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.