Evaluation of AS Thriller video...

In today's lesson, we watched Thriller openings made by an AS class a couple of years ago. We watched a number of openings and evaluated as a class each piece, recording our analytical findings in a table. I have decided to evaluate in detail the video opening called 'Hysteria'.
The beginning opened with a black background which featured an orange/yellow light, (which appeared to be a spotlight). The titles and names of the producers,(shown in bold lettering) were then set against the 'spotlight',fading in and out which therefore highlighted the text drawing the audience's attention. The use of the colours black, orange and yellow which shows a bold, contrasting dramatic effect, conveys and initializes the idea of a sinister and dangerous atmosphere, therefore preparing the audience for the following thriller opening.
The opening shows a girl in what appears to be her own home, going out into the back garden to put rubbish in the bin. There are many low to the ground panning shots which gives us a clear idea of the action which is taking place, followed by a shot looking up from inside the bin when the girl opens it. When the girl goes back inside of the house where she is then disturbed by a noise, a close up shot of her eyes are shown which remains on the screen for a while whilst the action continues. This shot is effective as it gives the audience a clear visual of the fear the girl is experiencing. Following on from this, the girl then proceeds cautiously out into the garden, picks up a torch and approaches a shed at the back of the garden.
Whilst this action is taking place, non-diegetic sounds such as animal noises and heavy breathing are added to add to the dramatic and 'on-edge' visuals taking place. The pulsating sounds adds to the tension, however i feel that the animal sounds were a little in-appropriate as i feel that they didn't fit the style of the piece - (I feel that they would have suited an opening set in a wood/forest setting more.)
The girl in the film was wearing a red jumper, therefore indicating a sign of danger, due to the fact that the colour red is often associated with blood and death. The use of involving only one charater as well as setting the scene in a home at night, automatically reveals the forthcoming dangerous events. The sinister backing music throughout also introduces us to the eerie atmosphere, building up tension, adding to yet another generic theme associated with thriller films.
Overall, the editing of the piece was clear and continuos, as it was clear to the audience what was going on. Sharp cuts added to the fast paced storyline which therefore put the audience on edge. Although i thought the opening sequence of 'Hysteria' was effective and successful due to the fact that it put me on edge and thrilled me as an audience member, i felt that it appeared to be more like a movie trailer, due to the way in which the main title was presented; By flashing up in the centre of the screen at the start of the opening - similiar to the style of trailer titles.

Becky.