Halloween

The opening to Halloween (Made in 1978 by John Carpenter) displays many conventions of the horror genre, this is shown through the use of mise-en-scene, edits, camera angles and sound.

The shot fades in as a P.O.V. showing a large white house surrounded in darkness and shadows cast by the trees. A lantern is placed in the downstairs window implying that it is Halloween. A steadicam is used to show the characters steady descent upon the house, implying that he is calm and knows what he is doing. The only sound heard is crickets and an owl hooting which creates a calm atmosphere, that seems to peaceful for a horror movie.

As the camera pans around the house the pumpkin lantern comes into view followed by voices of two characters from within. This suggests that they are going to be the victims, a typical conventions is the romance between the two teenagers and their unawareness of the stalker that is outside. In the foreground is a translucent net curtain through which the stalker is watching them. Surrounding the victims is more darkness which would suggest danger. Inside the house is a typical living room which creates realism in the shot which makes the opening more believable.

After the teenagers leave the shot the camera moves right then left, possibly searching for an entrance, he then moves around the front of the house, the camera pans up to the second floor of the house. The light turns off, showing the teenager's whereabouts. Music plays to indicate a threat and the interest of the stalker.

The camera starts to move at a faster pace round the building, showing the character's process of entering the house and his urgency to get inside. Everything is dark at the back of the house which builds up more tension. The ringing continues which suggests a threat that is about to follow. After the character enters the house, a piano is added playing a chilling repetitive beat. The pace slows down to indicate that the character is creeping through the house. After the light

turns on a hand appears that reaches for a drawer and takes out a long sharp knife which is held at a stabbing angle. The emphasis on the knife is created by the slow pace he pulls it out of the drawer. Still in a minor key the music becomes more surreal, the camera matches this with a Steadicam which creates an eerie atmosphere.