Cabin in the woods Analysis

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1. By instantly introducing the theme of horror through the seeping red blood containing images of what looks to be a sacrifice, it alert the audience and informs them on the key themes of the film. The contrast between the black and red, draws attention to the gruesome, violent connotations of the blood and the violent nature of the image reflected in the pool of blood. The addition of the yellowy ting to the blood, refers to the idea of something out of the ordinary, by playing around with colour it confuses and creeps the audience out as they become alert that something is not quite right. 2. In this shot the typical bold, red block text we expect to see from a horror film insists the genre horror, bringing to mind preconceived ideas of what will happen in the film, confusing the audience later when the stereo type is broken. Again images relating to death and sacrifice are present in the blood. The faintness of the black outlines of the image, which in this case looks like the grim reaper leaves the audience hanging and a sense of ambiguity is created. The inclusion of grim reaper foreshadows numerous deaths with the film. 3. This is where the opening sequences starts to mess with the audience and the genre of the film. A comical effect is created in this shot by cutting to a medium close up of a vending machine selling coffee. Everything about this shot contrast to the previous ones that showed gore and horror. The bright colours lift the tone and mood of the opening, and the phrase enjoy a cup of fresh coffee contradicts the previous depressing tone, creating a confusing atmosphere persuading the audience into a sense of security. 4. A wide shot of what looks to be a scientific centre is presented to us in this shot. The mise en scene helps to indicate to the audience the nature of the scene. Including modern design, white cleanliness, multiple rooms and people in lab coats, the viewer makes consumptions and connections to a place of research. The cleanliness of the environment is not something we would expect from a horror but more of a sci-fi film. Playing with stereotypical genres is innovative and is a different approach in the creation of a film, at the same time it captivates the audience producing a different viewing experience.

5. The medium close up, 3 shot displays possible some of the main characters within the film. Usually if we are introduced to a character in the opening sequence they are a key character throughout the film. The two male characters in the foreground of the shot hold an era of importance, due to the white pressed shirt and ties. Meanwhile the female in the background is made out to be inferior in her lab coat, physically smaller physic and she is pushed into the background within the shot. 6. When the title appears, in capital block letter filling the screen, it causing a fake scare amongst the audience. The appearance of the title is so unexpected as it flashes straight on in the middle of the action screen, being so bold and shocking paired with the loud slasher style music it creates an immediate reaction. This hints what the audience can expect to see in the film, and relates it back to the genre horror/thriller as the previous shots have lured us into a fake sense of security. The colour red makes a reappearance in the title reminding the audience of the previous gory shots of blood. 7. A typical suburban American neighbourhood is depicted in this wide shot. Panning across the happy, typical American family street again playing with the moods within the opening sequence we are shown a teenage boy on his skate board, a young couple walking along the pavement with reasonable wealthy houses on a pleasant, tidy street. The weather is bright which leads us to believe it is spring/summer time. The boy skateboarding in the middle of road could be significant to ideas of violence/death we have been presented with in previous shots. 8. In this medium close up, we see a stereotypical blonde student, in a typical girls dorm. The wardrobe full of clothes, beaded curtains, flower clothes hooks and the purple walls associate the typical girly girl to this character. Early introduction within the film highlights that she is a main character and the flirty; smirk of a smile suggests that she is a confident, forward person. The extremely frilly, girly dress back up the idea of it being spring/summer time and confirms the labelled stereotype. 9. Through experimentation with many different shot angles and shot types, it entices the audience and keeps them interested. The medium 3 shot of the boy and two girls, presents the main characters. The low angle of the shot and the fact that it is taken from outside the window ,puts the audience in the position of an observer ,distancing them from the action it manages to involve them more, but as an outsider. Breaking the mould of a typical horror/thriller film has been achieved in this opening sequence and updating it to the 21st century. Subtly themes are introduced, but not made overly obtrusive as to scare the audience of before it starts. We are shown 3 different themes and aspect within the opening allowing connections between the 3 to be made, creating a clear understanding as to what is going on. The hard hitting, surprising appearance of the title is an aspect in the opening shots that worked well as a scare factor, its so obtrusive and you dont expect it, backed up by the music

the whole effect grabs the audiences attention and keeps them on the edge of there seats.