film opening research #2- the stepfather

                              The stepfather film opening




How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences of the film?

in the opening sequences of the film, there are two titles displayed. What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?


In the opening sequence, the outside of the house is prioritized. we can first see the hours in a low-angle wide shot in which the camera slowly starts to zoom in. then, the scene quickly cuts to the main character "Michael" with eerie music in the background.


What connotations do the images carry?


The image of the house from the outside with music playing in the background signifies that something is occurring or occurred in the house. and the cut transition to Michael and eerie music playing In the background shows that he might have a significant relation to what could have possibly occurred. in which we then see his entire family in the living room slaughtered.

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?


The mystery of the film is enforced both through symbolic and technical code from the outset. the setting, Michaels's acting, the non-diegetic/post synchronizing dub music in the background, the camera action such as the zooming in, the pan shots, and the close-up shots. not to mention the effects such as blood and so forth, all enforce the mystery within the film

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?


n/a


What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?


In the opening sequence, we can see a house in the suburbs on Christmas day and inside the house a horrific crime which Michael (the father) committed against his own family. this appeals to the audience that finds interest within crime and mystery films.

How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques.


in the opening scene, we can view several instances where technology has been used effectively. we can view a wide-shot low angle shot, cut transitions were used, close-up and follow shots were used, as well as the use of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds