Analysis of 'Saw' Opening
Camerawork
Editing
Mise en Scene
When the character first awakes from his sleep in the bathtub, we notice that the room is in complete darkness. Low key lighting has been used to allow us to see the character and his surroundings, but in such a way that it makes it very difficult to see everything. Despite the reduced visibility, you can make out a stain (prop) on the wall. However because the lighting has been used to simulate darkness, we can't actually tell what substance the stain is. Is it blood, or could it simply be mold? This is a clever use of low key lighting as it adds to the enigma of the scene and starts to raise questions about the environment the character is in.
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| The character waking up in the bathtub, revealing the darkened surroundings and stain on the wall. |
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When the lighting switches on, it is revealed that the character is not alone and that another character resides within the room with him. More questions are raised as we don't know who this other character is and why he is there. We are also introduced to a bloodied, mutilated corpse on the ground surrounded by a pool of blood (Make-up, prop). If you look closely, you can see that the corpse is holding a gun (prop). Immediately this raises questions about why the corpse is there. Perhaps the corpse is mutilated because they used the gun to shoot themselves? Maybe someone else shot him and set it up to look as though they had done it themselves? Shortly after we are given shots of each item the corpse is carrying, one of which looks like a cassette player (prop). The continuous bombardment of different objects in the room raises many questions in such a short period of time. This helps to add to the mystery of the scene as it keeps the audience guessing about what is going on.
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| Other character in the room, clearly confused about where he is. |
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| Bloodied, mutilated corpse surrounded by a pool of blood. |
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| Extreme Close Up of Cassette Player. |
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| Close Up of Gun. |
Sound
- Throughout the scene, post production editing has been done to add sound into it. Firstly, we have on screen diegetic sound of the drain as something is sucked down into it. One key use of post production editing in this scene is putting in on screen diegetic sound of the lights turning on. Because the scene is in complete darkness for the first half and there is only a non diegetic low hum, the sudden use of this on screen diegetic sound for the lights puts the audience on edge as they're not expecting it. As well as this, it seems as though this sound has had its volume increased to emphasize the sudden change of lighting in the room. A non diegetic, distorted, high pitched scream like sound is used when the body is revealed. Once again, this puts the audience on edge as it is used unexpectedly.
Why does this work as an opening to a thriller?
This works very well as an opening to a thriller because it introduces the film as an enigma. The opening is set in complete darkness for the first half (which heightens senses and puts people on edge), the audience is immediately involved in the story as they feel as if they're drowning, the introduction of a bloodied, mutilated corpse begins to raise questions, and the sudden use of sound keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. It's effective at making the audience observant as well as twitchy and disorientated. All of this works well as a thriller opening.
Narrative
The way in which this opening has been structured immediately identifies the conventions of a thriller film. It opens with someone waking up underwater in a bathtub. Why is this guy in a bathtub underwater? Why is is pitch black? Every section of this scene introduces something that is out of place, and because of this, questions are continuously raised. The opening is structured in such as a way that the audience is constantly drawn in by the random things that appear in the room (e.g. the other man, the body on the floor, the gun, the recorder, the chained foot) and they never lose interest because of it. All the things that appear in this opening keep the audience thinking.
Audience
In terms of the audience that this type of opening appeals to, the 17-25 range is perfect. In recent years (The last 10-15 years), gore, suspense and fast paced action in movies has become more of a usual thing due to filmmakers being able to make it look and feel more realistic, and the people that grow up around this find it interesting, exciting and mortifying. Older generations aren't used to all of this fast paced drama and gore, which is why I don't believe this is the type of film for them. The use of these three aspects is what makes this opening appeal to people aged 17-25. It should be noted that this film seems to be aimed more towards men than women purely because of all the gore.
Analysis of 'Minority Report' Opening
Camerawork
There are many uses of camera work that are used throughout this scene to establish the events that take place. First off, we have an
extreme close up of the scissors from the foresight sequence. The reason for doing this is that it establishes the importance of the scissors. From this, the audience can gather very little and have to question what the scissors will be used for. Next, a
high angle shot of the three individuals (The two lovers and the suited man) is used. From this, we are able to take note of each person's
body language and facial expression. This shot displays the two lovers as being in a
state of shock and panic after being discovered by the
emotionless suited man. It is clear to the audience that this is an affair, and are able to piece together the connection between this and the scissors (that the scissors will be used as a weapon). This allows them to prepare for the gruesome events that follow. This high angle shot is accompanied by a
close up of the woman's face, showing the audience the fear in her eyes. In the Department of Precrime,
panning and tracking are used to show off the department. This is simply used to establish the main character and the setting of where the murder is being viewed, and shows the audience that this department is able to see things before they happen.
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| Extreme Close Up of scissors (Murder weapon). |
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| High Angle of individuals to display body language and facial expressions. |
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| Shocked facial expression of wife. |
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| Track (1). |
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| Track (2). |
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| Pan (1). |
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| Pan (2). |
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| Pan (3). |
Editing
Mise en Scene
The main setting of the opening scene can be clearly identified by the first half of the scene. There are multiple props (Bathtub, Bed) as well as the setting of a bedroom where the murder takes place that indicates that this is happening in someone's house. The use of hardly any clothing on the two lovers and the suit on the individual with the scissors (which appears to be the murder weapon) shows the audience that this is in fact an affair. Because of this, the audience can immediately tell that something dramatic is about to happen, putting them on the edge of their seats. One part of this scene shows the composition of each character in the bedroom. From here, we are able to see the body language of each person (The frightened and defensive woman on the bed, the powerful and angry husband, and the lover who is scrambling across the floor in desperation). Another use of Mise en Scene is the wooden sphere props that are used to display the victim and perpetrator's names. This allows the audience to note down who they need to keep their focus on during the murder that will take place in the future.
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| Clothing of characters. |
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| Composition of each character to show body language of each character. |
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| Victim's name. |
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| Perpetrator's name. |
Sound
Most of the sound in this scene is distorted to give it the effect of not being present day. The on screen diegetic sounds of the water splashing, the scissors stabbing, the lover coughing etc. are all distorted. The only sound that isn't distorted in that scene is the dialogue. This is specifically done so that the audience are able to hear what each person says, and are able to pick up on the tone of voice (e.g. monotone, shaky). An eerie, mysterious non diegetic backing track is played throughout the foresight scene. This backing track is parallel as it fits with the distorted and gruesome imagery on screen. It is only when we reach the present day section of the scene that the backing track becomes clear. In this section of the scene, fast paced non diegetic music matches the fast paced movement of the main character as he walks through the department. The use of the distorted sounds is used to make the audience feel uneasy about the events on screen, whilst the use of the fast paced music in the department keeps them on edge as they know that something to do with the murder is going to occur shortly.
Why does this work as an opening to a thriller?
This works very well as an opening to a thriller because the audience is immediately introduced to a murder. The use of distortion, different transitions and camera angles in the murder scene raises a lot of questions as to what is going on. It is only when we see the wooden sphere with the names of the victim and the perpetrator that the audience knows clearly what is going on in the scene. However, because it takes a lot of time before the wooden spheres are revealed, there is a lot of downtime where the audience are left pondering when the murder takes place, who is doing the murder (i.e. are they important to the story), and what the department of precrime actually does. This distortion at the beginning of the opening is a very good way of making the scene unclear, adding to the enigma of it.
Narrative
The way in which this opening has been structured is unusual to that of the normal conventions of a thriller. Despite having something that happens in the future at the beginning of the film, it doesn't necessarily mean that this is going to happen toward the end of the film. The structure of the foresight sequence is interesting too as the filmmaker has decided, on top of the distortion effects, to put it in non-chronological order. I believe that the reasoning behind this is to make it more difficult for the audience to piece together what lead up to these events in the first place. This adds to the mystery of the scene as it raises more questions. Due to the build up of questions being thought by the audience, it keeps them engaged with the scene as they try to figure out what is going on.
Audience
In terms of the audience that this type of opening appeals to, the 17-25 range is perfect. Compared to older generations, younger audiences are more into the Sci-Fi genre than older audiences. Combining this with the thriller genre works really well as you gain the benefits of both genres (Advanced technology, suspense, drama, distortion, chronological and non-chronological events etc.). The appeal of fast paced action and suspense has increased in recent years and younger audiences love it purely because they've grown up with it (It's what they're used to seeing). It should be noted that this film doesn't seem to be directed towards any specific gender.
Analysis of 'Bourne Ultimatum' Opening
Camerawork
A clever use of camerawork used in this sequence is tracking shots to follow Bourne's movements. However, instead of it being a clear, smooth tracking shot, the camera continuously shakes to simulate his limp-like-motion. Whilst this is occurring, a pan of the camera moves with Bourne's head to simulate his head movements. From this, the audience are able to see a train station. Immediately we are given clues as to what type of environment he is in. It is clear from these camera techniques that Bourne has been in some sort of fight/accident/chase. This is reinforced by the long shot of police cars in the distance. The question that the audience is asking themselves is what has Bourne done to attract the attention of so many police officers? Later on in the scene, multiple POV shots and close ups are shown so that the audience can see both the surroundings of Bourne and his facial expressions as a result of what is going on around him. Throughout the scene, the camera tracks to follow Bourne's movements are used, be it walking or picking up/dropping objects. This, accompanied by the
POV/close ups, help to engage the audience with the movements of Bourne and allow them to experience the chase with him.
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| Tracking Shot (1). |
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| Tracking Shot (2). |
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| Pan (1). |
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| Pan (2). |
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| Long Shot of police vehicles. |
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| POV (1). |
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| Facial Expression of Bourne (Distressed look). |
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| POV (2). |
Editing
Most of the editing through the scene is simply
cut transitions between shots. These
cut transitions are fast paced so that they match with the action on screen. The use of fast cutting helps keep the audience on the edge of their seats as they have to quickly follow what is going on in the scene. The only other use of editing are the post production sounds of the police shouts, the announcer at the train station, the doors on the train sliding (All of which have had their volume increased) etc. Towards the end of the scene, a flashback is shown.
Distortion has been used on both the imagery and the sound to give it the effect that it is set in the past.
Dissolve transitions has also been used to add to the distorted nature of the flashback. As well as this, there is a
shot reverse shot of Bourne and a policeman (Which has kept to the
180 degree rule). In this moment, Bourne is holding a
gun towards the policeman. The use of quick cutting between each character heightens the suspense, keeping the audience on edge at all times as they don't know if Bourne will shoot him or not.
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| Distortion used for flashback (1). |
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| Distortion used for flashback (2). |
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| Dissolve used to accompany distortion in flashback (1). |
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| Dissolve used to accompany distortion in flashback (2). |
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| Shot Reverse Shot of Bourne and policeman (1). |
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| Shot Reverse Shot of Bourne and policeman (2). |
Mise en Scene
The things that stand out the most from Mise en Scene in this scene are the
costumes of Bourne and the policemen. Straight away we notice that Bourne is wearing
complete black. It's difficult to associate an occupation with pure black clothing, but because the audience are watching a chase scene unfold, there is an indication that Bourne is some sort of special agent. With the policemen, they are wearing what look to be some sort of
ushanka. From this, the audience can gather that the
setting is somewhere in Russia. This is backed up by the industrial looking trains and the snow covering the area. The iconography of weaponry in the thriller genre plays a part in this scene. Further on in the scene, Bourne pulls a
gun on the police officer. The use of weaponry begins raising questions by the audience as they don't know if Bourne will use it to shoot the policeman and escape or whether he'll just tell him to back off. Accompanied by the shot reverse shot between them, this use of Mise en Scene keeps the audience on edge.
Make-up is also used in this scene to create wounds. This use of Mise en Scene is a neat way of keeping the audience guessing as wounds usually indicate that some sort of fight has taken place. Because this is the opening to the film, the audience can't do anything but watch events unfold to unravel the mystery behind his injuries.
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| Bourne's pure black clothing. |
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| Policeman with what looks to be some sort of ushanka. |
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| Bourne pulls a gun on a policeman. |
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| One of Bourne's injuries. |
Sound
With sound, a lot of off screen diegetic sound has been used to establish the setting and mood of the scene. Firstly, the off screen diegetic sound of a train's brakes as they screech against the train tracks has been used to establish the general setting of the scene (i.e. near a train station). Off screen diegetic sound of police sirens has been used to set the mood of the scene. From this, the audience can tell that it's a very dramatic, dangerous mood as the police are attempting to hunt down Bourne. Throughout the entire sequence, non-diegetic backing music of drums and violins is playing to tell the audience that this scene is fast paced and full of drama. One thing that hasn't been used much is dialogue. This is most likely done so that it doesn't impact the mood and atmosphere that the scene is creating. The scene is meant to be an drama filled chase sequence, but using dialogue in a scene like this would disconnect the audience from the scene and it would feel out of place. When Bourne begins having his flashbacks, the fast paced drum beat slows down and transitions into an eerie, enigmatic drum beat accompanied by slow violins. At this point, the music begins to crescendo. This is done to fit with the distorted and mysterious flashback, keeping the audience connected and engaged with the scene.
Why does this work as an opening to a thriller?
This works as an opening to a thriller because it follows a lot of the conventions of a traditional thriller film. It has fast cutting and suspenseful, dramatic music throughout the scene. The scene immediately opens as a chase scene, giving the audience no prior knowledge. Because of this, they have to use the different camera shots and elements of Mise en Scene to work out where and why he's in that location/situation. It keeps the audience on the edge of their seats and keeps them engaged throughout the entire scene, which is needed for a successful thriller film.
Narrative
As mentioned above, the scene immediately opens as a chase scene. The audience are given nothing to figure out why Bourne is where he is, and because of this, I believe that this structure for the story is perfect for the opening to a thriller. Thrillers are primarily about excitement and suspense, and to structure the story so that it opens with a mysterious chase ticks all of those boxes. The audience are dropped right into the middle of the action, and they have to work out what is going on from the outset.
Audience
There is no doubt that this film will appeal to people aged 17-25. The opening is full of mystery, suspense and action. Thrillers have become increasingly packed with action as time has gone by, and as mentioned above, younger audiences have grown up with it. They love watching films that are crammed with action and pumped full of drama and suspense, as well as films that include enigma that allow them to engage with the story by giving them the opportunity to solve the mystery behind certain events. It should be noted that this film doesn't seem to be directed towards any specific gender.
Analysis of 'The Dark Knight Rises' Opening
Camerawork
At the beginning of the scene, a
camera tilt upwards into a long shot reveals the setting of the scene. However, the audience are unable to gather any information about the setting apart from the fact that it's in the middle of nowhere. As we continue into the scene, the audience are given more clues about the setting by the use of a
medium long shot of a man surrounded by specially trained men. In the background, a plane and a hangar can be seen. We then switch to a
medium shot of prisoners in the back of a truck. Despite not giving any clues as to where they are, the audience are given an indication that the men by the plane are here to collect the prisoners and put them on board. However, the audience do not know what crimes they've committed and why they're going on the plane, and because of this, it adds to the enigma of the opening scene. A
close up of the man has been done to show his confused and troubled facial expression when another individual mentions the name 'Bane'. This allows the audience to begin questioning who Bane is. Whilst on the plane,
multiple high angle/low angle aerial shots from the outside of the plane are used to show the height at which the plane is at, the interrogation of the prisoners and the hi-jacking of the plane. These shots have been used to display the dramatic action that is unfolding. By doing so, the audience are kept entertained throughout the sequence.
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| Camera Tilt Up. |
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| Long Shot of setting. |
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| Medium Long Shot of character, specially trained men, plane and setting. |
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| Medium Shot of prisoners. |
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| Confused and troubled facial expression of the agent when the name 'Bane' is mentioned. |
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| High Angle aerial shot of plane height. |
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| High Angle aerial shot of interrogation. |
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| High Angle aerial shot of hi-jacking. |
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| Low Angle aerial shot of hi-jacking. |
Editing
In terms of editing, cut transitions are the only type of transition used within this scene. The reason for this is that this scene slowly picks up when it comes to action, and as a result, the pacing of the scene increases. Because of this, quick cut transitions are used to simulate the fast pacing of the action. This keeps the audience engaged. Post production sounds such as the gun shot of the agent and the gun shots of the hi-jackers have been put in to match the action of the gun props being fired. The gust of wind at the end of the scene and the creaking of the plane have also been added in. Non-diegetic backing music has been put into the entire scene. As the action begins to build, the backing musics begins to crescendo until the finale of the scene when the plane plummets to the ground. A shot/reverse shot of Bane and the agent has also been added to show the intense and suspenseful stare between them.
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| Shot Reverse Shot of agent and Bane (1). |
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| Shot Reverse Shot of agent and Bane (2). |
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| Shot Reverse Shot of agent and Bane (3). |
Mise en Scene
The main uses of Mise en Scene in this sequence are the use of props and costumes. It is clear to distinguish the difference between the men from the car. and the specially trained men. Whilst the specially trained men wear padded camouflage gear, the men from the car wear simple, everyday clothing. This adds a sense of mystery to the scene as the audience are unable to identify who the men from the car are, whilst the specially trained men are easily recognized as american soldiers. The CIA agent's costume is similar to that of the men from the car, but it is clear by his tactical trousers and smart jacket that he isn't some random gun for hire. Bane's costume is a simple one. He wears everyday trousers and a t-shirt, but his mask is the main feature. A combination of straps and piping, this mask is used to intimidate and frighten both the CIA agent and the audience. It is also used as a way of covering his face, adding to the enigma of his identity.
The main props used throughout this scene are guns. Both the specially trained men and the men from the car carry them, as well as the CIA agent and the hi-jackers from the other plane. This prop is used for the action sequence that takes place later on in the scene (The hi-jacking of the plane), and is used to keep the audience engaged by the actions of constant gunfire between both sides (the specially trained men and the hi-jackers). Another Mise en Scene use is the composition of the CIA agent and the specially trained men toward the beginning of the scene. By placing them in the frame so that they are all clearly visible, we are able to see their body language (Standing straight in an intimidating, commanding stance). This allows the audience to gain an understanding of who these men are.
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| Composition of the agent and the specially trained men allows us to see what they're wearing and what their body language suggests about them. |
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| Simple clothing that everyday people use. |
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| Bane's intimidating and frightening mask that hides his identity from the audience. |
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| Gun Prop (CIA agent). |
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| Gun Prop (Specially trained men). |
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| Gun Prop (Hi-jackers). |
Sound
In the beginning of the scene, a mixture of on screen and off screen diegetic dialogue between the agent and the men from the car is included. This is done to link the two shots together so that the audience aren't disconnected from the tension and build up that is being created in this scene. If they decided to film it so that the agent waited until the men got out of the car, walked over and started speaking to him, it wouldn't flow as well and the tension would be non-existent. Aside from the dialogue, post production sound effects have been added for the gun shots and the detaching of the cables from the plane. Bane's dialogue seems to have been distorted through editing so that it sounds as though he is talking from behind the mask. This adds a sense of unease to the situation as he doesn't sound like a normal human being. It disconnects Bane from the rest of the people on board, which sets him up as an intimidating and commanding person. All of this accompanied by the backing music of drums that crescendos as the action builds up keeps the audience connected and engaged with the events on screen.
Why does this work as an opening to a thriller?
Similar to 'Bourne Ultimatum', it follows a lot of the conventions of a traditional thriller film. It has fast cutting when the action unfolds, it's suspenseful and tense when the CIA agent has a close quarters talk with Bane, and it provides enough enigma purely through Bane's mask. The first half of the scene is tense and enigmatic whilst the second half is fast paced and dramatic. All of these conventions keeps the audience on the edge of their seats and keeps them engaged throughout the entire scene.
Narrative
This too is similar to 'Bourne Ultimatum' in the sense that it gives the audience no prior knowledge as to who the prisoners are and why they're being put on a plane. However, the way that this story has been structured engages and excites the audience from the outset. Instead of providing the audience with a continuation of the previous film whereby we see what Bruce Wayne is up to, we are immediately introduced to the main antagonist of the film. Being able to see what he is capable of gives the audience an insight into what they will expect from the rest of the film. It's an engaging and dramatic opening that makes the audiences' heart beat with excitement.
Audience
It's not just the younger audience that this appeals to. Older generations will enjoy 'The Dark Knight Rises' too. Batman has been around long before people aged 17-25. This could be through either comics or TV shows, so to see a serious and gritty Batman film be created excites them too. From the opening scene of this film, it is clear that there is a lot of action, weaponry, mystery and suspense, all of which are enjoyed by both younger and older audiences. People who are aged 17-25 will have no problem enjoying this film. It should be noted that this film doesn't seem to be directed towards any specific gender.
Harry Joyce
This is outstanding work Harry. it is thorough, fantastic analysis, really detailed. The use of screen grabs with captions is best possible practice and the way that you addresses questions around narrative etc at the end is again outstanding.
ReplyDeleteReally promising start to the coursework.
level 4.