'Mirrors' opening sequence analysis

‘Mirrors’ opening sequence analysis

 

‘Mirrors’ is a horror film released in 2008. After the initial company screens, the movie starts with a low angle close up of a man’s face. He is running and has a strained expression on his face. The camera cuts a few times, each time refocusing on his face in a medium close up. Because of this we are able to see the maintained strained look on his face as he runs. We also see the character glance behind him a couple of times, giving the impression he expects someone to be after him. As the initial shot is pointed up at his face, we are also able to see lights passing on the ceiling above him. In the background what sounds like a subway train is heard, allowing us to deduce he is in a subway train station. In the next few shots glances of scruffy, graffitied backgrounds are visible also. The dark mood of the film is enhanced by the use of low-key lighting.

 

The running character then reaches a mesh gate, which he cannot open. The medium close-up used here allows us to once again see the strain and anxiety on his face.

 

A long shot is then used, showing a subway train pass a platform, confirming that the scene is set in a subway station. The man appears as the train leaves the frame, this time with his whole body visible. He is still running, and the camera tracks him has he moves along the platform. He appears to be wearing what looks like a police or security guards uniform, hinting that this may be his job, and also emphasising that what he is running away from must be pretty bad, as his job is to deal with trouble, not run away from it. Still in the long shot he arrives at a gap in the wall, where an exit sign is visible in the background, the character moves towards it. The camera then cuts to the reflection of the man on the polished ceiling, which the man appears to be looking at himself. This is foreshadowing the coming events, and also as the title of the movie is ‘Mirrors’ it will invoke interest in the viewers, as the connection between the title and the use of reflections is evident. The film then cuts to another long shot as the character comes to the door. The lighting around the door is very dark, bringing the viewers attention directly to the door. A close up is used as the character fumbles with a padlock on the door, as he struggles in vein to force it open the camera pans up to his face, allowing to us to see the anguish and distress on his face. This quickly changes to an expression of hope and determination as he looks side to side and spots a fire extinguisher to the side of the door. The camera zooms out so we can see the character pull the fire extinguisher up and use it to bash the door open. Match on action is then used as he moves through the door to the other side. Once again a medium shot is used here, which shows us the brief expression of relief displayed on the characters face as he takes a moment to catch his breath, the camera then pans to see what the character sees, which is an open door. Quickly the character moves through the door and spots a window, once again a close up is used, with an eye line match, showing us the character as he moves forward, focusing on the window. The light in the room is flickering on and off also, adding to the panicky feel. As he realises the window is blocked from the other side, and therefore unviable for escape, the character utters the first piece of dialogue of the film, ‘fuck!’

This use of this swear word re-emphasises the distress and anxiety of the character, once again making the viewer wonder what he is running away from.

 

The lockers in the room where the character is situated then begin to open mysteriously, once again a medium close up is used as the character turns around slowly, panic and fear clearly visible on his face. The camera then cuts to each locker in turn, showing the character’s reflection in the locker mirrors. This once again links to the title, and perhaps gives the sense that something is about to happen. The character then walks towards a large wall mirror, which begins to crack. He appears to talk to his reflection, apologising and saying ‘he wasn’t running away.’ He abruptly breaks down; begging for forgiveness, with a series of medium close ups showing his face screw up in fear and remorse.

A shard of the mirror falls away from the wall and onto the floor. There is a cut away to it, and the character is shown to pick it up. This is done from behind the character in a medium shot, and we see as the character bends down to pick it up, his reflection does not move, but a very different expression can be seen on his reflections face, one that is cold and angry.  The ‘shot, reverse-shot’ technique is used between the character and his reflection, as his reflection draws the shard the character picked up across his throat. Although the character himself doesn’t do anything himself, we see as the camera is on him that his neck tears open, and blood begins to gush out. We are also able to see the extreme terror on his face as this happens. The movie then cuts to the title sequence.

 

Through the opening scene low key lighting is used, adding to the dark feel. Also straight cuts are used in every cut, this is likely to maintain the fast paced and panicky theme that the film has, reflecting the characters emotions as he runs. The backdrop is quite dark and tinted green, a colour often associated with evil.