The beginning of ‘The Maze Runner’ uses various different horror conventions to create an atmosphere of tension and fear. The mise-en-scene is one of the most important aspects of this scene; I think that the use of dark and light is one of the most important and noticeable features of this introductory scene. The alternation of dark and light as the main character is going up in the lift has a disorientating effect of the viewers, and sets the mood of chaos and fear. The disorientating light, paired with the fact that the lift is designed to look like a cage, gives the sense of isolation and vulnerability. The positioning of the camera within the cage makes it seem like we as the audience are also trapped in the cage lift and so we feel vulnerable like the character, as we are expecting something to jump out. We sympathise with him because we also feel the sense of confinement.
The lighting is a key point in this scene. The initial extremely low key lighting suggests an element of horror and fear of what is in the darkness. In addition to this almost nonexistent, low key lighting, further on in the clip there are red and green flashing lights. The red light acts and a warning and a symbol of danger, however the green light contrasts this which adds confusion. The ambient lighting disorientates that audience and confuses their feelings. The red warns of potential danger; however the green light is encouraging. The audience are expectant and curious of what waits ahead, but are still wary of the situation.
In addition to mise-en-scene, the cinematography in this scene is also very important in terms of establishing horror movie conventions. To introduce Thomas (the main character), the camera doesn’t move down to him, but instead establishes an empty frame, that Thomas unexpectedly rises into. This fast paced movement into the frame shocks the audience and makes them jump, unsettling them for the rest of the opening scene. Another point to make about this shot is that the shot is composed so that we end up at eye level with Thomas after he jumps up into the frame. This encourages the audience to place themselves in his position and sympathise with him; allowing them to feel the fear that he feels.
The POV shot used further on in the scene is effective in building tension. From Thomas’ point of view we see the speed of the elevator cage rising faster and faster, building more tension as the speed increases. We don’t know when or where the elevator will stop and we are waiting for the moment that the tension breaks. The element of expectance increases the fear factor of this scene.
In addition to this, there is one point about the editing that I really liked and thought was effective. We are taken straight from the upbeat 20th Century Fox logo and audio, to eerie blackness. The straight cut transition used to do this is done very quickly and is quite jumpy. The audience is chucked into the unknown with blackness and only mysteriou sounds . I feel like this is a really important part of the introductory scene as it puts the audience of edge instantly, making them fearful and warey about the rest of the introduction.
The lighting is a key point in this scene. The initial extremely low key lighting suggests an element of horror and fear of what is in the darkness. In addition to this almost nonexistent, low key lighting, further on in the clip there are red and green flashing lights. The red light acts and a warning and a symbol of danger, however the green light contrasts this which adds confusion. The ambient lighting disorientates that audience and confuses their feelings. The red warns of potential danger; however the green light is encouraging. The audience are expectant and curious of what waits ahead, but are still wary of the situation.
In addition to mise-en-scene, the cinematography in this scene is also very important in terms of establishing horror movie conventions. To introduce Thomas (the main character), the camera doesn’t move down to him, but instead establishes an empty frame, that Thomas unexpectedly rises into. This fast paced movement into the frame shocks the audience and makes them jump, unsettling them for the rest of the opening scene. Another point to make about this shot is that the shot is composed so that we end up at eye level with Thomas after he jumps up into the frame. This encourages the audience to place themselves in his position and sympathise with him; allowing them to feel the fear that he feels.
The POV shot used further on in the scene is effective in building tension. From Thomas’ point of view we see the speed of the elevator cage rising faster and faster, building more tension as the speed increases. We don’t know when or where the elevator will stop and we are waiting for the moment that the tension breaks. The element of expectance increases the fear factor of this scene.
In addition to this, there is one point about the editing that I really liked and thought was effective. We are taken straight from the upbeat 20th Century Fox logo and audio, to eerie blackness. The straight cut transition used to do this is done very quickly and is quite jumpy. The audience is chucked into the unknown with blackness and only mysteriou sounds . I feel like this is a really important part of the introductory scene as it puts the audience of edge instantly, making them fearful and warey about the rest of the introduction.