The title of the movie already gives away the genre of the film because it suggests being alone and lonely. This is because horror films are usually set in isolated areas, like the woods, to make the movie scary.

Furthermore, the opening sequence tells the audience it’s a horror film. This is because it uses colours such as red and black, which connotes danger and death. The music used in the opening credits gets louder, as the blood moves across the scene. This builds up tension causing the audience to be at the edge of our seats and intrigued in the storyline.   

In the opening scene for the Cabin in the woods, it begins with a two shot to show there is a conversation between two male characters. As the two characters are chatting away, whilst making coffee, the 180-degree rule is used. This camera angle is effective because it shows the conversation from two different perspectives. Through the use of mise en scene, the audience can tell they are co-workers. They are seen wearing formal wear, which is associated with the workplace. As one of the characters exit the room the scene then cut cuts to a long shot of an office. The diegetic sounds in the scene, such as the overhead speakers imply the office is very busy. Moreover, the scene then cuts back to the two men, as they walk down the corridor. A medium shot/two shot is used to capture they are having a casual conversation. Additionally, The camera prevalence is given to the male character wearing the glasses, which tells the audience he is important. Shortly, after another long shot of the office, a female character joins them. To frame the three characters a medium shot is used. The female character is in between the two male characters. This makes her look inferior. Her facial expression and body language suggest she is worried and anxious, unlike the male characters that look relaxed. The camera angle alternates between the long shot of the office and medium shot of the character. This is effective, as it shows they are having a smooth conversation. The male characters are portrayed as the dominant gender. We know this because they interrupt the female character, half way through her sentence and reply sarcastically to her questions.

A long shot is then used to show the audience where they have arrived on a floor with white vehicles. This makes the audience question and wonder why they are in there. Further along, the camera pans and follows the three characters, as the two male characters get into the vehicle and drive away.

The two male characters are framed in a medium shot while driving through the office. Suddenly, bold red letters appear out of nowhere, in contrast with non-diegetic sound effects of screaming and brass instruments. This is effective because it was unexpected causing the audience to feel startled and scared.

In addition, the shot freezes to highlight the importance of the text in bold, which is also the title of the film. The colour red is used for the fonts because it connotes blood, hinting the genre of the movie.  

An editing effect is used to give the illusion the scene has been fast-forwarded. To introduce a new setting a long shot is used. The non-diegetic music is very energetic and upbeat. This suggests the upcoming scene is going to be relaxed and informal. In this scene, we can see a neighborhood with a skater. The camera follows the skater and pans up to a window, where a girl can be seen walking in; slowly the camera zooms into the room. A close-up shot is used to introduce the character. It’s the first close-up shot of an individual character. This suggests she is the main protagonist, the audience is meant to empathise with.

A low angle shot in then used to show the girl picking up a book. It then cuts to and over the shoulder shot/point of view shot to show the audience what the character is looking at.

Shortly, after her friend accompanies her. To show they are having a conversation shot reverse shot is used. As the two characters talk and move around the room the 180-degree rule is used again. This is effective, as it shows the conversation from the different point of views. In order for the audience to hear their conversation, the non-diegetic music is played in the background quietly.

The friend conforms to the stereotypical dumb blond in horror films. She is physically attractive but lacks intelligence. This is shown through diegetic sounds such as dialogue/speech.

A male character then joins them. In horror films, it’s conventicle to have characters that are teenagers, in order for the target audience to relate.