Film Opening of "The Wrong Turn"

As I watched the opening few minutes of "The Wrong Turn", a teen horror film, I noticed the visual and audio effects used which create an effective horror opening. I also saw that the opening of this horror film is very similar to a lot of other films, in the type of setting which is used, and the different camera shots and music/sound effects.

The scene started with an establishing shot of the isolated setting - a huge forest. The camera then used a tracking movement to show the whole of the forest from a birds eye view, getting faster towards where the characters location was, which added apprehension for the viewer. The camera then stops with a birds eye view angle, of a teenage boy and girl climbing up the side of a steep rock face. The angle used emphasises the danger in their activity.

As they are climbing, a false scare is used when the teenage girl drops slightly down the rock face. This is to shock the audience and make them think something bad is about to happen, however when it doesn't; the audience feel relieved and don't expect what is going to happen next.

Stereotypically, the boy reaches the top first. An eye-level camera shot is used to show the audience his point of view and what he can see from the top. Language from the girl shows that this film is based for a teenage audience as she is trying to get the boy to help her to the top.

Anticipation is created in the audience from this point as the boy seems to have disappeared. Camera angles such as low angle and high angle shots are used to emphasize the fact she is on her own and in danger. 

A typical convention is used, blood dripping from the boys face. The audience do not see the antagonist involved, and they do not see what happens to the boy; all the know is that he has been killed. This adds tension to the opening and makes the audience feel unnerved. 

Several close ups are used to show key parts of the scene. For example, a close up of the knife cutting the rope, a close up of the boys face to show the blood and a close up of the jagged wire that the girl trips on at the end of the opening. These show the audience what is happening and make them seem more dramatic as they are the focus of the shot.

The camera is hand held when the girl is running away (a typical chase scene). This jolts the camera and creates the feeling of danger, the unknown and panic. This is a common effect used in the filming of horror movies.

Audio used in the opening of "The Wrong Turn" is also very effective, as the visual aspects are. Orchestral music is played, which are lingering string instrument sounds which create quite a sinister atmosphere. The music tempo picks up as the girl is being chased. At dramatic parts of the opening, loud drums are played to represent key sections; for example, the view of the blood on the boys face.  

The boy quotes, "who are you screaming for, there's nobody around for 50 miles." which re-enforces the fact they are in an isolated location; almost asking for something bad to happen.

There are enhanced sound effects throughout the opening. For example, the sound of the blood dripping, the knife cutting the rope, and the harness being pulled upwards. The sound of the girls heavy breathing when she runs creates the feeling of panic and desperation, and it is at this part of the opening when the music tempo increases.

When the antagonist is chasing the girl, you can not see them however you can see the trees being moved and rustling, so that the audience can keep track of where they are.

Overall, it is a very effective opening of a horror film; although very similar to others such as "Dead Wood". It contains a variety of camera angles and movement, and also a range of sound effects which are typical for this particular genre.