How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?
Twenty (20) titles are displayed throughout the opening.
What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?
There are many close-ups of Freddy Kreuger, the notorious dream murderer of the film, putting on his signature clawed gloves. Many shots also depict a young woman dressed in white (possibly to signify innocence) who is running through some kind of underground passageway, presumably in a dream world given the nature of Freddy's killing. There are also intermittent lamb sounds (possibly a hint that she is in the dream world, hence the phrase 'counting sheep')
What connotations do the images carry?
The images work in tandem to create strong connotations of fear and vulnerability; it seems that no matter how far the woman tries to run, Freddy is always catching up to her. The music and camera work add to these feelings of anxiety and trappedness.
How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?
The genre is strongly reinforced through a masterful combination of erratic camera movements and the frequent usage of the color red, mainly in the studio name, the transitions, and Freddy's red-striped attire. This red color may symbolize blood, murder, or wrath.
How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?
At first, we as viewers don't know for sure that Freddy is the one putting on the claw gloves in the beginning. We also don't know where the woman is or what she is doing there, why there are intermittent lamb sounds and live lambs, and/or by whom she is being chased.
What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?
A generally uncomfortable and frightening tone is set by the music and imagery, one that would likely deter younger children from watching the film.
How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques.
The camera angles are shaky and erratic to create a feeling of confusion, and the transitions are frequent and abrupt to create tension and a sense that the events are happening at a fast pace.
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