The Conjuring (Wan, 2013) - F.L

The Conjuring (Wan, 2013) demonstrates a variety of techniques that are commonly associated to the horror genre. All of these techniques help to create a gripping, and tense opening, which are all-important in order to entice the audience. 

• Non-diegetic sound is prominent in the first scene as there is a voiceover of the three characters whilst the camera films the dolls face. The voiceover gives the idea that whilst the character is alive, so is the doll, and the doll is just a dominant character as the three characters. This shows the people talking as victims and gives them prevalence.
• Another key idea is the alignment of the dolls face left of the screen; this extreme close-up shot clearly shows the doll and extenuates her ‘creepy’ features and creates immediate tension and fright. It introduces the audience to the antagonist and allows the audience some context to the voiceover as well.
• The low-lit lighting creates shadows on both the characters faces, and throughout all the rooms. This creates the atmosphere of the unknown and not being able to see what’s coming, this builds tension for the audience as well as the protagonist.

F.L