Horror - 'Carrie' 2013

Horror - 'Carrie' 2013

 

Today, I'll be elaborating upon the opening title sequence of Carrie. Directed by Kimberly Peirce, featuring Chloe Grace Moretz, Julianne Moore and Judy Greer. Established in 2013 and made by the production company, 'Red Bank Films'. 

How are the audience engaged? 

The audience are immediately engaged via the ambient sound featuring dogs barking and birds chirping. You then hear the deafening scream as the hand-held camera follows the noise into the house. You then hear the deafening diegetic scream that captures audiences attention substantially, engaging them further within the aspects of narrative. The low-lighting sets an ample sinister tone that encapsulates audiences, helping to conform to the genre of the film. 

The use of prop candles to evoke and accentuate this sinister atmosphere helps engage the audience with anticipation when referring to the narrative of the opening title sequence. The use of costume with blood spray on it and the diegetic dialogue of screams of anguish, helps keep the audience engaged as the narrative unfolds. 

We then watch, as the initial character seen holds scissors to her babies face, further engaging us as the anticipation continues to enthral the audience. We then watch as we hear the pleonastic sound effect of the scissors about to slash the baby, then hearing the diegetic dialogue of the baby whaling. This extensively engages the audience, as you're unsuspecting of what's about to happen. We then see as the scissors stop abruptly when about to hit the baby, suggesting that this baby may obtain an element of supernatural? 

What tone and genre is set? 

The tone is almost juxtaposed. In the beginning of the sequence, we see a suburban house that looks typical of middle-class America. With ambient sound effects of birds chirping and dogs barking with sets a peaceful tone, the light indicates that it is possibly early morning and the audience acknowledges this information openly. We then enter the house with the utilisation of hand-held camera, to connote to the chaos audiences are about to experience. This is all suggestive of possibly a romantic comedy genre and a peaceful / tranquil tone is set. 

We then hear the shuddering screams of the first character introduced to us, as we enter the house we witness a display of Christian artefacts, such as symbolic crosses and candles. This all adheres to a sinister and religious tone and establishes the genre of horror. The female characters screams also help depict the genre of horror successfully. 

 

The use of the prop scissors to attempt murder upon the baby, adheres to a violent and homicidal tone as well as suggesting the genre of horror. She then holds the baby as she recognises her wrongdoings, regretful & remorseful of her actions. This is still suggestive of the previous tones mentioned. The juxtaposition in lighting also helps to depict this idea. The comparison in the outdoor peaceful lighting that communicates a light-hearted atmosphere. Then, the moody indoor lighting that constructs an ominous and perverse atmosphere. Further helping set the genre in an authentic and unique sense. 

Setting / Where & When? 

The setting is not obvious from the beginning, but some elements of the sequence are suggestive of a distinct time period. For example, the architectural features of the home as well as the prop car adhere to a 1980's atmosphere. It becomes apparent that we're most likely in the suburbs, as the house appears quite suburban in it's overall appearance. 

What do you think the narrative will be? 

We can assume that the narrative will be about the child growing up with the trauma, facing the trials & tribulations of life alongside her mother who is clearly mentally unstable. Exploring the dynamic of her relationship with her mother, as well as elaborating upon the child's supernatural ability.

What is the dynamic between characters within this sequence? 

We can tell from this sequence that the dynamic between either two is tense and will create an unstable and possibly toxic relationship, considering the mother trying to murder her own child! The dynamic is clearly and profoundly established within the sequence and this is made poignant to audiences early on, to help navigate the narrative as the movie continues with the audiences acknowledgement of previous events. 

Do you think this is successful? 

To conclude, I think Peirce is successful in creating an excellent opening title sequence that establishes tone, genre, setting, narrative and dynamics between characters early on, as well as engaging the audience. 

The opening title sequence itself)