Insidious Opening Sequence

The opening sequence for Insidious mirrors many other horror films and their chosen opening sequences. It is set in a house and that is made apparent from the beginning. The normal family domestic setting is innocent and calm - this is juxtaposed with the unusual happenings that go on throughout the film. The scene is dark and dull with low lighting to emphasise the mystery and a fear of the unknown. The opening credits are red which has strong connotations with blood, death and fear which fits with the genre of the film. Throughout the opening sequence it is calm and innocent which is later juxtaposed with the violence of the horror within the remainder of the film.

Within the opening credits there is a creepy and mysterious soundtrack playing in the background. The non-digetic sound creates suspense and sets the mood for the type of film that it is going to be. Once the film has begun it is quiet which leads to a feel of a calm and peaceful setting. This is then juxtaposed with the digetic sounds of creaking noises from within the house and a ticking clock. The ticking clock creates suspense and fear for the audience which builds up throughout the film. The children also create innocence and vulnerability as well as the crying baby which also emphasises the innocence of the victims. The piano further implies a calm atmosphere which is disrupted by the baby crying. She then makes her way into the attic and the innocence of the victims begin to become apparent as a light flickers on and off as well as the digetic sounds that are used to emphasise the idea that something is wrong, this builds up the suspense and mystery.