The opening sequence of 'The Sixth Sense' is grabbing and creates a large amount of tension. The first shots include the white-font, serif titles against a plain black background. The white and black contrast with one another and connote the idea of light and darkness which could suggest a theme within the story. The use of a serif font results in a more serious audience response and could imply that the story is going to be serious and have an important meaning. The titles fade out into the black background which could suggest fading into the darkness or 'the unknown'. The fact that they slowly fade out could also indicates a ghostly and creepy atmosphere which then creates an idea of the story.
During the opening sequence a creepy, high-pitched non-digetic soundtrack is played which creates a tense atmosphere for the audience. Also, it makes the audience feel uneasy and on edge which slowly lures them into watching the rest of the film. The violin strings increase in pitch and volume and result in an uncomfortable and disturbing climax when the title of 'THE SIXTH SENSE' appears on screen, the sudden change in pitch and volume makes the audience shocked but fascinated to watch on.
The first non-titled shot is an extreme close up of a light bulb, however at the beginning of the shot the light bulb is just switching on therefore is not visible or recognizable, which instantly makes the audience wonder what it is and therefore engages them. The light bulb slowly switching on reinforces the idea of the contrast between darkness and light. During this shot, we can hear the hyperbole, digetic sound of the light bulb switching on which exaggerates the quiet atmosphere and setting which creates a mysterious effect on the audience. In addition, we can hear the ambient, digetic sound of the wind which reinforces the idea of 'ghosts' and creates a creepy atmosphere. At the end of the shot, once the light bulb is fully lit, we hear the digetic sound of the door opening which startles the audience.
The next shot is a long shot of a female character as she comes down the stairs. Only her feet are shown and therefore the director has only revealed certain information which makes the audience ask questions. The setting is dark, dirty and looks like a basement, the fact that it is dirty suggests it is not used a lot. As she walks down the stairs, we hear the digetic sound of high heels which portrays an image of a smart and elegant woman. The fact that she is wearing heels down to a basement makes the audience question why and is she going anywhere else?
In the foreground of this shot is the wine shelf, the camera has been placed behind it which suggests she is being watched which creates a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere. When the female character is finally revealed we acknowledge she is wearing a smart dress and her hair is done nicely which suggests she is going out. As she decides which wine bottle to use the camera pans down and follows her which reinforces the idea that someone is watching. The bottle she picks up is covered in dust which indicates that the basement is a deserted setting. Low-key lighting is used to cast shadows and creates the idea that someone is hiding in the shadows? The female characters facial expressions suddenly change to as if she has heard something, the camera then tracks onto her face and into a close up to intensify her mood and emotions at this moment in time.
We then hear an un-identifiable sound which suggests someone is in the basement with her and the shot cuts to a long, wide shot of the female character looking towards the stairs. The use of a long shot portrays her surroundings and body language. This shot shows that she has now got her back to the wine shelf, where we believe someone or something is hiding, and therefore she is now vulnerable. The use of low-key lighting highlights her shadow on the wall which creates a scary atmosphere.
The next shot is a long shot from behind the staircase, the fact it is behind the staircase reinforces the idea of someone or something hiding and watching her. The female character shivers which shows that the basement is cold and could also suggest that a 'ghost' has gone through her as many people believe a shiver is a result of a ghost entering your body, this adds to the uncomfortable and creepy atmosphere. We hear the digetic sound of her high heels as she runs quickly up the stairs. The fact that she runs quickly highlights that she is scared and wants to get out of there. Slow paced editing is used throughout this clip because if the the editing was fast paced it would prevent the idea of someone watching. However, the editing increases in speed once shes heard something which could symbolise her emotions.
No comments:
Post a Comment