RESEARCH: GHOST STORIES

Ghost stories is a 2017 British horror film. I decided to analyse this title sequence as it relates closely to my desired film opening. 

Right from the beginning there are enigma codes suggesting terror, fright and electrifying scenes. The title sequence starts with the unravelling of the different production and distribution companies involved. They are cleverly presented as there is not much colour or movement involved, usually a white text on a black background. The use of low lighting creates an eerie setting. This reflects the genre of the film, horror, right from the beginning. Whilst this is happening there is non-diegetic sound played. We hear dripping and heavy breathing. This leads the audience to think perhaps someone is in danger and cannot escape. This is followed by a rapid crescendo, with the breathing becoming more intense, ending with a putrid shriek as the name of the film ‘Ghost Stories’ is shown. 

Following on the disappearance of the title ‘Ghost Stories’, there is a mystifying display of various monochrome numbers. Unnerving, psychotic scratching sound effects are played along side the appearance of the numbers. This suggests an uncomfortable display of mystery. What do these numbers mean? Why are they there? This entices the audience to watch the rest of the film as they are filled with unanswered questions.

This distressing opening is contrasted against the mellow colours of the bedroom window, this can be seen as the calm before the storm. There is an ambient voice over beginning to explain the back story. The tone of his voice reflects the tone of the shot, calming and relaxed. This grabs the audiences attention as they are able to relate to this male telling a story. 

This is followed by a hard cut to what seems to be footage from an old family camera. This is shown through the use of sepia and letter-boxing creating a vintage feel to the shot. Dissonance between the family is shown to make the audience empathise with the main character, this is effective in establishing his character in the film. Furthermore, it anchors the theme of destruction in his family, suggesting this male is troubled and that this is only the start of his issues in this film. 

Throughout this action shot, there is occasional close-ups resulting in a cross dissolve representing a change in time, switching from the past to the future through the same character. This transition can be seen through clear visual representations such as wrinkles, grey hairs and bags.