Analysis of film openings

Detailed analysis of crime film openings

In the first 5 minutes of The Usual Suspects we see a wide variety of camera shot. The first camera shot is a panning shot of water this then changes to a close up of matches. The scene changes to a match – on – action. There as close ups of characters during the speaking scenes but also mid shots when characters are at a distance. There are low angle shots which shows the character we are looking up at maintain a lot of power and commands a lot of respect. There are establishing shots which show where the scene is although these come near the end of the 5 minute opening we clarify our thoughts on the location. The camera never focuses on the murders face so we don’t know the identity of the killer this may be revealed later but this technique intrigues the audience and keeps the suspense of the film.

The lighting in film benefits the suspense and tension that the scene creates. As the scene is at night time the use of artificial lighting must be used so it isn’t noticeable yet looks at natural as possible. The scene starts with lights illuminating the waters surface, this scene is very calming but changes to fire illuminating the scene. With explosions casting the area with light and fire causing flickering shadows on the scenery.

The music at the beginning is eerie and creates a lot of suspense and tension for the upcoming scene. The music is calm yet exciting and sounds like it has been produced with an orchestra. When the scene changes we can still hear the music in the background but there are now ambient sounds to correspond to the scene. We can hear the sound of matches lighting up, waves breaking, the flick of a lighter and the breathing of the characters. But we also hear the main sounds in clear detail such as the roar of fire as it touches the fuel and ignites the gun shot, the footsteps, liquid splashing onto the surface and explosions. There is also the addition of a script in the opening scene. The characters have raspy voices.

The mise-en-scene of the footage sets the film. The location of the films seems to be at a harbour. This is easily noticeable from the boats, the thick ropes and oil drums that are dominant in this scene. As the scene is set at night time it leaves the murderer in mystery. The killer is dressed in what looks like a thick black trench coat he has a trilby perched on his head which we identify with mobsters. He mystery killer also wears an expensive watch which indicates wealth and with it power and respect which gives the character control over the scene.
The editing in this short footage show quick smooth transitions. The image fades out as well do the credits. The camera is non-static and constantly moving even just a little. This gives the sense that we are there with the characters. The shots are varied between long duration and short duration with zooming in and out on important detail. The quick shots show the location. Colour correction is used to make the characters face lighter and easier to see also there are times where colour correction is used to makes the fire brighter than it actually, this may be so it creates more of a contrast in the darkened background.

The style of this film that we see in the first 5 minutes keeps the murderer in secrecy. We don’t see his face and the character is cast is shadow when we see whole body as not to ruin his identity.