Halloween is an independent horror/thriller that was
released in 1978 and directed by John Carpenter. We meet Michael Myers who is a
troubled boy and murders his sister in the opening scene, which was conducted
in one continuous shot. The credits last for approximately 2 minutes and then
we move onto the 4-5 minute camera shot alongside a point of view shot from
Michael where he brutally stabs his sister. The opening also includes a
medium-long shot of Michael to establish what the character looks like, which
then ends.
Before any
footage, we see a two-minute induction sequence of title credits. The only Mise
En Scene would be the pumpkin, as slowly throughout the sequence we zoom into
the face of the pumpkin, which in accordance with the title provides information
to the spectators what the movie is about. The font title is orange symbolising
the pumpkin once again and the idea of Halloween. But what’s intriguing is once
again the appearance of orange, gradually fades into red connoting, blood,
violence, envy and inevitably death, this is simple but yet purposeful which
presents the true meaning of the movie. Not exactly how we interpret the
occasion of Halloween. So without seeing any footage of the film, the audience
already begin to raise questions, which is a great use of enigma codes, which
is what the movie, intends to do.
Music is an
important factor to consider, as the first minute we are greeted by absolute
silence, building tension and preparing the audience for a fright, which is
stereotypical of a horror flick. As assumed a high-pitched non-diegetic sound
then shocks onlookers without any action. In a way the film is messing with its
viewers, as there is yet to be any gore or death, but with sharp sound effects
we are on the edge of our seats. Although the music was repetitive, once it
started there was there were no pauses, the only alteration during the build-up
would be the pace and pitch of the music, also with constant outbursts of high
pitched sound effects, ensuring the audience is fully engaged. When approaching
his sister, with every step Michael takes the chord goes a note lower, maybe
not a penultimate climax, but meaningful as these low monotonous chords
symbolise death. Something very rare in horror is a long continuous shot, even
after the murder has taken place. Although the main act has now ended, the
audience are still in fear as the music does not allow you to rest.
During the
course of the opening scene we establish Michael being as the antagonist, and
his sister as the victim and a short introduction of his parents near to the
end. Despite tracking Michael for the whole opening, not much is given away in
terms of characterisation; therefore we are left to interpret our own thoughts
on him. For those who don’t acquire the basic background knowledge of the film,
simple clues such as Michael being a young character and the shock of him
carrying a knife makes the scene even more horrifying. This raises enigma codes
and as the most popular conventions is to use children, as this is far more
distressing.
The sister
is obviously not the main character, but may foreshadow the type of targets he
may go for in the future. A technique which involves the audience is they
attach themselves to certain characters, sharing sympathy, due to their
imminent death. In addition during the stabbing of his sister, the action is
focused on her. Alongside the excruciating diegetic sounds adding up to make a
very traumatic experience for the audience.
To
encounter Michael, and see him in flesh creates a substantial amount of
confusion for audiences, as they identify an innocent and vulnerable looking
boy, after seeing such disturbing events, committed by him, spectators attempt
to clear off any emotive feelings, which is quite an odd experience.
The
cinematography implies the shots are limited, as overall there are two
accountable shots. The point of view shot with the track camera movement which
has very special effect on the scene, as they could have gone with a generic
approach and made it more mysterious, however the same atmosphere would not
have been created and the overall opening would not have been effective.
The
movement is almost identical to what is said above. Nonetheless to expand on
this point there could have been an opportunity for a pan of Michael while
obscuring the face. However they keep it consistent to the tracking movement
which pays off, as you don’t get to spend that long with the antagonist in
other horrors, therefore this gives the audience a new thrill.
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