The Cabin In The Woods is a 15 age rated American horror thriller film, directed by Drew Goddard and released in April 2012. The story stars Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchinson, Fran Kranz and Jesse Williams, as a group of 5 friends who take a vacation in a remote cabin in the woods. Mysterious events begin to happen and we learn that there is a much bigger plan behind the trip to the cabin. The film was distributed by Lionsgate and was made on budget of $30 million and produced $65 million at the box office worldwide.
Genre and Target Audience
This film belongs to a horror thriller genre and conforms to many of the typical conventions of the genre. This therefore makes it appealing to the typical audience of thriller/ horror film; this being both male and females aged between 15-19. The horror elements of this film, such as the gore, make it less suitable for a young audience (hence the age rating of the film being 15). And the young cast, slightly immature plot line and science fiction elements would perhaps make this film less attractive to adults.
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Opening Credits
The famous Lionsgate ident has been distorted in order to coincide with this film. The usual light colours and pretty clouds have been replaced in favour of a black and red ominous sky. The use of red and black conjures up connotations of death and blood (linking to the horror aspects of the story). This title fades to black and we then transition to pages revealing egyptian images and symbols as blood seeps over the top, with loud, ominous instrumental music playing over the top. The credits list of the most important people and companies in the production of the film in a red font. This all provides a very tense and dark atmosphere and creates a sense of the enigma within the audience from the start.
The original credits build up, with the momentum of the music increases, as if leading up to a climax in which the title will be shown. However, this does not happen. Instead a jump cut is used to abruptly cut away from the ominous blood soaked pages, to an office type environment; completely juxtaposes the supposed genre of the film. In fact the title is not shown until 2.50 when a very sudden non-diegetic sound of a woman's scream and a loud percussion is played, and the movie title appears on screen in bold red capitals. A second set of credits is played when the next group of characters is introduced. Although the scene appears more vibrant and fun, the same red font is used for the text, suggesting that this happy atmosphere will not last.
Location and Atmosphere representation
The first location that we are introduced to initially appears to be an ordinary office environment. Over the shoulder shots are used to show the two new characters having a conversation. They leave the coffee room, then a long shot shows the building that they are in, and the location appears less familiar with the audience as the building has a very slight futuristic twist to it. The building also has a grey tone to it which suggests a sense of formality and slight darkness. As the camera moves with the two men down the corridor the conversation changes. This highlights the thriller aspects of the film as the typical conventions of this genre are met, and a mystery element is introduced into the film; what are they talking about? 
The second location is introduced by medium shot, pan zoom of a friendly looking neighbourhood. The bright mis en scene and upbeat music connotes happiness and carefree fun. This is a very different setting to the beginning office-like scene and again puts forward a sense of mystery for the audience as it is unclear how these two settings will interlink in the story; making the film conform to the typical conventions of thriller. The two sets of characters also do not appear to fit together, the first group appear formal and serious, dressed in office wear, whereas the second group appear more relaxed and carefree as the first character we meet is dressed in only pants and a shirt. Character Representation
The first set of characters appear formal and business like. They wear suits and the mis en scene of their surroundings has a grey tone, connoting conservativeness but also emotionlessness; linking to the character's role later in the story as they view the horrific events happening to the teens with little or no sympathy. Eye level shots are mainly used to present these characters, which suggests that they are all of the same importance. Although, at 2.15 and long high angle shot is used to show the characters walking into a large room, suggesting that they are all a small part of a much bigger picture, as they look smaller and less significant. 
The second set of characters appear much more carefree and youthful compared to the first group. The light mis en scene, bouncy, upbeat music and cheerful setting of a typical teenage girls room imply both youth and happiness. The first character that we are introduced to is Dana; dressed in nothing but a shirt and her pants suggesting that she has a nonchalant attitude towards life. The next character introduced is Jules. An over the shoulder shot is used to represent these two characters having a conversation, however a high angle is used to suggest that Jules's confidence is misplaced and that, in fact, Dana is superior to her in some way. Conclusion
This is an unorthodox opening to a thriller film, however it still abides by some of the typical conventions of the genre. A sense of mystery still remains throughout the opening scenes as we do not know what role these scientists play and how they are interlinked with the other group of characters. Also, although their roles have not yet been established, both villain and hero roles have been introduced. The opening credits have also created tension and an ominous tone to the film as the blood seeping over the pages connote death and something to be feared.
Overall I think that this is an effective opening to a thriller film as it uses some of the typical conventions to create suspense, yet creates a false sense of security by juxtaposing a bleak scene with that of a happy neighbourhood and carefree teens. This create confusion within the audience and therefore creates suspense.
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