Analyzing opening of thrillers

Analysing opening to thrillers

 In class we watched 4 opening to thrillers. The most interesting opening to thriller were history of violence, no country for old men and brick.

History of violence 

communication towards the audience : when the opening scenes are taking place there is a scene that shows blood on the counter this shows how a very bad thing has taken place. It also creeps the audience out and leaves the wondering what happened before. To add more effect there is suspenseful music which creates a tense and suspicious atmosphere about the two men in the motel.

Blood on the counter

Misc en scene :

One of the distinctive things about misc en scene in the opening is the costumes the actors are wearing. One of the actors wears a quite regular outfit. White t shirt and blue jeans , which could represent the regularity of this man. It could tell us that he is innocent in a way as well. On the other hand the other character is wearing an all black suit. Black shows a sense of darkness about the character.

costume of the characters

No country for old men 

sound: In this opening scene there is a man voice over. This man has a southern accent showing his regional identity. The man also has a deep voice to show a hint of sinister feeling in the pitch of his voice. Also when the sheriff was being strangled there was no music but only the sound of his struggling. This can really make the audience feel sympathetic towards him.


Misc en scene : The man who attacked the police officer was wearing all black. This is similar to the first thriller where the villain was also wearing black. The body language coming from him was quite eery and awkward telling the audience that this guy is bad news.

A POV shot was used on a car showing the police car following it. This is effective as it shows that the person in the police car (villain disguised as a police officer/sheriff) is very focused on that car he is chasing. It shows a clearer view of the car being chased. Also after the scene where the sheriff was attacked, there was a close up of the oxygen tank the attacker grabbed- which gives keeps the audience suspenseful onto what he is going to do with it.

Brick

Camera shots: Every facial expression and detail has been portrayed through the close up shots. v To the audience this makes them feel emotional and it could be uncomfortable to watch.

The close up of the face here shows sense of loneliness and the way his hands are placed shows restriction and shows a thinking position.