Analysing an opening sequence: The Shining

The Shining

To analyse an opening sequence you need to look at four main aspects of the scene and how they contribute meaning:

1. MISE EN SCENE

2. CAMERA

3. EDITING

4. SOUND  

The Shining, by Stanley Kubrick, uses its opening sequence to create the creepy sinister tone that is carried on through out. 

MISE EN SCENE:

This opening sequence purely focuses on the car, and on establishing the location, the hotel. However, it does not introduce any characters or any plot lines. This makes the whole scene ambiguous which adds to the ominous atmosphere. 

USE OF SOUND:

The music solely adds the sinister tone to this opening sequence, because without the music it is just a car driving along a road. The electronic music creates the menacing atmosphere and conveys the idea that something disturbing is about to happen. Without the music, this idea would not be put across so is key to this opening sequence. 

USE OF CAMERA: 

The camera in this sequence follows the road, while showcasing to the audience that the car is completely in the middle of no where by using high angle and wide shots, again adding to the foreboding atmosphere. There are no close up shots to introduce characters, which adds to the mystery of the scene

USE OF EDITING: 

Stanley Kubrick, has used a bright blue font on the credits which makes it stand out and easy to read.However, the font is not big enough to side track the audience from focusing on the car. Also, by having the credits at the beginning the audience are told what actors are in the film and who directed it, leading them to make some assumption on the quality of the film. 

I think this opening sequence is very effective, as it creates the intended mood without giving away the plot, thus heightening the tension and foreboding atmosphere.