Analysing Opening Sequences Of My Thriller Genre

Panic Room Opening Sequence:


Cinematography:
In the opening sequence of Panic Room, there are many different camera angles used.Firstly, there is a long shot of New York City shown, this helps the viewers establish the setting. A Pan shot is also used to show the town, which again familiarises the audience with the setting and gives them an idea of where the action of the film will take place. Finally, a high angle shot is included when the camera focuses on the buildings, this emphasises how big and important the buildings are.

Sound:
During the opening sequence, a fast paced soundtrack is included with a ticking noise being played. This suggests to the audience that the film will contain fast, panicking moments, and sets the audience up for what to expect from the film. As well, dialogue is used towards the end of the opening sequence when the two women are having a conversation. This creates a realistic feel to the scene, but also highlights how busy their lifes are by the conversation they are having.

Mise-en-scene:
The film Panic Room is set in the busy town of New York, this is shown in the opening sequence. As well, the actors in the film are all wearing normal day to day costumes. This shows the audience that they are all normal people, and creates a realistic atmosphere.

Editing:
At the beginning of the opening sequence, the clips fade in to create an eerie atmosphere to set the audience up for whats to be expected in the film.



The Final Destination Opening Sequence:


Cinematography:
Wide Shot camera angles are used during the opening sequence of Final Destination to show the body parts being injured in the clips. This helps give the audience an understanding of what may happen during the film, and shows that it's gory. Close ups are also used to show the injuries to body parts, such as an arrow through an eye. This is used to ensure that all the audience's attention is on this particular clip, and to emphasise what is happening.

Sound:
In this opening sequence, fast rock music is used to go with the fast paced shots. This makes the audience feel more on edge and makes them expect a lo of action in the film. As well, the viewers can hear screaming sounds during the opening sequence from characters, this highlights that the film is a thriller and makes the audience feel quite scared about what to expect from the film.

Mise-en-Scene:
The use of dark colours used in mise-en-scene shows that the opening sequence is eerie and gory. It emphasises the theme of the film and again sets the viewers up for what to expect in the rest of the film.

Editing:
Slow motion is used in this sequence to attract the audiences attention to a particular thing, it also creates a creepy atmosphere, due to the changing pace of the clips. Finally, visual effects are used when the flashing images of arrows and skulls are shown, to again emphasise what the film is about and to create an atmosphere for the viewers.

The difference between an opening sequence and a trailer.

There are many differences between a movie trailer and an opening sequence, for example a trailer shows the highlights of the movie and gives an overview of the plot, whereas an opening sequence is the beginning of the movie which begins to familiarise the setting with the audience, without giving anything away.
A movie trailer includes who is starring in the film and also shows the good parts, as a way to persuade the audience to watch the movie. A movie trailer is released as an advertisment to grab the audience's attention, and tends to have a voiceover, which informs the viewers of the details about the film. Trailers consist of montage editing to show random clips of the film, as well as fast paces shots. In contrast, opening sequences contains slower paced shots, to lead the viewers into the storyline of the film. Opening sequences begin to introduce the characters, and establishes the mood and genre of the movie, this is used to hook the audience and make them feel engaged. Many films have a soundtrack playing during the opening sequence to help set the scene and create an atmosphere. As well, opening titles are generally used as an introduction to get the audience settled before watching the movie.


Sixth Sense Trailer:




Sixth Sense Opening Sequence:








Se7en Trailer:




Se7en Opening Sequence: