Full Textual Analysis of a Film Opening

The scene opens with non-diegetic music, somewhat resembling that of an old fashioned music box. Music like this is typical of horror films, so viewers who are accustomed to the genre will already feel tense and anxious about what is to come. The music intensifies throughout the opening, creating a sort of countdown to a main, horrific event. There is no dialogue in this opening scene, making it feel more cinematographic. 

The first few shots show three young girls playing together with their toys. All three girls are dressed in pastel coloured dresses, connoting innocence, femininity and purity. The style of the dresses and the toys they are playing with are representative of the Edwardian era in which the movie is set. Close ups are used here to draw attention to these details.

A long shot is used as all three girls simultaneously look up, creating the impression that there is something/somebody in the distance. The girls are transfixed by this entity and begin acting in a trance-like state. They hold eye contact for quite a while, making the scene feel intense. The girls' eyes then divert to the other side of the room and an eye line shot is used to show what they are looking at: three full length windows. Without looking away, all three girls stand up at the same time, further suggesting the idea of hypnosis. A close up is used of one of the girls dropping a china tea cup, followed by match on action as it smashes on the floor. The girls begin walking over to the window, ignoring and breaking the china dolls and tea sets that lie on the floor before them. Their obliviousness strengthens the idea of some sort of possession. Synchronous sounds are used here to emphasise the breakages, suggesting to the audience that something is not quite right.

The camera is placed in front of the three girls in the next shot as they walk towards the windows. This highlights their determination as the girls continue staring behind the camera. Omniscient narration is used as the audience begin to realise what may be about to happen, allowing them to sympathise with the girls as it is clear they are not in control of their fate. The audience's thoughts are realised as the girls climb into the window frame and synchronously jump to their deaths. This highlights the intensity of the effect the supernatural entity has on others. This shot was centre of the frame which draws attention to it and marks it as important for the progression of the plot.

The last shot of the opening pans backwards from the window to reveal a mysterious, veiled character in the right of the frame, fixated on the now empty windows. She is dressed all in black, connoting evil and power. The audience do not get to see much of her, keeping the air of mystery surrounding her. Her outfit somewhat resembles what one would wear to a funeral, which is appropriate when considering the events that just unfolded.