Title sequence analysis script

Firstly, we are shown group and long shots of 2 families which we can assume are the people who will be involved in the film. The pictures look very old which could tell us that it may be set in the past. In both shots, a white background is used to represent innocence of the family who will later experience negative events but to inform us that they are the protagonists of the film. The transition to the next shot uses a fade-in and fade-out effect which could symbolise a light, showing hope for the family. We are made aware that the director of the film is James Wan as his name is printed here in the centre of the frame as the point of focus in a thin white font to make everything seem vulnerable when in and around the house. This is used in contrast with the house in the background which is made to look imposing through the use of a low angle shot and low key lighting; a stereotypical setting of a horror film.

POV shots are then used as we look at old newspaper articles, some from an overhead projector as we can see here, which begin to concern the audience based upon the stories that they tell.  The grey colours could represent the lack of clarity in the film and the problems that need to be solved.  They could also have a ghostly or supernatural link which is a typical convention of a horror film. Grey is a compromise between black and white which highlights the difference between good and evil but it is also very quiet, subdued and reserved; similar to the setting of a horror film. Within these articles we are shown and informed of the actors and people who have helped to put the film together. Over the top of this is some very intimidating non diegetic sound from a trombone which is very high pitched and loud but at a rather slow tempo suggesting that the film will control the emotions of the audience, making them feel fearful with a lack of comfort, but always intrigued due to the spine chilling effect of it. Non diegetic sounds of what seems to be a rolling film and bells play alongside the pictures.

All transitions at this point have an effect of turning over pages. This is used to represent how the film is a whole story and that turning over each page will reveal a little more of what the audience need to know. The sequence then allows us to see some more of the characters using a group shot who we can assume play a large role in the film. Again, this black and white format is used to confirm to us that the film may well connect to past or previous events however the dimmer black colours coincide with the conventions of a horror film which revolve around darkness in order to intensify the mood of the audience. As the sequence cuts again we see 2 consecutive pictures of the family however on both photos different members seem to be missing. White lines then prevent us seeing the faces of some of the characters which convey the idea that they may disappear or perish at some point in the film and the audiences thoughts are continually provoked by these ideas. The white colour is used to inform the audience that they are innocent however some negative ideas about their fate are put forward in this shot.

Towards the end of the film here, the shots become much darker and the colour black is used a lot more in an attempt to cover up any events at the climax of the film. The lack of clarity intrigues the audience to find out what is going to happen. The next shot is a wide shot of a graveyard; a typical setting for events in a conventional horror film and this instantly portrays a sense of death or an idea of reincarnation. After this section, we can hear the non-diegetic sound of wind to possibly represent demonic or supernatural occurrences that may be evident in the film itself. The thoughts of the audience are again provoked at this point. The non-diegetic sound of bells then returns and we understand that maybe this repetition could convey a series of recurring problems. The sequence then becomes much more sinister with sounds of birds and unnerving looking pictures on the articles. The constant black and white theme gives the audience an idea about the good and the evil in the film as the final title picture reveals a little bit more to us regarding events within it.