus in this scene highlights this. Superimposition (‘He was eight years old’)- points out to the audience how young this boy in, hence evoking sympathy from the viewer. David’s glasses- symbolism of his young age and his innocence, could connote him to be smart/geeky, evokes further sympathy from the audience due to his childish, innocent nature and the contrast of that to his situation.

5. Two shot of Ed and Lorraine Warren Two shot, featuring Ed and Lorraine in one frame, introduces the married couple to the audience and how close their relationship is. Low-key lighting- enhances the shadows (foreshadows spiritual, ghostly presence?), makes the atmosphere come across as dramatic and mysterious. Shallow focus- yet again, shallow focus on the couple has been used to draw focus and attention onto the couple, presents this conversation as significant to the narrative. ‘I just can’t remember one quite like this’- Ed’s reference to the seriousness of the situation. Increases tension in the scene and makes the viewer feel as if the plot is unpredictable.

6. Long shot of teenage boy tucking his younger brother into bed As well as making the boys’ surroundings clear to the viewer, this long two shot of the teenage boy tucking his younger brother into bed allows for the audience to recognise the close bond these brothers have. It allows the audience to see the older brother as loving and sympathetic. Long takes feature in this clip, lengthening the pace of the editing. This elongates the tenderness of the scene. This is an attempt of the director trying to highlight how close the two boys’ bond is. ‘I was a little runt when I was growing up so I know what it’s like to be picked on’- tells the audience some backstory to the two brothers childhoods. Strengthens the bond between them. Frequent over the shoulder shots of the younger brother- portrays perspective of older brother.

7. Long shot of priest in front of house This long shot shows the audience the extent of this priest’s isolation and how frightened/scared/anxious he is about the forthcoming situation. Non-diegetic sound- a high pitched, tremolo strings note fades in, connoting a scared reaction (of the priest) towards the house. Connotations of ghosts. Deep focus- lets audience see the whole frame in detail. Perhaps this is to evoke anxiety from the viewer towards the shot, making them wonder what will happen next in this house?

8. Long shot of David, running away from something unknown to viewer Long shot of David- allows for audience to recognise David’s isolation and loneliness (evoking sympathy and sadness towards the character). It also increases tension, as it forces the audience to take in his surroundings and look for whatever David believes is chasing him. Low key lighting- used to create shadows around the room. A ghostly image is created through many shadows and the silhouette of David created as a result. Hand held shot- There is a hand held shot as David runs into this room, shutting the door behind him. Creates a dramatic, frantic atmosphere. Lack of sound- All we here as David runs into the room is his faint footsteps. This highlights how small he is compared to the severity of his situation/ his emotions, again making the audience feel even more sorrow for him.

9. Medium shot of David, getting covered in blood A slight high angle is shown here, to portray David’s weakness and inability to fight the demons. Mix of non diegetic and diegetic sound- David’s screaming is predominantly heard in this section of the clip, highlighting just how terrified he is. The non diegetic, tense and fast tempo music over the top dramatizes the scene and makes it appear more frantic and horrific. Blood- the colour red connotes hell, death and the devil (perhaps foreshadowing possible causes to David’s situation). The blood makes the audience feel uneasy.