Woman in Black

We watched the opening sequence for 'The Woman in Black', although it was over 2 minutes the first 3 included the title sequences with no action.
The iconography of the horror genre is used within the title sequence to express to the audience the type of film they are about to endure. The texts itself is a dull colour, yet illuminated against the black background - which, in my vuew, reminds me of flesh and when put against a black background symbolises a mythical theme such as ghosts. The smog that we see floating across the screen and text is eerie and connotes horror, resembling that which we see in slasher movies or graveyards - again displaying the death side of the film. To add to this, is the style of text. It resemebles both a wanted poster and the writing seen on a headstone thus matching the smog to create a graveyard effect - explaining that the theme is indeed death. The non-diagetic music being played on top of the title sequence is in minor key and puts a sadistic twist on the film by sounded much like fairground music, or even that which is on babies toys.
The establishing shot is done at eye line level and makes the audience feel as thought the character in view is being watched from some hidden place. This is further demonstrated by the fact that the camera is situated behind railings, indicating that perhaps the person watching is hidden for a reason. As the character steps out the car his wealth is demonstrated immediatly, this is because of his clothing and the fact that he can afford to pay for a taxi.
Although the sun is shining, showing that it is morning time, there are still shadows surrounding the building into which the character walks. The continuity editing of the man walking to the door and putting his hand on the door emphasises his importance. The camera does a close up of the plack by the side of the building - which reads 'Sweetman Haigh and Sweetman Solicitors'. From his profession and the obvious period, we cna work out that the man would have great power and status.
As he walks down the corridors we notice that the setting is dark which connotates fear or evil. The position of women is dictated by there being only one female secretary there, who is quiet and well behaved unlike the male solicitors - who are undoubtedly younger than her.
Through the mise-en-scene we note the difference in social classes as the better paid are dressed more opulantly than those who are less fortunate.

The genre of this film is the same as the genre we have chosen to do our film opening in, therefore has helped to give us ideas about the type of iconography and mise-en-scene we must include.