In the opening titles of the film Edward Scissorhands, there are a range of different features used in the four micro elements - sound, mise-en-scene, camera angles/shots/movement and editing that make the audience feel different things at different times.
Firstly, features of mise-en-scene tell the audience about the film before it has started. For example, snow has been incorporated into the 21’st Century Fox studio logo when it is usually just plain; this gives the audience the feel that the film is going to be quite a jolly Christmas film. This fools the audience as we then move into a setting of low key lighting, instantly insinuating the film is darker than expected. The camera takes us through an old door of what looks like a haunted house, this involves the audience and it acts as though they are being taken through the door into the world of the film. After being taken through the door, we know we are in a haunted house as we are shown a gargoyle and taken up some old fashioned steps- the whole setting is very scary and unexpected. The effect this has on the audience is that it makes them question what the rest of the film may be like, leaving them slightly anxious. Towards the end of the titles, we have been introduced to some machinery, emphasising some sort of project is occuring here, yet we have no idea what; creating a sense of unknown.
Sound is an important indicator of how the viewer should be feeling. The film starts with some soft opera like music in the background, as if we were in a church at Christmas time - linking to the snow on the Fox logo. However, as soon as the logo disappears and we are taken to the door, the opera music comes to a halt and turns into a slow and sinister piece. This makes the audience question what is through the door, making them feel nervous. However, after we have been taken through the door, the sinister music turns into a slow light hearted piece that sounds very magical, this is an example of contrapuntal music as the scene is not a happy, magical place that the sound may suggest. The music then fades out and we are introduced to yet another piece of musical score that is very orchestral with singing in the background which is quite chilling and haunting, very suitable to the setting.
The use of editing makes the viewer feel like they are waiting for something to happen, leading to them feeling uneasy. The shots appear on the screen for a relatively long time and the cuts are very slow towards the start and which matches the slower music. This slow pace draws the audience in, leading them in to expect some sort of action as a result. On the other hand, as soon as the camera has gone through the door, the fasts become much faster. In my opinion, I feel that this emphasises that the audience have just entered a more exciting world that contrasts what world they have just left. Fades have been used at the start of the titles, indicating some sort of change, yet also adds to the suspense.
Camera angles, shots and movement are very important. Firstly, tracking has been used when we are taken through the door. It is done at a slow pace, which would have more of an effect than if it was fast because the slower, the more time we have to question what could be through the door, this sense of unknown is very effective and ensures that the viewer is kept at the edge of their seat, feeling edgy. Also, the names of the cast appear to the screen in a canted shot, which is subtle but adds to that sense of anticipation and edginess the viewer is feeling, even though they may not even be aware it of it, let alone has an effect on them. Another movement type that has been used is the panning through machinery, leading us to question what all of the machinery is, and more importantly that where exactly we are, leaving us confused. The scene then ends in an establishing shot of the house which is quite strange as we usually find establishing shots at the start of the scene. It is effective because the viewer can finally paint a picture of where they were and so they know that this house will become significant later on in the film.
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