'The Woman in Black' Horror Film Opening Analysis

Shot one:

• The opening scene begins with a close up of the girls' toys, a china cup, saucer and teapot. The small toys take up the entire frame (tight frame).
• Emphasis on the small toys that suddenly have taken up the entire frame, representing the youth that is about to be withdrawn.

 Shot two:

• The next shot shows a medium shot of all three children on the floor playing.
• This shot is to remind people viewing of the innocence and youth of the films victims.

 Shot three:

• This shot is a BCU (Big Close Up) of two of the three children, showing shoulders upwards so the viewers can focus on the facial expressions.
• The shot show the girls' pinafores to give viewers an idea of the time period in which the film is set.

 Shot four:

• This shot is a loose frame of the young children playing with their china dolls.
• The act of looking after their dolls juxtaposes the care (or lack thereof) they should be receiving as children.  

 Shot five:

• This shot is a loose framed, high angle shot of all three girls sat playing on the floor.
• As it is a loose frame you can see the entirety of the room and all the old fashioned set and props that are being used.
• It is high angled to show the girls looking straight up and directly at the camera, as if they are looking at the woman in black.

 Shot six:

• After turning their heads to what the woman in black is directing them at, the next shot is a loose frame with three large windows centred. (Hinting at the scene about to unfold).

 Shot seven:

• This shot shows a close up of one of the children's feet, about to stand on and break a china doll.
• Again, hinting at the girls' fates and showing the audience what is about to happen. 

 Shot eight:

• This is a medium shot of the girls' upper torsos and faces. You can clearly see their blank facial expressions as they walk towards the windows they have been directed to go to.
• Still in their simple items of clothing and hair tied neatly in ribbons to represent innocence.

 Shot nine:

• This is the final shot at the end of the opening where you can see a long shot of all three girls jumping from the window ledge.
• You can no longer see their faces and so is depersonalising the situation so emotion is detached. A representation of how many children have already met this fate in the town.

Conclusion:
These shots make it clear that this opening scene is going to lead to a harrowing film that is set to play with emotions of the viewers. The costumes and set have already played a huge part, clearly showing people the time period this film is set in.