Analysis of a film opening sequence

Rianna Patel

How is the narrative introduced?

• Eerie music throughout gives the sense of danger

• The woman keeps looking around, as if searching for something

• Cautious and weary of her surroundings• Sense of danger as she is in a secluded

woodland area• She is making notes and from the map we

see she is trying to cover full park area• Rural area away from city• Forest in much larger in comparison to city • She uses a red pen for her notes and to mark

the map

How is the character introduced?

• The woman is alone in the woods, stereotypical for vulnerability

• Inevitable idea that something will happen as she is a woman

• Constantly looking around in search of something

• Making notes and marking the map in order to cover full area

• High angles shots show her lack of power

How are the location and setting introduced?

• The setting of a woodland area with a woman travelling alone

• Clear sense of danger • The beauty of nature is contradicted by the

music and the innocence of the setting is put into question

• The exchange of power from human to nature as nature towers over the woman

• The setting is of great significance to the story and the character as she takes notes

How are the atmosphere and tone established?

• The frequent use of natural colours such as green and brown

• The setting of the forest initially engages audience as the setting is risky

• Eerie music is synchronised with the setting and adds to the tension

• The low-key lighting reinforces this idea again

• The non-diegetic sound fades out and leaves the diegetic sounds of her moving

How are the titles integrated?

• The titles are integrated within the sequence• The producer logos are shown before the

opening sequence begins

The movie title is very simple, it is placed beside this character in the shot to show that she is the main character.

This point of view shot shows the trees towering over her, this shows her lack of power and vulnerability.

The close up shot of the character allows you to familiarise yourself. It also shows the weariness in her expression

This long shot establishes the setting of the opening. The low key lighting and dark colours clearly set the mood.

This long shot of her driving, shows the enormity of the forest. The titles have been integrated to the side of the main focus of the shot.

The beauty of nature is shown in this point of view shot, with the titles integrated to the side.

This over the shoulder shot of her map and the area she has covered gives the viewer an idea of her aims.

In this long shot we see the two cars beside hers are cleanly owned by campers who have come for a reason, leaving us unknown as to her reasons for coming to the park.

This extreme long shot shows how large the forest is and how much of the land she is trying to cover.

The family picnic area in this establishing shot the area is empty. This is strange and it maybe for a reason.

In this high angle shot nature has been given power. Also the titles have been integrated through the scenery to establish location.