Wednesday, 5, April
In order to grasp more of the Opening Sequences concept, we've been given the task to analyse three thriller film openings, and answer the question... How is the sequence engaging and how does it conform to traditional thriller codes and conventions?
The Gray Man:
Genre: Action / Thriller
As the scene first begins the non-diegetic sound is rather playful, almost sounding like something from a 'wild west' themed film. It is overlayed by the diegetic sound of somewhat relaxed voices, which are revealed to be an inmate; later known as 'The Gray Man', and a CIA operative. The atmosphere at this point in the scene is very relaxed, with the weariness that something may take place sooner rather than later. As the scene progresses the non-diegetic sound appears to fade out; with a moment of non-diegetic silence, and is replaced with a more 'chilling' theme as the operative and the inmate 'The Gray Man' begin to discuss an Elite CIA program, bringing a change in tone in the diegetic sound.
The shots in this scene are focused on one conversation, taken in many different angles such as low angle, birds-eye view, along with a range of close up shots, mainly positioned around the hands or the shoulders. We can also point out that many of these shots, especially the wide-shots, are somewhat off centered, an effect used to create an unnatural/abnormal atmosphere or feeling for the audience.
Tenet:
Genre: Action / Thriller
The scene begins with the setting of an opera theatre, with only diegetic sound taking place. The diegetic sound of a warming up opera, and a talking audience is portrayed as a light moment, however, as the scene progresses, the opera's music starts to sound more 'suspenseful' and 'chilling', setting an atmosphere. We then receive the point of view of a conversation taking place in a van outside the opera house, interrupting the 'lighter' atmosphere. All sound then falls to silence as the orchestra prepares itself, this silence is quickly disrupted as the opera house is bombarded by gunshots, yelling and the destroying of instruments. Non-diegetic sound then makes its appearance soon after, conveying a heavy tone of danger and suspense. Amid the rapidly pacing non-diegetic sound, is the diegetic conversations between armed police units, and an 'infiltrating' american extraction unit, which continues for the rest of the scene.
As the scene begins, the shots are more continuous, and tend to flow very smoothly, each one being used to set the scene and to leave the audience oblivious to the shock that is about to ensue. However, as the scene progresses into more fast-paced action, these cuts become more jagged with a range of quick transitions, with the feature of some panning, and tracking shots while the characters are getting in and amongst all the action. This sequence of shots then continues throughout the rest of the scene, continuing the 'action-like' and 'dangerous' tone.
Black Widow:
Genre: Action / Spy / Thriller / Sci-fi
This opening sequence mainly consists of non-diegetic sound, embeded with little layers of diegetic conversation. The non-diegetic sound is rather 'creepy' and 'dangerous' in it's own form, conveying that these girls are in danger, and clearly afraid of what will happen to them, as the sound continues to build in a more thrilling form. The diegetic sound is very fast-paced, with news clips showing disaster, young girls screaming, and the conversations between a specific older man; later found out to be the one behind 'The Red Room', and other politicians or accomplices.
The camera shots are placed in a rather face-paced sequence, with one jump cut after another. We get a range of shots involving Natasha Romanoff and many of the other girls involved with 'The Red Room', the older man (Dreykov) and his accomplices, shots of breaking news reports, shots of the girls training, scenes from old TV cartoons; which bring a 'creepy' affect to the idea of the girl's training process, and evidence shots that seem to link Dreykov's Widows to the ongoing disasters. All of these shots are used to set the scene of the movie, with a rather thrilling, mysterious, and dangerous tone/atmosphere.
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