Nine frame structure analysis of thriller film openings
The nine frame structure has been created to show how the opening of a film has been constructed. It shows 9 different camera shots and how they are put together in order to appeal to the audience to and engage them within the films narrative so that the viewer continues watching the film. This is evident in the film The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
It is notable from the frames that the aim of this opening sequence is to create tension and curiosity for the audience as the first three frames are full of fire and red and black colours that are associated with the horror genre as they connote danger and fear, which is what the cabin in the woods is made for.
Here is an explanation of all the frames in this example:
- The first frame establishes the film institution which is important for films to do so that the company can get recognition and be associated with the film, especially if it is a success as it can allow the company to become a successful brand meaning that people may watch the films just because the institution, in this case Lionsgate made it.
- The second frame shows a picture of a man in a hood standing over a dead body. The image has been made out of blood. Blood is also associated with the horror genre and suggests that there is murder and violence involved in the movie so it meets the horror genre code and conventions.
- The third frame shows the fire getting bigger and brighter. This makes the opening even more intense and represents that there are big and scary problems that occur in the film. It also makes the film seem more scary as it's people burning in the fire.
- The forth frame is very different to the first three as it's no longer images but has cut to the actual film. The sign says "Enjoy a Cup of Fresh Coffee" which is completely juxtaposed with the horror codes and conventions. It adds a comical effect to lighten the mood of the opening sequence which engages the audience even more.
- (5-8) The next 4 frames are of the two characters talking about every day issues- ones that don't seem relevant to horror. This shows that the film uses a sub-genre of comedy and a bit of digression to make the audience even more curious to what is going to happen in the film, it increases the anticipation.
- The last frame shows the title of the film "The Cabin in the Woods." It is at the end of the sequence so that the film can be introduced which allows the audience to recognise and remember the name of the film and wonder how the opening will lead to them finding a cabin in the woods.
