Textual Analysis on insidious film opening

Insidious (2010)

Insidious is a horror film from the makers of Paranormal Activity and Saw. In this film the parents take drastic measures when it seems their new home is haunted and their comatose son is possessed by a malevolent entity.
release date: April 29, 2011 

Director: James Wan

bbfc rating: 15

Mise- en- Scene

Although in the opening to Insidious you don't see any people other than ghostly figures and shadows, when you do see the women up close holding the candle she is wearing dark clothing and looks as if her outfit consists of a dark veil and old fashioned clothing. This suggests that she is evil and a bad character in the movie. Throughout the opening the lighting is very dark making it difficult to see what is happening keeping the viewer on the edge of their seats due to it being unclear because you're unable to see. Also, there are only certain parts of he room shown clearly with the rest of the shots black, this shows the importance of the parts shown. When you see the women's face up close she is quite wrinkly and pale showing she is old, as well as making her look more scary and strange. Throughout the opening scene the large clock is shown frequently, this could suggest that it has a significant part in the rest of the movie. 

Editing
Every shot in the opening sequence fades out one shot and into another meaning it is on going also making it look mysterious. The majority of the opening is in black and white which suggests unease. Also, the large amount of the colour black has connotations of evil, and when theirs footage of the child laid in bed there is colour in his room, e.g. on his bed sheets and items around the rooms such as the larva lamp, this suggests that there's a clash of good and evil throughout the movie.


Sound
One way to keep the audience on the edge on their seats is via sound, when the camera approaches the ghostly face there is silence. When the camera gets to the face there is high pitch music used, this will make the viewer jump and is an alternative way instead of making the ghostly figure jump out.

Camera
In the opening the first camera shot used is an establishing shot, this sets the scene for the viewer and shows them where they are. Also the Dutch on the clock gives off a sense of confusion.