The video below is a good example of a opening for a thriller, and below the video will be my analysis of the content of the opening scene.

Level ladder jpeg

This is the level ladder I used to evaluate. The photo is a link to a PDF of the file.

 

Holding the shot steady

The very first shot for the whole opening is a good example of a steady shot. It is a mid shot that has no tilt or movement. Another example of a steady shot would be the shot straight after the previous one. A close up is used here to show that the two people have a connection and makes the kiss on the cheek more significant and draws attention to the facts that they are more than friends.

Framing a shot

All the shots have been very well planned out. For example the shot used to show disorientation was well placed as it showed clearly that there was blurring of the characters vision as the camera was in a point of view shot; to put the audience in the characters place temporarily to to show the characters disorientation.

Variety of shot distances

A wide variety of shots were used in this opening sequence for example a long shot was used of the bench of which where the man wanted to sit. This shot is used to depict the fact that the man wishes to get away from the area he is in for his rest. Furthermore, a close up is used on the piece of paper at the end of the opening sequence. This is used so that the audience has time to match the paper from one seen in what is now shown to be his dream.

Appropriate to task

This opening sequence is appropriate to task. It is clearly shown as a thriller. It makes use of a protagonist and an antagonist. It also makes use of iconography, by including props such as the handgun.

Mise-en-scene selection

For costume what has been selected is average clothing for a young couple. This is so that the audience can relate to what is happening. Also, there is a doctor that runs past the man in a rush. He is wearing a long doctors jacket which show that he is working. Upon further inspection, the Antagonist is wearing a tailored long jacket that is well fitted, This gives a sense of importance and shows that she has more power.

Editing for meaning

The camera shots focus mainly on the protagonist becoming disorientated. The antagonist is seen earlier going ahead of the protagonist. This is to show that the antagonist has more power, that she is watching/luring him closer to the moment where she comes up behind him and shoots him.

Shot transitions

The shot transitions are smooth and well positioned. Moreover they have kept to the 180 degree rule. By doing both of these things means that the audience will not get confused or lost whilst watching.

Sound with images

One sound that we here and creates an image is the sound of the loading up of a handgun. This allows he viewer to know as much a the protagonist by only being able to hear the sound but knowing exactly what is was. The music throughout was casual and consistent for and everyday task such as a walk. However, every time a suspicious object or abnormal thing happened such as the clock falling off of the wall and disappearing there was a unsettling sound to make the audience feel tension and nervousness.

Using titles

Each time the shot is changed a new title would come in the font was a contemporary font, simple but effective. The colour of the font was white. This was a good choice as it stood out very well. Also an effect was used on the titles so that they disappeared as the couple walked past the words.

 

I would personally give this thriller opening a level 4. I have learnt that a variation of shots is key and the selection of which shots you chose to use is also very important. For mise-en-scene I have also learnt that it is very important how you dress you characters so that they fit the scene correctly.