I chose to look at 'The WolfMan' as it uses very iconic symbols of horror. The theme for this clip is werewolves and they stick to this by using lots of iconic imagery such as a full moon, folklore and the werewolf itself.
This opening uses a common setting for horror films, the woods as well as it being at night. From previous experience with horror films, the audience can sense that something bad is going to happen.
The use of sounds in this clip is very good, especially the diegetic sound.There is a strong sense that the man is not alone in the woods, not only through the man's actual lines but through the noises of animals and other creatures that are hidden away. The use of the creaky lamp is effective as it gives the sense of danger and age, as if something is wrong with it. The sound of the crunching leaves is also very prominent.
In this opening sequence there is a good use of an anticlimax as the man looks around the woods. He first becomes scared by the noise of a branch snapping, thinking everything is fine the man turns around only to come face to face with the werewolf. This is our first encounter with the archetypal villain. The werewolf then claws the man twice causing him to run through the woods in fear.
I think this clip is a good example of a stereotypical horror film. As this is the case I don't think it would be appropriate to use this style for our piece as it is a little too predictable, but using something like the anticlimax may be good. What do you think?
Yes I agree, we need to come up with a unique concept based on conventions of triller and horror genres. I like the framing of the shot in the picture how the werewolf is present in the establishing shot of the tomb. Also the use of selective focus to exaggorate the iconography of the sharp claws and dark sillouete. For our film opening I think we should end on a clifhanger, by building up climax throughout the two minutes then leaving the narrative unanswered to question the audience and create an eery yet thrilled response.
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