Opening Horror Research - The Conjuring

 Opening Horror Research – The Conjuring 

The Conjuring, The Devil Made Me Do It was directed by Michael Chaves by Warner Brothers in 2021. The sequel stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. 

 The opening sequence dropped us right into the action of the horror. It was suspenseful and gripped me immediately. The director didn’t tell us what was going on which left room for imagination and questioning, leaving the audience wanting to see more and find answers. The fact that the film is based on a true story also adds to the engagement because you fully believe all  

In the opening shot of the conjuring, we are shown an establishing shot of an old, wooden house in the darkness, indicating that it is night-time. The house is surrounded by fog with only a few inside lights on. This gives the connotation that this house is haunted. The camera slowly tracks forward towards the house, almost inviting the audience inside. These images are supported with a parallel non-diegetic soundtrack which adds to the suspense. Later in the opening sequence, the audience can tell the film is set in America in the 80’s due to the characters clothing, furniture and information titles.  

We can immediately tell the genre of the film is horror. We are shown a closeup tilting upwards shot of the floor that shows shards of glass, books, and a broken chandelier. The shot then fades to and from black where we are shown another close up of a big scratch on the corner of the wall. The use of depth of field forces the audience to look at the inhumanly mark. The director has put the audience right in the centre of the horror of the film. We can also tell this is a horror film due to the soundtrack which continues, but also the diegetic mumbling, whispering and ghostly noises. The title says, ‘On July 18, 1981, Ed and Lorrainne Warren were called to document the exorcism of David Glatzel.’ Another indication that this film about devils and outer worldly horror themes. The character positioning also shows this, the characters are sat in a circle with the lights off and candles scattered around the room.  

(Both have dark lighting, creating atmosphere)

We can tell the family in this film are quite close and happy due to the close up on their family photo where they are all smiling. The titles give the audience insight that the boy effected is only young, the text says, ‘He was only eight years old.’ This gives the connation that he innocent and in real danger. The close up of his face, showing his sweat and use of slow motion shows the pain he is in. We can identify who Ed and Lorrainne are as they are wearing crosses around their necks, and they are also leading the ritual.  

  

The rest of the story will could possibly be about how did they get to this point, or what is the course of this boys suffering. How they are going to help him. Maybe Ed and Lorraine are researching into what happened and if it is linked to any other cases around the world.  

 

This opening sequence was very engaging, the director didn’t tell us what happened or how the characters got to that point in the narrative. This left me wanting to know more which in my eyes is a remarkably successful opening sequence.