Thriller Openings Analysis

Se7en

The thriller se7en uses different camera techniques and editing to create an effective opening. The most obvious use of camera shots is the close ups of the hands during the openings. The use of close ups show a lack of identity within the scene and helps to build the thrilling nature of the film. The close ups also show the detail of what is happening in the opening. The character is shown to be writing in a book and handling a razor blade. This sets the atmosphere for the rest of the film as it shows a hint towards violence.

The use of props is also effective in creating an effective opening. The props used in the opening are revealed as it progresses through the scene. This helps the continuing build of a gripping atmosphere throughout the opening and keeps the audience more on edge as it goes on. The props are also used to create a sickening feeling as you see the hands crossing out names making it seem like he’s a murder and going to kill again. As well as this it adds a mysterious feeling to the opening because the audience don’t know who the person and makes them want to find out who it is.

No country for old men

The opening for this thriller is not like any of the others, instead of car chases or killings; it just has different shots of what looks to be a desert in America. Because most of the shots are extreme long shots of quite peaceful locations, it connotes calmness and gives the audience the impression that nothing bad will happen but really a lot of bad things happen.

There is also a voice over during this opening; because the voice isn’t shouting or aggressive it also connotes calmness as well as the scenery. But, the audience is made to worry about the male that gets in the police car at the end of the scene. We are made to worry because of the weapon that this man has on him.  This makes it a good opening because of the mixed feelings that are expresses through scenery and mise-en-scene.

Skyfall

The opening for Skyfall is a rather strange opening and as usual to a 007 movie it is mainly based on special effects in a type of montage effect. This is effective as it gives us some idea what will happen in the movie, such as drowning which happens towards the end. It is also effective as the music available also relate to the destruction that happens in the movie. The effects on the titles is also effective as it dissolves and fades. This makes it good as it makes the title seem more interesting towards the audience. It is also effective as the montage effect makes the whole title sequence seem smooth and steady as it does not flick between clips as it is one large edited piece that merges into different items and scenes as it is going on. This shows continuity within the movie. Also, the use of blood in a part of it and the use of red also relates to the danger that the main character is constantly placed in throughout the movie. This also makes it effective as blood is common in fights which also go on in a lot of the movie.