Analysis of Physiological thriller opening scenes (AS)

The Black Swan Opening Sequence 


The titles are introduced on a black background with creates a sense of mystery and darkness

Scene begins with slow classical music.

There is an obvious juxtaposition with the white text which highlights the pure feeling of the ballet due to the long and slim font

They are gently faded in and out of the screen, which is stylish like a ballerina

The way the editing is done creates tension as as the opening is made up of mainly long takes; the audience will be expecting something to happen The audience is also forced to view everything on the screen meaning there's a growing suspense

The music portrays the Male character is as dangerous as percussion is used as he enters
Music then become quieter when he enters which builds tension reinforcing the fact he should be feared

Black and white colours are used to amplify the power of the shadows

Mystery is created where there is a long shot of the man coming from behind the dancer in the dark while the spotlight remains on the dancer

Shutter Island Opening Sequence 


Before we see any acting we hear a very subtle but interesting piece of classical music being played alongside the credits displayed on the screen

Low key lighting is used to help the audience focus on the protagonists face as the camera angle changes to an shot from over the shoulder which helps us to see the characters shadow and his reflection this may help represent two personalities

This is a non-diegetic sound which captures the audience's attention from the very start as its slow tempo however the sound is also high pitch which helps set the atmosphere

Misty/foggy location and movie setting to start with.

Gradual and subtle character introductions of Foley sound, when the sea water and boat horns are introduced

The dull and gloomy colors of the shot also set the atmosphere and set the tone for the movie

Costumes the characters are wearing suggest that this movie was filmed in the 90s or possibly before

Deep focus on the characters state of mind

Conventional theme of reality is used



Bourne Identity Opening Sequence

In the first shot you see the dark and dull water suggesting danger.

Dark lighting is also used suggesting there's something bad that has happened.

Obtrusive editing is used to highlight the feelings and emotions of suspense and tension

Eerie and tesne sound which obviously builds up tension or create shock within the audience
Non-diegetic sounds are also used which again creates a tense atmosphere and reflects the weather and conditions

The name of the film is shown but in a way that represents the film as it is all unclear at this particular moment

Roughly dressed characters (Connotates they've been on the boat for a while)

Titles at the bottom stating the location of which the scene is set

Conventional theme of reality is used

The Sixth Sense Opening sequence







Titles of credits suggests the ambiguous nature of the movie

The colours used in the title (black and white) a conventional theme is psychological thrillers also adds a ghostly feeling and also a sense of mystery

Non-Diegetic sounds creating tension and building suspense

The mysterious and pretentious sounds at the begging go well with the credits when the name fades away the music gets lower and gets higher is pitched when another name appears

First person narrative is used