Analysis of Opening Sequence

The extract of Carrie presents a wide range of generic conventions of a horror film to
the audience. The opening scene is established using a wide shot of a house, this is
accompanied by ambient sound of dogs barking and birds chirping; thus creating the
verisimilitude of a suburban lifestyle. As well as this, a non-diegetic sound is played
softly in the background of ear ringing; it starts diminuendo and gradually becomes
more forte as the sequence develops.
An ear piercing scream is heard as the screen cuts to the distributors titles. The scream
sounds like a cry for help as although the source of the source of the sound is unknown,
its loud enough to be heard outside the boundaries of the house. The titles are in red on
a black background, this makes them easy to read, as the font used is simple also. The
colour red connotes danger and bloodshed, and black connotes death as well as mass
panic; conforming to the generic conventions of a horror film. They also last four
seconds allocating enough time for the audience to read them. Although slow paced
editing has been used in this scene; things such as the screaming can be seen as a
premonition of an untold story.
When the camera cuts back to the original scene, a jump cut has been used as it cuts to
the front door showing a continuation in time. The screaming heard prior to this is
continued as the camera slowly zooms in to the glass window on the door. As it is only
covered with a sheer curtain this makes it easier to see inside. Match on action is used
to continue this sequence. As the camera moves along a predetermined path through
the lower house. A pan is used going towards its right side facing the table. It shows a
medium shot of a sewing machine and mannequins; this establishes to the audience
that a woman loves there as showing is portrayed as a feminine activity.
As the camera moves deeper into the house the source of the piercing screams draws
closer; this is evident as it becomes more forte. Diegetic dialogue is used to introduce
the unidentified woman, The tone of her voice as she screams help me, suggests that
she is in an immediate danger. The camera slowly travels up the stais and a close up of
the Bible is used as it was faced down covered in an unspecified liquid. This builds
suspense towards the scene as the pace increases in speed and the whereabouts of
the noise is soon to be unveiled.

A wide shot is used to show a bedroom with a woman lying in her own blood writhing in
pain. The dress she is wearing is white which connotes life and new beginnings.
Although it is baggy, her stomach is protruding out making the audience aware she is
going through labour. She appears to be speaking to herself and praying as she
believes she is going to die. Protect me, guide me in my hour of death. This presents
to the audience that she has lost hope as she has lost a lot of blood increasing the
chances of her dying following the birth of her unborn child.