Woman in black opening scene analysis.

The woman in black opening scene analysis.

Charlotte Collins 2179717.

Immediately when we begin to watch the film we are greeted by things you would typically find in a horror film.  This includes the images and symbolism with dolls. The idea of children in film is also a very important part, especially in this particular film. The mise-en-scene in this shot includes a very vague colour scheme; this may have been done to show that the children in it are ordinary people living an ordinary life. Secondly the costumes and props that the children are wearing or handling look very Victorian; this shows the time frame and era in which it is set. Again the dresses that the 3 girls are wearing are pastel colours and light pinks; this could symbolize their innocence and purity. From seeing this shot it shows how important mise-en scene is in film and how it can portray certain actions or people.

Secondly the cinematography used within the next shots fore boards that something is going to happen involving the window. The camera slowly zooms into the window pane which in a sense prepares you for the unknown.






 This film plays on a lot of fears within the first scene alone- a big one being the unknown. The director of this did this because they wanted to put the viewers on edge and create tension.  Also in the shot after a close up of a child opening the window is used, this is to create importance and also again, scare the audience.

 

 

Finally we are given a scene that slowly zooms out from the window pane. This is important because it shows what is done is done. The atmosphere in the girls bedroom is different- sending chills down your spine. The mise-en-scene which at first was dolls that they have played with is now dolls which they have crushed and stood on.  Right at the very end we are given a slight glimpse of a woman dressed with a black vail over her face. This is important as it shows that someone was watching the 3 children kill themselves and they did not do anything about it. This could symbolize that they are a bad person. Also the colour black that she is wearing symbolizes death- almost alike to a funeral outfit. This gives the audience an idea that she has something to do with death and also is a bad person.

Also the colour of the scene is now washed out and really dull coloured. This symbolizes the atmosphere after people have died. The washed out room could metaphorically symbolize the children now that they are dead.