The Shining - Opening Sequence Analysis

This is the opening sequence for the film 'The Shining'. This title sequence is very effective as it gives an eerie atmosphere. It also tells the audience just how isolated the house is, and the lack of help that they would be able to receive. However the audience isn't even aware of this recognition, as the message is subliminal.

When the camera follows the car down the tree tunnel it is very well framed, as it makes the car easy to see but still allows the audience to see the setting. Even throughout the pan and zoom, the camera shot is very steady, and is always clear.

the very dark music ands an edge to the beautiful setting. The image and the music are almost at paradox, as the image with different music could be the start to any film. The effect of this is that it show the audience that later on in the film you will have to look carefully to see a more subliminal part to the film. An example of this is when Danny, the little boy writes "red rum", on the wall and the audience do not recognise this as murder until the character of Wendy sees the reflection in a mirror. This effect is very cleverly used throughout the film, showing Stanley Kubrick's excellence.

This film is popular amongst most ages, but I would say that it is aimed at an 18-30 age-range, as the scare effects are typical of a teen horror. However as the film also has more subliminal messaging and gore, it is not a teen film. It does follow the conventions of a horror, with the exception of a final girl. The film has a human monster - Jack, but also a more scary otherworldly essence, as we see that Jack has been there before, and at a much older period.

The titles in 'The Shining' are not very effective', just blue words scrolling up the screen over the images of the car travel. They do however mean that they do not take away from the film. The titles give the directors name, Stanley Kubrick; the title of the film; the names of the key actors; the executive producer; the screenplay writers; and then Stanley Kubrick is listed as producer and director again.