Analysis Of 'Nightmare On Elm Street' (1984) Opening Scene

The following clip is the opening of 1984's 'Nightmare On Elm Street' which was written and directed by Wes Craven. This slasher film is the first in the franchise and the opening reveals the villain, Freddy Kruger, creating his razor glove. This opening is especially eerie and mysterious as we do not actually see Freddy's face and the diegetic sound of the metal work creates a very ominous mood. 

Sound

As aforementioned, the sound within the opening connotes a threatening mood. The diegetic sound of the clanging of tools, scraping of metal and footsteps are parallel to that of the action on screen. However, the non-diegetic sound consist of an electronic piano and very eerie sound effects that increase dramatically in volume when Freddy fits the glove on his hand and as the title rolls on screen. The atmosphere created is also parallel to what we see on screen and creates a sinister and foreboding atmosphere which is to be expected.

Camera Framing

The opening contain lots of close ups of Freddy sharpening his metal claw and hammering it down. This confuses the audience as they have not been introduced to any characters and do not even have a general clue of what is going on and why it is happening. It can also make the audience feel uncomfortable. At the start of the film opening, we see Freddy dump the contents of his bag onto the table. This long shot provides us with a clear view of the messy and cramped table littered with rags and metal work.

Camera Movement And Angles


Firstly, we have a panning shot following Freddy's feet as he bends down to pick up the bag, followed by a birds eye view of the table. The camera movement in this scene is also very smooth as the camera's focus is always on Freddy's hand and the creation of his razor glove. It is interesting to note how the camera always follows Freddy's hand movements as if someone is watching him make it. It shows us all the elements of what goes into creating this glove and allows the audience to question why we are being shown this scene. Later on in the film, we learn that the glove proves to be Freddy's notorious murder weapon and is very important within the film creating some of the most infamous horror film scenes of all time.

Mise-En-Scene

The mise-en-scene in this film opening is very interesting and plays a part in determining the location. Due to the diegetic sounds of the steam howling and echo's, we can assume that Freddy is in a very isolated location, possibly underground. The colour portrayed in this opening are all different variations of the colours red, Freddy's shirt and brown which could symbolise danger and a sense of foreboding. The sharp razors, rags and metal equipment could make the audience feel nervous as to where Freddy is and what he is doing

Lighting

The lighting within the opening scene remains at a low key artificial lighting throughout the whole of the sequence. This casts shadow across the table and Freddy's hand which could connote the dangerous nature of Freddy and could cause a sense of foreboding. However, the lighting within these sequence does not play a vital role but the warm yellow light could convey the location and timing as well as illuminating all of the objects.

Editing

The editing within the opening is also very simplistic and conveys a montage of Freddy making the razor glove. The quick, sharp editing barely gives the audience enough time to analyse the situation and understand what is happening. However, I believe this opening is meant to be mysterious and eerie as it entices the audience to continue watching. The continuity editing also establishes a narrative and contributes to the smoothness of the opening.

Conventions Of A Slaher Horror

Nightmare On Elm Street conforms to all the code and conventions to a 70's slasher film

1. Masked killer - Freddy's face is burnt so you cannot distinguish his face
2. Visceral depictions - the murders are very graphic and include lots of dismembered body parts and blood
3. Weapon that pierces the skin - Freddy's razor sharp glove  
4. Killer picks off one person at a time - Freddy appears in each persons dream and kills them off one by one
5. Killer sometimes has supernatural quality - Freddy can appear in people's dreams and if they die in their dream, they die in real life
6. Has a Final Girl - Nancy Thompson is the final girl with all her friends dying one by on in the film