RESEARCH - Analysis Of Horror Opening Scene - Part 4 (Mise-en-scene)

To the typical horror fan they wouldn't notice why the mise-en-scene has been juxtaposed in a certain way. The main character in this opening scene is wearing a cream jumper, the walls in the house are cream, also the phone's are cream, her hair is blonde, there are cream books, and even her skin has been made to look really pale. The director has done this on purpose to anchor the character into the scene.

The villain is wearing black, black and cream are opposite colours this has been done to show that they are completely different, we only see the villain properly outside in the night. The night sky is black, and he is wearing black; the director has juxtaposed it like this to anchor the villain into the scene. Typically in horror movies the villain wears a costume, this is no different for 'Scream'. This has been done, as it has connotations of a villain. We also are meant to find their costume scary.

The setting for this scene is just a normal house, this is a common setting through out the film. The killer strikes when people are at their houses, this is supposed to fear the audience into thinking that they are not safe in their own home. The house is also very big, this is just to make the character seem smaller, and more vulnerable.

The house is located in the middle of no where; and looks very desolute. I believe the director has chosen this location to show that no one can help her. It also show's she can't run anywhere, it make's her seem smaller, and also more vulnerable again.

Finally there are two main prop's in this scene; the telephone, and the knife. This has been chosen due to them being the killers two main weapons, a knife instantly signals danger. These are also part of the films main brand image, it has been made this because it is commonly used throughout the film.