How Does The Movie Barbarian Start?
The Initial Setting
The Abandoned Detroit Neighborhood
The story begins in a rundown neighborhood of Detroit. The dilapidated houses and deserted streets create an atmosphere of desolation. One particular house, which will become a central location in the film, stands out. It is a large, old-fashioned structure that has seen better days. The overgrown yard and boarded-up windows give it an eerie appearance. This setting serves as a character in itself, as it holds many secrets and a history that is slowly unveiled. For example, the neighborhood’s economic decline and abandonment contribute to the sense of isolation and danger. It is a place where anything could happen, and no one would be around to hear the screams.
The Late-Night Arrival
Tess Marshall, a young woman, arrives in Detroit for a job interview. It is late at night when she reaches the rental house she has booked. The darkness and the unfamiliar surroundings add to her anxiety. She tries to enter the house but faces difficulties with the lockbox that is supposed to contain the key. This simple yet frustrating situation heightens the tension, as Tess is left alone in an uninviting and potentially dangerous location. The late-night arrival also sets the stage for the events that will occur in the cover of darkness, enhancing the sense of vulnerability.
The Introduction of Tess Marshall
A Struggling Actress
Tess is an actress who is trying to make it in the competitive world of show business. She is in Detroit for a job opportunity that she hopes will jumpstart her career. This background gives her a sense of desperation and determination. She is willing to endure an uncomfortable and potentially risky situation in a strange house because she needs this break. Her character is portrayed as resourceful yet naive. For instance, she tries to figure out a way to get into the house on her own when faced with the lockbox issue, showing her initiative. However, her lack of awareness of the true danger that awaits her reveals her naivete.
Her First Impressions
As Tess explores the exterior of the house and tries to get in, she starts to notice some strange details. There are odd noises coming from inside, and the house has a musty smell. These initial impressions make her uneasy, but she brushes them off as normal for an old, unoccupied building. Her reactions to these early signs of something amiss are important in establishing her character. She is not overly paranoid but also not completely oblivious, creating a believable and relatable protagonist.
The Encounter with Keith Toshko
The Mysterious Second Guest
Just as Tess is struggling with the lockbox, Keith Toshko arrives. He claims to have also rented the house through the same rental app. This unexpected encounter adds a new layer of complexity to the situation. Keith is a friendly and somewhat eccentric character. He is a salesman who is in Detroit for a convention. His presence initially seems like a relief to Tess, as she is no longer alone in the strange house. However, his motives and true nature are not immediately clear.
The Tension and Suspicion
Despite Keith’s friendly demeanor, there is an underlying tension between him and Tess. They both have doubts about the other’s claim to have rented the house. This mutual suspicion creates a sense of unease. For example, they argue about who should stay and who should leave, with neither fully trusting the other. As they explore the house together to try to find evidence of their respective bookings, they discover some disturbing things, such as the fact that the basement door is locked from the outside. This discovery further heightens the tension and makes them question what secrets the house might be hiding.
The First Hints of The House’s Dark Secret
The Unusual Basement
The locked basement is a major source of mystery and dread. The fact that it is locked from the outside and seems to be a place that the owners of the house did not want anyone to access easily raises many questions. Tess and Keith’s attempts to find a way to open it or understand its significance are met with more strange occurrences. There are faint noises coming from below, and the temperature around the basement door seems to be colder than the rest of the house. These small details start to build a sense of foreboding, as it becomes clear that something very wrong is hidden in the depths of the house.
The Creepy Discoveries
As they continue to explore the main floor of the house, Tess and Keith come across some other disturbing things. There are strange symbols on the walls in one of the rooms, and old photographs that seem to depict a family with a dark past. These discoveries add to the overall sense of unease and 暗示 that the house has a history of something sinister. The characters’ reactions to these finds, such as Tess’s growing fear and Keith’s attempts to rationalize them, help to develop their personalities and the escalating tension.
The Role of The Director’s Cinematography
The Use of Darkness and Shadows
The director’s cinematography plays a crucial role in setting the mood from the start. The extensive use of darkness and shadows in the initial scenes creates a sense of mystery and danger. For example, when Tess arrives at the house at night, the dimly lit street and the dark exterior of the building are emphasized. Inside the house, the lighting is also carefully controlled, with many areas in shadow. This makes it difficult for the characters and the viewers to see clearly, adding to the sense of the unknown. The play of light and shadow also creates a sense of claustrophobia, as if the darkness is closing in on the characters.
The Camera Angles and Movement
The camera angles and movement are also used effectively. Low-angle shots are used to make the house seem more imposing and intimidating. When Tess and Keith are exploring the house, the camera often follows them from a slightly lower angle, giving the impression that they are being watched or that they are in a place where they are not in control. The camera also moves in a way that mimics the characters’ sense of unease. For example, it may pan slowly across a room, lingering on the strange objects and symbols, or it may jerk suddenly when a noise is heard, startling the viewers just as it startles the characters.
The Sound Design’s Contribution
The Eerie Background Noises
The sound design in the opening of the movie is essential in creating a sense of dread. There are constant background noises that add to the unease. The faint creaking of the old house, the wind whistling through the cracks, and the occasional strange groans from the basement all contribute to the overall atmosphere. These sounds are often just loud enough to be noticed but not so loud as to give away the source of the danger. They keep the viewers on edge, constantly anticipating something to happen.
The Use of Silence
The strategic use of silence is also a powerful tool. In between the background noises, there are moments of complete silence. These silences are even more unsettling than the noises, as they create a sense of anticipation. For example, after a particularly loud creak, the sudden silence makes the viewers hold their breath, waiting for the next sound or event. The combination of the eerie noises and the silence works together to build a palpable sense of tension and fear.
Conclusion
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