Thriller opening analysis

Opening Sequence Analysis (Se7en)

Camera Shot/Angle/Movement

The scene opens with an extreme close up of a book. In the background we appear to see a figure we take to be a hand turning the page.We then have a birds eye view overlooking what we think is a book with very explicit imagery of hands which are deformed.

Sound

The sound is mixed with both digetic and non-diegetic sound the non diegetic sound however seems to over power the digetic sound it adds more of an effect creates a sense of suspense to the opening as a whole whereas the digetic sound helps set a sinister tone to the opening sequence as a whole.

Editing

The editing constructed in the opening sequence is very effective there is a use of fast edits which create pace and hints to an adrenaline rush which may be present throughout the film.There are also abstract images which add a sense of confusion at a very early stage, these images are already intriguing as an audience to watch on.

Mise en Scene
There are specific colours used which are red and black these are two colours we associate with blood and darkness, two key elements we associate with the horror genre. The main features include abstract equipment and books which suggest mystery.

Characters

We are not yet introduced to any specific character yet only a mystery silhouette figure whose shadow is only discovered.

Locations

We are not yet introduced to a main location yet but from the specific conventions and images used we begin to think that the location maybe in some sort of a basement or laboratory definitely somewhere off limits.

Narrative/Plot

Depending on the opening sequence there is no actual clear indication of a narrative/plot. Not yet anyway, we haven’t yet been introduced to it.

Themes

There are very apparent themes shown already in the opening sequence. we are introduced to themes of mystery,blood and gore. From the opening sequence we are able to predict that one of the poignant themes in the film will be murder.

Visual Style

The use of fast edits and abstract images almost act as a series of questions which will only be answered when we watch the movie.

Genre

We are not 100% sure on the genre but from the opening sequence we can maybe say that it maybe within the horror/thriller genre.

Opening Sequence Analysis (Panic Room)

Camera Shot/Angle/Movement

The opening is introduced with an omniscient shot. This shot shows us exactly how big the supposed town is. We then have a series of high shots mixed with panning. The camera focuses though on windows of buildings which represents the many different rooms this shot we can associate with the title of the film Panic room. We then have a series of high shot almost omniscient like which shows us the busy city, now we are able to identify where we are. Throughout the whole opening the shots seem to rotate between high shot, mid shot and low shot. This could hint to the levels which the characters are at later on in the film.

Sound

The sound in this opening sequence plays a very important role as it adds emphasis and really sets the tone from a very early stage. The music is diegetic and the use of the piano and strings sets a very calming sinister tone we then constantly have a ticking sound which we immediately associate with time this hints that maybe in the film the characters are up against time. The music begins to get faster which creates pace and sets a sense of intensity this suggests that this feeling is felt later on in the film.

Editing

The editing is quite basic in the sense that the camera changes its attention to different still images which are of buildings and the city. However there is a main focus on the windows of the buildings this has an association to a variety of rooms which links to the title of the film.

Mise en Scene

The main settings of the opening is focused mainly on buildings and the city. we have cars and billboards which represent an everyday life and the fact that everything is ongoing. The fact that this has been highlighted may question whether or not this formation will later on be disrupted.

Characters

We are not yet introduced to any specific characters yet.

Locations

From an early start we are able to identify the location as New York City.

Narrative/Plot

We are not yet sure of a particular narritive/plot as it has not yet been made clear to us.

Themes

There is not much of an obvious theme from the opening sequence but we can maybe see one of the themes as typical american city life.

Visual Style

The visual style of the opening sequence shows a middle class/working class status. It also shows what life in america is like on a normal day.

Genre

From the music and the shots focused on we may start to perceive that the film may be a type of mystery/thriller.

Comparison of Panic room and Se7en.

The opening of both films differ with a huge amount the camera work used in the opening of Se7en is very jumpy and consists of alot of jump cuts and quick edits straight away tension is created, however in the opening of Panic room the camera work is very subtle and only consists of slow pans and long shots also different level shots such as high angles and low angles.

The sound in Se7en consists of digetic and non-digetic with the non-diegetic music having a more stronger emphasis on the opening as a whole, however for panic room it is the diegetic music which makes the difference to the sequence as a whole. Both pieces of music add a great deal to the openings and both create a sinister tone hinting to the future plot of both films.

The editing in Panic room can be branded as basic when compared to the quick cuts and jump cuts used in the opening of Se7en. However both openings focus on still abstract images which link to the nature of both films and what they may be about.

There is a great difference within the Mise-en-scene in both openings as the mise-en-scene in Se7en boasts a dark and dangerous element hinting to us that the film will probably contain murder and mystery. The mise-en-scene in Panic room is focused mainly on the city and city life. This focus may hint that this city may be disrupted later on in the film.

In both openings we are not primarily introduced to any specific characters, however in Se7en we are aware of an unknown silhouette figure.

The Locations of both openings are entirely different. Se7en hint a location in maybe a basement or a cellar- somewhere secretive whereas Panic room boasts of the city which we think is New York city a very open place.

For both openings at this early stage we are not yet sure of a particular narrative or plot.

Where the themes in Panic room are not so obvious there may be a theme of perhaps American city life. Whereas the themes in Se7en become very apparent from an early stage and we are able to tell that some of the themes that will appear will be mystery ,blood and a poignant theme of murder.

The visual styles of both openings again differ where Panic represents a working/middle class style of the city and what exactly it is like, the visual style of Se7en builds up suspense and intruigs the audience.

From watching the openings I think that the genres maybe within the horror/thriller genre. The music used in Panic room starts to suggest this as it has a sinister tone to it. Whereas the editing and visual style of Se7en quite obviously suggests this.