Opening Scene Deconstruction-Paranormal Activity 2

Realism 

 At the very beginning of the opening scene, we see this statement which adds realism to the film as the audience are likely to think that this is real if the families of the deceased, as well as police are being addressed. This is also achieved through the formality of the font in which the text had been written in. Also, the shifty camera movements reinforce the idea that this is a home movie in order to create realism.

"Paramount Pictures would like to thank the families of the deceased and the Carlsbad police department"

Innocence

Babies are usually portrayed as innocent as well as vulnerable, therefore to have a possessed baby strongly challenges this stereotype, which may cause the audience to be even more shocked when this is revealed, however, in the beginning scene, there are elements of innocence through the white furniture in the house, as well as the tidiness of most of the rooms within the house.

Camera Shots

As well as this, we see a number of establishing shots which introduce the audience to the family as well as the main location, the house. The characters are completely exposed to the audience as we are shown a main element of their private life.

This low angle shot highlights the idea that this film is being centered around the baby as he takes up most of the shot. It also higlights that this is meant to look like a homefilm, therefore this further adds realism.





In addition to this, the excited reaction shots of the family alongside the cheerful diegetic sounds of the lady, due to the baby's arrival, are ironic as though the baby is giving them joy now, this will be the same baby which leaves them all frightened and horrified later on. Also, the joyous atmosphere is juxtaposed with the tense and mysterious atmosphere later on in the film.

Mise en Scene

Hudson's sister's room, is the only one which is shown as untidy when the audience is given a tour of the house, which juxtaposes the rest of the house, which is portrayed as white and clean.

There is also a juxtaposition when the house had been made to look burgled. The house has been turned upside-down, with table and chairs tipped over, as well as cracks in the TV. The only room which hasn't been touched is the baby's room, which may cause the audience to have suspicions, as they would be expecting someone to be possessed due to the genre.  Also, the mid shot of the cracked TV highlights the destructive nature of the demon, which makes it even more horrific when the audience find out that the baby had been possessed by this evil spirit.