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.

Poster analysis

Analysis of crime posters

The main characters of this film can be seen on this movie poster. The way they have been positioned shows Morgan Freeman to have more authority than Brad Pitt this is because he is situated slightly higher up. The names of the main characters are listed above the corresponding picture. The poster is very dark and the main characters faces have been cast in light. The seven sins are written down the middle and they have been ticked off. This is signifying the murders and the different ways to die above the film title is “Seven deadly sins. Seven ways to die.” This concludes the story line. Seven is written red. This may because red signifies danger or could be to illustrate blood. At the bottom there is a film review which will encourage the audience to purchase this film.

This movie poster shows all the main characters of this film. In the top right side of this poster are the name of the actors in this film, these have been covered in light and written in a dark colour this is to create a contrast and attract the eye. At the bottom of the poster is the name of the film this has been written in bright yellow and yet again used to create a contrast to attract the eye. The director of the films name is underneath the name of the film

Crime genre history

Crime genre history
Crime films have been a popular genre across the world for several decades now. They have become a successful genre as they allow audiences to indulge in a world that is frown against in modern society. The main reason some people enjoy crime films is there secret ambition to enter a criminal world to live a life of secrecy and mystery. Where they can indulge in criminal activities that provide them with an adrenaline rush and excitement that surrounds the world of crime. Whether they focus on criminals, convicts, detectives, police officers, or victims. Crime films depend on a nearly universal fear of crime and an equally strong attraction to the criminal world. Crime films from every nation help establish that nation's identity even as criminals seem to be trying their hardest to undermine it.

The crime film is by far the most popular of all film genres, or it would be if it were widely acknowledged as a genre. Many crime films fall in to other genres and most films show aspects of crime. Even children films such Toy Story 2 (1999) could be classed as a crime film as the main character Woody is kidnapped.

Criminal/gangster films date back to the early days of film during the silent era. One of the first of the gangster/crime genre was D. W. Griffith's The Musketeers of Pig Alley (1912). It wasn't the first gangster movie ever made, but it was the first significant gangster film that has survived. After these first few films the crime genre repeatedly appeared on screen. Crime films developed into different genres of crime and it has expanded vastly. The genre can be divided further into sub genres such as thriller crime, action crime or film noir.
It was until the 1930’s when sound became readily available in films. It was from then when gangster films truly became an entertaining, popular way to attract viewers to the cinemas. Events such as the St. Valentine's Day Massacre of 1929, the existence of real-life gangsters (e.g. Al Capone) and the rise of contemporary organized crime and escalation of urban violence helped to encourage this genre. Many of the extreme plots of the early gangster films were taken from the day's newspaper headlines which were adjusted to seem more entertaining. Audiences during that time vicariously participated in the gangster's rise to power and wealth - on the big screen. They vicariously experienced the gangster's satisfaction with flaunting the system and feeling the thrill of violence.

The talkies era accounted for the rise of crime films, because these films couldn't come to life without sound (machine gun fire, screeching brakes or squealing car tires). The perfection of sound technology and mobile cameras also aided their spread. The first full dialogue film was The Lights of New York (1928). It enhanced the urban crime dramas of the time with dialogue and exciting sound effects of squealing getaway car tires and gunshots.

Mind map