Opening analysis: Mirror, mirror (18)

(Watch upto 2 mintes and 5 seconds)

Camera shot and movement

At the beginning there is a pan of the room showing various, furniture including a cabinet, bed, mirror and chair. This is to establish a sense of place and allow the audience to realise that the extract is situated in a female bedroom. A close up of a window is shown as the curtains are shut this stops people looking in and may signify the impossibility of any escape. The camera follows the rim of the mirror whose frame is wooden, intricate and detailed showing it to be an iconic prop. When the girl is being stabbed on the bed a low angle shot is used to show the other girls power over her and how she is the person in control. Close ups are frequently used to show the blood-splattered face of the girl this draws our attention to the horror being committed and also adds to the gore factor.

Editing

There are several dissolves used throughout the extract for example the dissolve onto the radio this slow methodical rhythm fits in with the pace of the music. A straight cut is then used onto door signifying that something is going to happen there is also a significant straight cut from the women being dragged across the floor to the mirror this creates effective links between the two items and allows the audience to pick up on any underlying signs. Straight cuts are also used form the blood splattered girl to mirror vibrating this again creates a bond between the two but also can show adrenaline or a struggle. Quick straight cuts are used during the stabbing from girl to girl; these show the action and their close relationship.

Mise en scene

The bedroom is shown in sepia tones showing the age of the film as well as the era of the setting being quite old-fashioned. The colours also tie in with the antique furniture especially the mirror.

The costumes worn are very feminine – dresses and heels the costumes and music are also historically connected as they both appear to be a feature of the 50’s-60’s. 

Both girls wear similar dresses but in different colours showing their relationship and bond– the victim has a pink dress on which ties in with the girly and feminine theme being addressed however the other girl wears a blue dress which connotes a state of calmness and perhaps shows that her violent actions had been pre meditated.

The props that are used are mainly women’s accessories i.e. laced handkerchiefs and perfume bottles reinstating the women’s bedroom setting. There are also multiple photos shown which mainly consist of two shots of what appear to be sisters these are also displayed throughout the violent murder scenes showing happier times. 

There is a continuous diegetic sound of the radio which plays a slow melodic calm trumpet tune however the music stops when the door begins to open without any external interference and eerie weird music begins to play after this heavy breathing is heard and the radio begins to play but this time with a grim hum in the background. When the violent killing is over, the radio plays again without any additional background noise almost to a calm state of equilibrium.

 A constant ray of light is shone through the window and is aimed at the mirror showing its importance. The women’s features are also shadowed reflecting the sinister act she is committing.