Stephen King's "IT" (1990):

"IT", by Stephen King, was originally a novel, written in 1986; however, it was then turned into a horror TV mini-series in 1990. Although it was aired in America as a two part mini-series, it is often classed as a horror film. It scared audiences worldwide, and still continues to do so.


Plot
In 1960, a group seven school-friends (who are bullied by another group of children) are also being tormented by something a lot more menacing, and life-threatening. The story revolves around an evil figure, simply referred to as "IT" - a corrupt demon, also know as "Pennywise the Dancing Clown", who has the ability to transform into the prey's worst phobia, feed on their fear, and kill them. After defeating the demonic clown as youngsters, "IT" resurfaces 30 years later, leading the group of seven to get rid of it once more as adults. They must work together to fight the wicked clown that haunted them as children.


The opening sequence
The opening titles presents a series of photographs, whilst playing an eery, orchestral accompaniment. Unless the viewer already knows the story, these photographs may seem extremely puzzling. This is an example of enigma codes - who is being shown in the photographs? Also, why are these photographs being displayed at the very start of the film? The director has chosen to show these images to the audience before the audience actually know anything about the story-line, which is a typical convention of horror films -  foreshadowing. It leaves the viewers confused, and eager to find out more information; therefore, they have been hooked, which is one of the initial aims of every film director, I'm sure. 


Character is very important in opening sequences, as it give viewers more information about the film.  The opening sequence also shows a young girl (Laurie-Ann) being murdered - one of a string of murders. The plot then unravels, and the story behind "IT" is slowly revealed. Although Laurie-Ann is shown prior to all of the other characters, she isn't necessarily the main character in the film, which is another example of foreshadowing. Young children (especially females) are often used in horror films , as they may come across as more "vulnerable" to the audience. The role of Laurie-Ann is represented to viewers using a number of methods - costume, appearance, and overall, her general characteristics. She makes her appearance in the film as she rides along happily on a tricycle, singing "the itsy bitsy spider" aloud. Her hair is blonde, short, and is styled in a very cliche, high plait. Even this small feature contributes to the perception that the audience receive of Laurie-Ann. She is wearing a blue hooded jumper, light pink trousers, and floral velcro shoes. Her clothing, combined with her hairstyle, her chosen transport and her song choice all establish who she is, and what she is like - she is obviously a young child, who seems very innocent and pure. Of course, her blue eyes and freckles support all of my previous points.

Shortly after Laurie-Ann is introduced to the audience, the role of the clown is introduced. The clown contrasts hugely to the young female character, for a number of reasons - he is older, and overall, his appearance is extremely different to the appearance of Laurie-Ann. Although his bright, welcoming appearance may seem attractive to children at first, as he is smiling, the next shots show the clown staring at young Laurie-Ann in a very menacing, evil way; therefore, confirming all suspicions we previously had. 


Location and Mise-en-scene are very important in all films, as they often establish the director's intended mood/feel of the film. Unlike many other horror films, this is set in the daytime; however, there is a storm, which results in the light seeming slightly dull and dreary. Storms are a great convention of the horror genre, as they make the audience believe that something terrible is about to happen. Notice that the number of horror films set in a sunny, bright atmosphere is near to none. This film is set in the town of Derry, which appears to be quite run-down and old looking.  This is shown through the photographs. The run-down look of the town really contributes to the depressing, dreary effect this location has on the audience - it makes them feel sad rather than happy, which could be seen as an example of pathetic fallacy, as the viewers associate a sad mood with the town.

The use of editing in this opening sequence (although it is subtle) is very effective. The black and white photographs shown at the very start fade in and out of each other, to create a more mysterious, chilling effect. Although this technique isn't very complex, it still has an effective impact on the audience. 


Another successful technique is used at approximately 1:17. A black and white image is displayed, and as the camera zooms in on this image, it fades to 'real life'. This is a very smooth transition, which allows directors/editors to move from one time period to another very easily. This is a technique that I have used previously in some of my work, as it recreates the scenario shown in the photograph. 


Once the opening sequence changes to focus on 'real life', rather than the past, a lot of establishing shots are used, as this technique really sets the scene for the audience. It allows the viewers to find out more information about the location and mise-en-scene, without too much information being revealed early on. Rather than continuing the 'fade' effects, the shots now cut from one to another without any particular transition. In my opinion, this keeps the audience hooked on what they're meant to be seeing, rather than being distracted by the editing techniques. 

Close-up shots are very effective in opening sequences, as they really allow the audience to focus on certain emotions, or significant clues that could link to the plot. For example, at 2:21, a close-up shot is used to show Laurie-Ann picking up her doll. This, again, creates an enigma code. Why is the doll being focused on? This could be seen as a significant moment in the story, as it is hinting that something linked to this event may occur later on. An example of close-ups being used to show facial expressions/emotions is at 2:34, when a close-up on Laurie-Ann's face is used. Laurie-Ann looks frightened and confused, which is made very clear to the audience; therefore, this shot-type has been successful. Close-ups really allow you to gather some information about what is happening, and how the characters may be feeling.


When the clown appears, the sudden cuts to and from the shots are very effective. Also, the clown's face is hidden by the laundry; however, each time the laundry blows in the wind, his face is revealed. This is very frightening, as it creates a jumpy effect. The lead up to Laurie-Ann's murder is shown through the eyes of the clown, in a slow-motion shot. This shows the scenario from the clown's point of view, which is a technique I am definitely going to take in mind. Also, the slow-motion allows the audience to really focus on Laurie-Ann's facial expression - the sudden change from happy, to terrified.


The sound used in this opening sequence is largely non-diegetic; however, there are moments where diegetic sound is used. As the titles are displayed, along with the black and white photographs, the sound is all non-diegetic. An orchestral melody plays, which has a very eery, un-nerving feel. This, combined with the photographs, immediately sets the mood. When the scene changes to 'real life', the sound gradually becomes more diegetic - lightening strikes, the laundry blows in the wind, and raindrops can be heard hitting the china cups; however, whilst this diegetic sound can be heard, the orchestral tune is still being played in the background. When Laurie-Ann starts to sing, the sound becomes solely diegetic. Faint lightening strikes can be heard behind Laurie-Ann's voice, which adds to the mood perceived by the audience. When Laurie-Ann picks up her doll, an echoey sound of children's laughter is played, which may confuse the audience - is it in her mind? From this point onwards, the sound switches between diegetic and non-diegetic, in order to give a good balance between the two. As the clown is introduced, the sound of laughter is heard to lure the girl towards him. This could be a repeating sound within the film, that the audience will associate with him each time it is played. If so, the audience may feel anxious every time they hear it, which will indicate when the clown is going to return.

The titles are quite long in this opening sequence. Firstly, the words 'Stephen King's' appears. This then becomes IT, the title of the film. The colour red is a significant feature, as red connotes anger and fear, which represents the nature of the film. The audience are already curious as to what will occur later on in the film, so the colour red adds to this anxiety. Although the titles are much longer, including actors, directors and editors names, they don't distract the audience from the action.

In conclusion, I feel that this film is directed at audiences of 15 and above; however, I don't think it is aimed at a specific sex. Both male and females may find the clown figure frightening, although, I do think that younger viewers are more likely to find the clown scary. I came to this conclusion, as the opening sequence doesn't really contain any adult conventions, i.e. rape, scenes of a sexual nature, inappropriate language, etc.

Below you will find the opening sequence to "IT"

(Shown from 0:00 - 2:50)