Opening Title Sequence Analysis - The Shining

The sequence opens with a serene long shot of the lake and the surrounding mountains, immediately the audience are provided with the sense of an impending doom as the beautiful scenery is combined with a non-diegetic ominous soundtrack, composed specifically to create a physical reaction. The shot is clearly an arial shot from a helicopter as it quickly tracks forwards, moving quickly through the picturesque location. The shakiness of the handheld camera paired with the swift arial movement reinforces the tension as the audience feel as though they will hit the landscape as the camera seems to travel so fast towards it and only turn at the last minute. The transition between shots is a cross-fade which enhances the idea of a long car journey. This is augmented by the long shot duration, which alludes to the idea that the director, Stanley Kubrick, wanted the audience to feel as though they are doing the same journey, perhaps this was to develop a rapport between the character and audience without having the audience meet the characters. The idea that they have both gone on the same journey, already establishes a relationship as the audience can sympathize with the characters. 

Kubrick immediately establishes the genre of the film from the minute the soundtrack starts, the faint diegetic wind in the background inevitably feels as though there is something or someone whispering around the audience, watching them. Within the soundtrack, there is a heavy use of tubas and various other brass instruments carries connotations of suspense and intensity due to their loud and deep sound, their impression on the audience can be manipulated dependent on the tempo of the music, but due to the slow nature of the soundtrack, there is a chilling and alarming atmosphere created by the instruments.

Due to the repetitive essence of the editing and camera work in the opening title sequence, the audience's attention is pulled to the credits, added in post production, the bright blue connotes stability, loyalty, wisdom and confidence. This is another element of juxtaposition within the opening title sequence as the connotations of blue are a direct contrast to the assumptions the audience have made about the film from

the opening title sequence. Another example of color contrasting the themes displayed by the soundtrack and wilderness is the yellow VW Beetle. The yellow of the car connotes positivity and optimism, perhaps reflecting the character's initial thoughts when going on the journey through the mountains, the cheap model of car also indicates to the audience that the character is seeking out a better life in a new location. Upon arrival, there is a long shot of the hotel, this makes it extremely noticeable to the audience that is blends into the mountain behind it. The similarity in colours highlighting the idea of isolation and the ominous atmosphere that Kubrick created. The ominous opening title sequence has an enigmatic effect on the audience and the peculiar style of juxtaposing the location, sound, editing and mise-en-scene makes it more memorable for an audience.