Film Opening Research #1- The Exorcist (1973)

1)  How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film? 

-Warner Brothers Pictures

- Director: William Friedkin

-William Peter Blatty 

-The movie title: "THE EXORCIST" 

Total: 4

2) What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 
    The images prioritized in the opening scene include the mass archaeology site being dug up by probably 100 workers, in the desert area of Northern Iraq. Also, the little boy running to get the leader of the site to see the new find brings about a sense of urgency in the scene. But the most notable part of this scene is the foreboding statue of the ancient god, which is a foreshadowing in showing what the main character, Regan gets possessed by. 

3) What connotations do the images carry?
    The most significant of all the scenes, which shows the figurine statue of the possessive demon, carries a negative connotation. It was an ominous foreshadowing of the negative events that would occur in the rest of the movie.  
     
4) How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?
     In all honesty, if you have no context of the movie, the opening has little relation to the horror genre. Which makes the movie scarer essentially because the later events are so unexpected and gruesome. 

5) How does the film establish an enigma from the outset? 
    The film established an enigma by really making the setting unrelated to the events and characters within the film itself. The main character is a caucasian girl who lives in the inner city with her mother, it does not take place in Northern Iraq. 
6) What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? 
    For the most part, a bridging show between the sunrise and the introduction to Reagan's house begin to establish an interest in the movie. Of course it is targeted for a horror-loving audience as well.
 
7) How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques. 
    Wide shots, as well as arial and extreme close-up shots were well utilized in the opening scene to create a connection that foreshadows the events that occur throughout the rest of the movie. 

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