BW: Conventions of a film opening - A Nightmare on Elm Street (Craven, 1984)

A Nightmare on Elm Street is an American horror film directed by Wes Craven in 1984.

• Constant sound of heavy breathing suggests that the man is completely insane and totally obsessed with murder.
• The audience only sees his hands which emphasises the danger that he poses.
• Dark, wet tunnel connotes a sense of danger and the way the woman stumbles shows how she is completely out of place there, which in turn immediately informs the audience that something is wrong.
• Montage editing as the slasher gets prepared.
• Scream near the start informs the audience of the genre of the film.
• Woman wearing white and all alone suggests vulnerability - conventional.
• Constant, high pitched music builds momentum.
• Sound of man laughing suggests that he has the woman exactly where he wants her which again connotes the woman's vulnerability.
• Screech of claws and the close up of the material being ripped shows his power and makes him seem more intimidating.
• POV with handicam makes it seem as if the audience is following the woman as she tries to hide.