Analysis of relevant opening sequences

Analysis of relevant opening sequences

I studied a number of opening sequences from films of the relevant thriller genre, after watching and analysing the brief clips I found that three main techniques were apparent in almost all of them in one way or another.

Lighting: In most films high key lighting is used, this style of lighting gives a glamorous effect to the actors and actresses, the lighting seems more normal or realistic with this technique. However, the majority of thriller films studied used low keys lighting. This technique provides sharp contrasts between dark and light areas; this increases suspense and tension, which is commonly associated with the thriller genre, the technique reinforces this feeling as it casts shadows and when used to its full potential can be very expressive.

Editing Techniques: As in most films continuity style editing is used in each of the opening sequences studied. Fast cut editing is used in some; this editing technique involves each shot lasting less than three seconds, this style of editing makes a sequence seem fast paced, and when teamed with kinetic camera movements can make the sequence seem panicky.

Sound: A very important aspect of the film in particular the opening sequence, it sets the mood of the film, sometimes it uses pleonastic sounds like in from Russia with love where the Russian spy gets closer to killing the fake bond which isn’t revealed until the end of the scene. Another important sound introduced in the opening sequence is the primary score; the score is used to set the scene and mood of the film.