Paranormal Activity 2 - Opening 2 Minutes

The scene begins with a long shot which is filmed in such way that it looks like a home video. This then also has a voice over of a young innocent sounding woman, which we stereotypically expect a horror film to have. We then see a close up of a new-born baby which we stereotypically expect to be the vulnerable one within this movie. The home that the film is set in, does not meet our general expectations of a horror film as this home is clean, tidy and modern. However, because the family is shown to be sweet, innocent and normal within these first opening minutes allows the audience to relate to their one lives and make the film appear more realistic and scary because people can relate to living the same lives that it appears these characters are. It also allows the audience to build up suspense because they know it is a horror film so will be waiting for something drastic to happen.

All of the actors are wearing clothing that we would expect someone around the time this film was released to wear. Which therefore allows the audience to relate again to the storyline.

Overall, this film does not meet the general expectations of a horror film as there is no evidence of an antagonist harming anyone, effecting anything or being present.