Film Opening Research #2 - Krampus

Opening Research: Krampus

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

When we fade into the scene right away we are shown the title, “ Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures presents”. Towards the end of the opening sequence emphasizes the title of the film, “Krampus”. This title is highlighted in a gold font dripping with snow. 

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

The images prioritized in the opening sequence are those that emphasize an apparent chaotic nature that many viewers are familiar with that occurs during the holiday season. The camera shows people acting out of character in a mall setting, on the hunt to secure the best Christmas gifts. It is supposed to evoke a humorous mood into the audience as they may relate or even condemn the actors on screen acting in such a wild and unnecessary nature. 

What connotations do the images carry?

The ideas evoked through the images shown in the opening sequence entail a notion of a hectic atmosphere and an undeniable strain of a family’s relationship. With the scene shot in slow motion, viewers are able to see in vast detail the working parts of the sequence. Chaotic shoppers enter a mall shopping center fighting like cats and dogs to secure the best possible deals that are popular around the holidays. People trample over each other in the rush to get presents for Christmas Day. In a comedic display of urgent chaos the opening sequence portrays a hilarious and unsettling event. Micheal Bublè’s “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” plays calmly in the background, creating an unsettling counter feeling to the swarm of people on screen, displaying a frenzied environment. In the very beginning before we fade in the frantic atmosphere we see the production and company names in bolder blocks of ice furthering of a Christmas thriller.

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

Genre is reinforced here as shown in camera movement/arrangement and the actions of the characters on set. With the camera moving slowly and calmly through the hectic sea of frantic shoppers, the audience is able to capture the essence of the actors movements, urging viewers to grasp the elements of the film that will determine a major theme, which is in this case family disfunction. 

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? 

Strategies used to ensure that the film accurately targets its intended audience are themes of Christmas, chaos, and suspense. Krampus is a unique film because it incorporates elements that are not usually seen together. For example, Christmas is extremely accentuated here as it was released during the holiday season, and with Christmas movies the most common and notable themes are those relating to family in the essence of holiday cheer and giving back. Whereas Krampus executes a proposal of a horrific version of the holidays where instead of giving back, an evil shadow of Santa Claus comes to take from those who do not believe and those who give up. This film offers an audience who seeks a little more action and adventure into a Christmas story instead of being thrown the stereotypical themes scene on screens during the height of December.

How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques. 

The most prominent use of technology used effectively in the opening sequence is the usage of slow motion and deliberate cuts in scenes used to align with the beat of the background music. The chaotic scenes blend strangely well together with the music.