'The Shining' Opening Sequence Analysis

The sequence opens with the display of the Warner Brothers trademark. This is a hugely established corporation and a pioneer of modern cinema. This immediately adds credibility to the production. Next we have an establishing helicopter shot that lets the audience know where the story is taking place. This shot hovers over a lake with a small island in the middle. This echoes the theme of isolation that will later resonate in the movie. Also, this shot and others in the rest of the sequence make it quite clear that we are in the middle of nowhere, disconnected from civilisation. After this we move to a birds eye view. It is in this shot in which we first notice the car. However, because of the height of the shot the car looks minuscule. This therefore reinforces the idea of loneliness in comparison to the great size of their surroundings that we cans see. It communicates to the audience that whoever is in this car is vulnerable. I feel one of the main purposes of this sequence is to establish the fact that someone is making a long journey into obscurity. The place and reason for this journey is not established to the audience which obviously leaves them questioning as to who is in the vehicle and why they are making a clear effort to travel to this secluded place. To establish something simple yet leave important and interesting information is a device for intriguing the audience and a wise decision from a seasoned director such as Kubrick. We then see further helicopter shots where the camera is brought up in closer to the featured car. The car is a light shade of blue, which isn't a colour which conveys anything particularly sinister. This is in fact a theme that runs through the entire sequence. The surroundings though they may seem vastly secluded are very picturesque and beautiful, and not at all lacking in vibrant colours. The shots though they are moving, do not seem threatening and the cutting between them is smooth. However, the element that really makes this sequence is the soundtrack. The ominous and dark music completely changes the complexity if the sequence and instils unrest in the viewer. If you were to watch the sequence on mute you wouldn't guess it was a horror movie but the music gives a strong impression that something sinister is about to occur. Rolling credits then start to appear on screen in a slightly chilling blue. The font is completely simple and to a contemporary audience this may seem dated but me must not forget that this is a movie made over 30 years ago. The font size and screen time is the same for the title of the movie and the name of it's star Jack Nicholson. This suggests that they value his performance and are using his name to help market the film. This is by no means a ordinary horror film opening sequence but through his use of music and camera work Kubrick manages to unsettle the audience while also hitting at some of the themes of the oncoming film.