Research: Thriller openings - Mrs. Quinlan

Why are film openings important?

 A film opening is the first insight of the film the audience gets including opening credits and connotations on the films narrative, it is important that it grabs the audiences attention from the first 5 minutes as viewers assume the quality of the film from the first 5 minutes of the first scene. A conventional thriller opening will include a clear perception of the narrative to help the audience to infer themes and genres involved in the film, especially when Todorovs theory of beginning - middle - and end is used which structures the scene. However that's not always the case as, some thriller openings are not in chronological order which creates confusion and insecurity to the audience as they want to carry on watching the film to find out why the main event in the film happened in the first scene.
The use of Mise en scene and micro-elements help the audience understand the opening of the thrillers as it gives hem slight connotations and clues into what the film is about and the main themes and genres of the movie. Moreover this causes them to react psychologically and physiologically.or example while watching a comedy film, the audience knows what they are watching is entertaining and are ready to laugh. Also while watching a thriller movie, audiences expect to be scared so they physically avoid them selves from expected fear, i.e. covering their eyes and ears.  

                                                                    Se7en (1995)

 Typography ( title): Sev7en is effective because it gets the audience thinking why is it 7 when it should have been a V which intrigues the audience as it indicates that the number 7 has significance for the narrative.

Music: Despite the fact there is non-diegetic sound used in the opening sequence of seven, the silence to begin with builds up tension as it is disrupted the on screen ticking sound which usually indicates time being limited, also it foreshadows the disturbance of tranquility at the beginning of the film 

narrative: The narrative is probably the most important thing in a opening sequence as it briefly explains what the film is about. However without the scene being accompanied by other micro-elements; it is  useless as it can not create the atmosphere by it self. It speculates the themes and storyline of the film your watching, which again; shows us Se7en is a crime thriller film as it is set in a dark room with suspicious iconography including razors to cut his finger prints.

                                                         Memento (2000)

                            

In the memento opening the scene starts with a simultaneous emotional non-diegetic sound which then exceeds into a blood cooling ringing in the ear. This accompanies the narrative because as he is viewing the image the audience doesn't know how to feel as at this point viewers are wondering if the character is an antagonist or protagonist due to the blood everywhere. However as scene goes backwards we see he is the one causing the harm so the music changes into something uncomfortable to hear and the audience view the narrative in a different perspective.

Typography: Once again the typography in the title of the movie stands out as the distant gaps between each letter in 'Memento' signifies the gaps in his mind and all he's forgotten; but despite that, he has vivid memory which is presented by each letter.

Iconography: The use of iconography in thriller openings are very significant as the iconography like the gun in Memento may be the reason for the major dilemma in the film. Like wise the photograph in the scene is also compelling as it shows the audience an image of a vicious dilemma that shocks the audience as they dont know how it happened.



                                                             Watchmen (2009)

We see the character watching TV in his robe and smoking which shows his comfort in his own house and indicates that he isn't expecting anything. However after the door is kicked open by the 'antagonist' he says ' it was only a matter of time' which displays that in fact he was expecting an attack but was calm as if he's used to it now, and was expecting it to happen earlier than it did. There is no clear narrative presented which makes the audience unsure as they are still oblivious on who the antagonist and who to feel pity for, nonetheless to extent presented; the audience feel pity for the character to start off with a he was attacked first.

Mise en scene:

Lighting: Low key lighting i used which indicates danger and mischief. Also under lighting is used which makes the antagonist look superior.

Costume: We see the antagonist wearing all black which connotes threat and sinister. This shows him hiding his identity and camouflaging with the room. The protagonist wearing a night gown shows his vulnerability and implies he's the victim.

Facial expression and body language: Both characters in this scene have a firm and strong posture which illustrates that their experienced in the situation their in and its happened more than once. The protagonists solid and sturdy body language shows the audience he isn't defenseless and can fight back.


Editing: Slow motion was used in significant parts of the scene, i.e. when the iconography ( smiley face) was falling. Also the was constant slow motion and panning shots used during the fight scene to show the audience the fight from every angle and enhance the perspective on the skillful fight.


Sound: Throughout the fight scene there was contrapuntal sound used. The calm and relaxing sound decreased the tension for the audience. Moreover the contrapuntal sound links with the smiley face as a grown man wearing a smiley badge doesn't suit the situation hes in, and the fact he says 'its all a joke' reassures that nothing is what it seems to be.


Conclusion:

Analysing conventional thriller openings has been very useful and important as its given me ideas on the most effective conventional techniques i can use in my own thriller opening. It has additionally made it clear that sound has a big impact on opening scenes and without it the scene isn't as adequate. All the thrillers above are conventional thrillers as they all include similar techniques including sound and lighting. The common use of similar Mise en scene techniques are what makes a common thriller and helps audience categorize movies.