Film Opening Analysis #3

  THE ELEVATOR GAME (2023) 

Directors: Rebekah McKendry

Writer: David Ian McKendry, Travis Seppala

Genre: Horror

Running time: 94 min

Release date: February 7, 2023 (US)

Box Office: $218,176

Shudder - Streaming Service 

Head Gear Films - Production Companies 

AMP (Alliance Media Partners) International - Distribution 

Idents 

The film began with its streaming service, Shudder. Following, Head Gear Films and FearWorks Production are the two film productions. They appeared for a total of 6 seconds, with these incidents having no connection to the film's content. 

During the trailer, there are text effects of them going up and down. In the scene below, “EXPERIENCE” is moving up, and “TERROR” is going down, which this connotation is linked to the whole content of the movie about elevators.

Synopsis

Socially awkward teenager Ryan ingratiates himself into a group of recent high school graduates who run an online web series debunking urban legends. But Ryan has a secret: His sister disappeared months earlier, and he believes they—and a dangerous online challenge called “The Elevator Game”—were responsible. To play the game, you must ride the elevator in a specific sequence, invoking a supernatural creature called “The 5th Floor Woman.” In an attempt to gain more information as to the whereabouts of his sister, Ryan persuades the group to play the game once more, and risk unleashing the most fearsome consequences imaginable.

Film Opening Video

Link: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8o6qk2

Clip duration: 6:20 (+1:20 of idents)

Start Point: 00:00

End Point: 06:20

End Point of Idents: 07:40

Evaluation

Thematic Implication: The opening sequence establishes themes of fear, isolation, and the supernatural. The elevator's confined space represents the protagonist's journey into the unknown, evoking feelings of entrapment and vulnerability. Meanwhile, a mysterious encounter hints at otherworldly forces at play, foreshadowing a descent into a chilling reality. This sets the stage for a gripping exploration of terror and the unknown that will captivate audiences from the start.

Sound Design: The ambient noises of the elevator—mechanical whirring, creaking metal, and distant echoes—create an eerie backdrop that intensifies the sense of isolation. The characters' frightened breathing sounds and especially the bass sound like a heartbeat combined with the scary music in the background create an extremely thrilling feeling for the viewer. The subtle use of ominous music further underscores the growing sense of dread, signalling to the audience that something sinister is about to unfold.

Mise en Scene: McKendry's meticulous attention to mise en scene is evident from the outset. The setting of the elevator is meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of unease and confinement. The dimly lit, claustrophobic space is adorned with subtle details—scuff marks on the walls, flickering lights, and a lingering sense of decay—that add layers of atmosphere and depth to the scene. These elements not only immerse the audience in the protagonist's world but also foreshadow the impending terror that awaits. Costume design also plays a crucial role in character development.

Editing: The editing in the opening sequence of "Elevator Game" is a blend of pacing, rhythm, and juxtaposition. Through the strategic use of quick cuts and seamless transitions, he builds tension, drawing the audience into the protagonist's experience. Contrasts in sound and imagery enhance the eerie atmosphere, while subtle visual effects add to the supernatural undertones. This meticulous editing creates a captivating introduction that effectively sets the stage for the film's chilling narrative.

Genre & Audience: "Elevator Game" belongs to the horror genre, and the opening sequence effectively establishes the film's tonal and thematic elements. By immersing the audience in a world of suspense and supernatural intrigue from the outset, McKendry sets the stage for a thrilling cinematic experience that will resonate with fans of the genre. 

The opening sequence's blend of psychological tension, atmospheric dread, and supernatural elements appeals to a diverse audience of horror enthusiasts. By tapping into universal fears of the unknown and the uncanny, McKendry ensures that "Elevator Game" will captivate viewers seeking an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride.

Analysis

The opening starts with a black screen and the sound of cosmic noise, suddenly a ‘ting’ sound of the elevator resounds and the screen starts to appear with an image of a girl waiting for the elevator. In this scene, the camera was placed face-to-face with the character and filmed medium close-up which created an eye-catching scene due to the symmetry of elevator doors sliding open. For me, this is a great way to start as the ‘ting' sound will catch our attention first, and then the doors open represent the beginning of the movie.