Film Opening Analysis: Panic Room

Camera Work:

The main camera shot inside of the opening sequence for Panic Room is an establishing shot which is at eye-level and zooms in. This the progressions to a mid-shot of another piece of the city perhaps a totally distinctive city through and through. This is then repeated 18 times each with the on-screen characters and performing artists names, film title and credits on the structures/building design. The greater part of these mid-shots are at eye-level be that as it may, some change to a high edge shot and low edge shots. The camera is likewise, utilizing the 180° rule and is zooming in then out and panning left then right.

Sound:

The sound inside of the opening scene for Panic Room is non-diegetic sound, a soundtrack/bit of music that has been altered over the camera shots amid the altering procedure. The music is extremely sensational, which could surmise that the film will be entirely dramatic . The music starts moderate paced yet is a consistent emotional piece from start to finish and towards the end of the opening grouping the music's pace starts to fasten . The musical sound likewise, gradually gets louder on every shot. The soundtrack is exceptionally dull which suggests that the plot of the film could be dark and risky.

Editing:

The editing inside of the opening grouping for Panic Room comprises basically cuts. We can clearly see where cuts have been made during filming and that these cuts have been dragged together through-out make the shots look as though they have been recorded in a steady progression when they were most likely film completely because of timing or area. The credits are appeared on structures in an exceptionally clear manner , as large lines, the content blend together with the structures without looking unnatural or mutilated.

Mise-En-Scene:

During  the opening for Panic there are no visual props that are used as a large portion of the shots during the opening scene are of structures inside New York City. The vast majority of the structures inside of this grouping are of diverse shapes and sizes . The majority building structures inside of the scene have an exciting suspicion to them whilst the music's pace starts to speed up. We do see autos, trucks and bikes in four of the shots inside of the scene as they demonstrate the street. The lighting inside of the opening scene changes with every shot of structures as the camera angles explore different aspects of light. For instance, when the camera is at a low-point the lighting is darker than it is the point at which the camera is at a high-edge.

Film opening analysis: Black Swan

Camera/Editing

This opening scene is plain and basic all throughout, however still allows the audience to see what sort of character Nina is. It opens with a dark foundation and white textual style gradually blurs in and out with the title 'Black Swan' being the last content to show up very  bolder. This is followed by far of Nina in the focal point of a stage and the background staying dark, with one and only dim spotlight sparkling on her. This highlights her significance in the film, as she is the first character the crowd see.The audience then go ahead to see a close up of her feet, highlighting that she is a dancer, however additionally strengthening her elegance as these qualities are normally connected with dance. The camera stays on Nina's feet as she moves, then uses a medium shot as she completes her move and delicately sits on the floor.

Sound/Music

All through this opening scene the sound is non-diegetic. As the text begins to gradually fade classical music is played, moderate paced  making a quiet vibe for audience. However as the title 'Black Swan' shows up, sounds like wind are heard by audience, making an earthly atmosphere. And in addition this an evil laugh is heard to create tension . As Nina moves the music stays classical, however the volume increases. The non diegetic sound is heard by the audience when Nina wheezes, strengthening the fear she feels from the man. As the two characters begin to dance together the music volume increase and turns to be more intense. Also diegetic sound are used as the characters change outfit, turning out to be more dramatic and disturbing, making tense atmosphere for the audience. Then again non-diegetic sounds, for example, wings fluttering are used, as Nina's change into the White Swan. As the camera zooms far from Nina, the music gets to be more settled and calmer, linking to the moderating pace of her dancing.

Mise-en-scene.

All through this opening sequence the setting stays very much the same, being basic and plain. The main colours that are used are blacks and whites, the stage being dark and the main light source being the spotlight. These dull colours are used to strengthen Nina's significance and style, showing that she is the in center for the audience. Toward the start of the scene Nina is wearing a white artful dance dress, promptly symbolizing  anger and death to the audience. And this her glossy silk white dance shoes strengthen this image of purity, showing the audience what Nina is similar to as a character. Then again when the man shows up in this opening he is wearing dark, symbolising passing and risk, which additionally strengthens the riddle for the gathering of people. Besides the outfit changes for the two characters are additionally altogether different. The man's outfit could be seen as a creature, with huge dark feathers and horns. However Nina's change is a white dress, including a sensitive white tutu and a white headband, telling the audience  that Nina has changed into the White Swan.

Title Sequence

The title sequence for the Black Swan is very simple and plain, yet still effective. The text is in white font, comparing  the black background. These two colours could be used to represent the Black and White Swan characters in this film. As well as this the font being elegant and feminine links into the femininity of Nina in the opening scene.

Story and Narrative - Levi Strauss

Narrative is how a story is told in fictional and non fictional in media texts.


Levi Strauss

• Was a social Anthropologist 

• Studied myths of tribal cultures 

• Examined how stories unconsciously reflect the values, beliefs, and myths of a culture.

• These are usually expressed in the form of binary oppositions 

• His research has been adapted by media theorists to reveal underlying themes and symbolic oppositions by media.

Conventions

Conventions of a psychological thriller

Psychological thrillers is the sub genre of a specific thriller.

Themes that usually occur in psychological thrillers are 

• Perception - Often the characers mispercieve the world around them, or there perceptions are altered by outside factors within the narrative.
• Death - Characters often fear death or have a fascination with it.
• Identity - The definition of one's self. Characters often are confused about or doubt who they are and try to discover their true identity. 

Student film analysis

I looked at two AS film openings which was very similar to the genre that my group and me did choose which is psychological thriller. The first clip that i saw was 'Stalker' AS Media Studies Psychological Thriller Film Opening. In this clip one girl teenager was being stalked by a boy and in the end he went to her to ask her name. The things that did go well in the clip was that in the beginning they told the audience the companies name 'Sandbach studious' which was in the bottom of the clip. This did show the audience to know about the company, then after they showed the title of their opening film . The other things that were good were they said the actors name but also the producer and director name so the audience can be allowed to know. There was no soundtrack, it was just the normal sound so of the surroundings, which was a good idea as it was creating suspense and in last it allowed to us to hear about the dialogue that the actors say. Although they could have improved that by putting soundtracks which would create more suspense and would attract the audience more, and by adding more dialogue so the audience can also be more attached to the clip. From this i learned that soundtracks and dialogue are very important so the audiences don't get bored by the opening film. 

 

In the student film Mara the story was about 3 people, 2 of them were a couple and his girlfriend died so he sees a different girl and that girl brings him the memories of his girlfriend. The editting and camera work was very good has it was showing the past memories that the boy did have in his brain also has it was creating a lot of suspension on what did happen to the girlfriend. Although the things that they need to improve was that they should had showed the audience the production name and the actual characters name. 

Analysis of past AS students

In this opening scene of this Psychological Thriller what went well was the storyline was easy to understand, and also in the beginning the credits were clearly shown at the bottom of the page with the production company which was good because it was easy to distinguish and clearly seen, however I think they could improved this work by conveying continuity editing because we could see clearly where each cut was which stripped the realism.




What went well in the second film opening was that they created suspense when the killer was shown such as the music changed tone which is good as it will capture the attention of people. They could have improved this by adding the credits into the opening instead of having a whole page for the credits as it takes our attention of the opening as we are focused on the credits. This will help us when making our opening because it showed how certain credits have an affect on the opening and how the camera-work and sounds can create emphasise on the scene and can create suspense.

Genre Importance

Genre is very important to both film producers and film audiences because the producers need to engage their target audiences in order to be successful, whilst the film audiences need to be interested and engaged in the genre so that they go and watch the film and get pleasure.

When marketing and studying cinema it is important to know who the intended audience are so that it engages them and helps them to relate to certain producers so that forthcoming movies are successful as they will be interested if they liked a previous movie. Although genre has changed rapidly and new genres have been introduced many genres remain. For example, the genre of romance is used mostly in every film. In most films, there is normally always a couple or a princess that is saved by a ‘hero’. The use of romance in a film helps to engage an audience as does any other genre for example horror and thrillers.

film opening analysis - Insomnia

Insomnia

Conventions

Some of the conventions Insomnia uses in the opening scene is the establishment of the genre. The soundtrack and images on the screen makes it easy for the audience to know the genre is psychological  thriller. The scene has an establishing shot that sets the scene and shows us the location. The opening scene has title sequences  which shows the cast and production team for the film. However the characters are yet to be introduced in the opening scene which gives the film an unconventional opening.

Micro elements

The scene uses a slow soundtrack which gets louder as the clip goes on. The pace also increases which creates suspense to what is going to happen next. It also builds up fear within the audience which keeps them at the edge of their seat. The scene has something which looks like carpet where blood spreads out. This shows the audience the genre of the film and indicates to them what could possibly happen in the film. the scene also has another setting which looks like rocks covered in snow. It’s a quiet place which suggests anything could happen.

An close up is used when the blood is spreading out on the carpet. This draws the audience’s attention to it creating a fear. An low establishing shot is also used on the rocks which causes uneasiness.  These conventions allow a meaning to be created for the audience as it shows what genre is it and gives an insight in what will happen.

film opening analysis - Memento

Memento

Conventions

Some of the convention’s Memento uses is the use of flashback. This is portrayed through the photograph the character had in its hand. The end of the opening scene has an action scene where the action is repeated in a fast pace motion. This attracts the audience almost instantly and makes them wanting to carry on watching more of it. This also shows the genre of the film. The film shows violence in the opening scene which allows the audience to know there will be more of it during the film. Memento also has title sequence which allows the audience to know who’s part of the cast and production team. Memento uses a photograph in the opening scene to indicate the genre as the photograph has a dead person and blood in it. The scene has a slow paced soundtrack until the action starts. the soundtrack stops at the end of the opening scene allowing us to focus on the action more. Memento also shows one of its characters in the opening scene which shows us the movie will be based on that character.

Micro elements

The scene starts of with a close up of an photograph which is focused on for a long time which allows the audience to focus on it. The photograph is shaken every few seconds until the image disappears. This creates an confusion for the audience which wants them to watch more. The scene also has a person shooting an character on the floor. This builds suspense as we don’t know what for is the character been shooted. An low angle is used on the character which suggests he’s superior to the person who is dead. which suggests the movie may also be based on him.  The soundtrack is asynchronous compared to the actions in the opening scene as the soundtrack is very calm whereas the the scene shows a photograph of blood which doesn’t go well together. However synchronous diegetic sound it used when the whole rewind bit happens and when the gun is shot. This makes the audience aware that the gun is shot but it also shows the genre of the film.

Genre and Sub Genre

Advantages	Disadvantages
Fantasy. When done right, can transport the audience from the bounds of real life Allows a lot of creativity to flow, directors can think outside the box and create something extraordinary	Also requires a lot of thought and time to go into the world and characters Some younger viewers don’t understand the genre’s more complex themes and plot-lines Many fantasy films have a large orchestrated soundtrack that is not easily achieved by smaller film-makers
Psychological thriller. Interesting story lines that intrigue the viewers Locations and props could be anything and anywhere, due to the variety of thrillers It could work with a relatively small cast	Story lines are complex and difficult to put together Actors usually have to be very good as there is, generally, a lot of emotional investment in thrillers The genre could be difficult to convey in the time allocated (2 minutes)

Film Opening Analysis - Secret Window

The film opening of the movie Secret Window was very calm. First they showed us the company name which was the 'A Sony Pictures Entertainments' this made the audience know about the company so they can be more attached to the movie. Although they could had made it better if they told us the characters name and the film title.

Micro Elements

After the image did fade out to black. This did happen in the beginning so it created more suspense and tension as the audience wanted to know what's going to happen next. Also the camera did stay steady in one of the shots so we could see the characters reaction all the time but also so the audience could be more concentrate in the character so they can see their reaction every second as he was the main person i that particular moment and in one of the scenes pan was used to show the character going inside the location.

Also there was used many techniques of camera work, one of them was long shot so we could see the location surrounded the character, which made it more intense for the  audience as they could have the same feelings as the character in that moment. Point of view shot was used so the audience can see what the character is looking at in the same way.

The costume that was used by the main character was black which made it look more visible that he was the bad one as that is one of the stereotypes that if a person is wearing everything black is a bad person. The props that were been used for a bit of time was keys that one of the characters took from a hotel and went staright away to the door which the keys did work in, and he just entered there.

The atmoshphere is very intense as no on knew whats going to happen, also as the location was a hotel.

Analysis Of Film Openings 2: Psychological Thrillers

Please click the title below - it will direct you to the full Pixtons (for some reason, it is not showing the full thing here)

I couldn't find the film opening to embed, but below is the trailer in case you have not seen it.

Film Opening Analysis - Spectre

film opening analysis

Film opening analysis - Ant Man

Film opening analysis (Ant-Man)

The conventions that Ant-Man uses in the opening scene is that they show the location where the movie is being done. After they did introduce the main character with the costume which he is going to wear in the movie. This allows the audience to know who is playing the main character even though they did write the characters name. The genre is shown to the audience when the character starts fighting with the wrong people which also shows action in the movie. This shows to the audience that in the movie there will be a lot of action and danger going on. The opening scene also shows what's going to happen as a lot of fights are showed also there is also a lot of communication going on between the characters about the dangers that may appear in the movie. Also, there are signs on fire which imply that there is going to happen some explosion. The narrations that have been showed are in the background of the movie giving us information about the production, team and actors.

Micro Elements

In the beginning, an establishing shot was used to show the audience where the movie is taking place this was done at a high angle in the pan so we could see more the location, which will give an idea where is taking place and make them thinking about what's going to happen after. This creates suspension and enthusiasm as they only did see the set not what may happen in the scenes.

Another shot that was used was tracking this was done by showing one of the actors walking through one of the sets of the movie, this was giving a sense of tension and pressure for the audience as anything could happen after that.

Also, crowd shots were used to show people gathered together which gave an impression of them getting a special news, which they were waiting for a long time to hear it from the main evil character in the movie. This made him look more powerful than the others.

The editing techniques used were fade which when one character was looking at the other characters actions which faded straight away into black so after we could see the other character the ones that were doing the actions. This lets the audience focused and grabs their attention as they want to see what the movie is going to show them after.

Sound affects were used as well which gets the attention of the audience, also as it shows the genre as it was a catchy soundtrack.The other part that gets most of the audience attention is dialogues. As it allows the audience to know what every character is saying, also it lets them feel the same emotions that are going through specific characters and as every character had particular dialogues.

The props that were used was everything in the costume as it was the main thing that the character was wearing all the time because it did make special effects on him, for example, making him an ant size man. Which means that was the most important prop used in the movie as everything was depended on that and also as it was getting most of the audiences attention. This made the character look important, adventures, strong and fearless.

Film opening analysis - Fast and Furious 7

Some of the conventions that fast and furious uses in the opening scene is the introduction to two of the characters-this allows the audience to know who is cast even though it will be written in the title scenes. The genre is also established in the opening scene of fast and furious 7 when he walks out of the hospital which is destroyed. The genre is shown to us when the doctor and nurse is scared if the character and are curled up in the corner. This shows they are afraid of the character which implies to us that there will be danger in the film. The opening scene also shows that the genre of the film is action as a lot of people are on fire and there’s screaming, it seems as there has been an explosion since cars are on fire which links to action. Narrations have been used to give background information and there's use of title sequence which shows the production and cast team.

Micro Elements

An establishing shot was used in the beginning of the opening scene where the location was shown through a window. This sets the scene as it lets the audience be aware of where the film is taking place which sets the scene.An establishing show also builds suspense as it we don't know what may happen in that particular location.

Another camera shot that was used is the close up. This was used many times including when the character was speaking to show their facial expressions which allows the audience to know how they are feeling. It was also used when the character placed the gun on top of the other character. The close up suggests danger as it was zoomed into the gun. This also implies that there will be lots of action and violence which shows the audience the genre.

As part of editing blur was used in the beginning of the scene where the character was talking and the background which was the location was blurred. This lets the audience focus on what the character was saying rather than what was around him. The blur also suggests that what the character was saying is important.

Fast paced editing was also used when the car had been driven. The fast pace editing made the car seem to go faster than it actually was. This connote the cars going very fast which creates suspense and suggests danger due to the speed.

Synchronous diegetic sound was used in the clip which was the dialogue so that the audience could hear what the characters were saying. This allowed the audience to get a feel of the characters emotion and how they felt towards another character. Also a diegetic soundtrack was used as soon as he pulled the gun out. The soundtrack was sounded very mysterious with silent gaps in between which builds suspense. As soon as he walked out of the room the music became louder and had a faster beat to it which keeps the audience at the edge of the seat.

An gun was used as one of the props. This is significant as it shows the audience the genre of the film. The gun is also important as it shows there will be violence and lets the audience be aware about it. However the gun subverts stereotypes as the character who has the gun is dressed in a smart suit. Normally people with suits are seen as intelligent and wealthy with class. Since he had the gun this subverts this as the gun represents the character as rowdy, dangerous and violent. EBook

Analysis of another student's film opening

AS Level Media Studies - Thriller Opening Sequence: Excemption

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