Opening Title Sequence Analysis’Brick, Se7en, Collateral

BrickCinematography

Questionable to the viewer of his identity. This is an extreme close up shot of the characters’ eyes, connoting the emotion in them and you can sense it, and a you a feeling uncomforting because you want to know what he is looking at. His glasses suggest intelligence also.

This is also a close up shot. This shot in the frame is obvious to the viewer of the characters age range. A young person with not much money would wear a bangle such as this. The bright blue stands out amongst the desaturated colour.

The art of photography and camera work in filmingCinematography

Establishing wide shot of a storm drain on the outskirts of the city. This establishes the setting of the film. It seems to be deserted and the dark tunnel suggests that in this context, there is no light at the end of the tunnel. The figure expression of the boy shows his vulnerability and weakness.

Cinematography is the technique specialised

for the main visual collaborator.

Establishing long shot. This again is also setting the scene. The school seems to be deserted, and as a viewer makes you feel very edged, because you feel something is going to happen. It’s suspicious and you are keen to find out why he is in so late – with the camera pointing towards the sky also, it’s suggesting the time of day which makes the audience feel curious to why he is in school that time of evening, which makes things more mysterious.

The low angle shot shows massively the expression on the characters face – anxiety, fear, worry. It also shows in some ways that he is in power, suggested by the angle of the camera, looking up to him. For a viewer who has never seen this film, they may think that he is looked up to by the girl in this phone call, however, it can also suggest negativity because of the angle being low. The character on the other side suggests hidden identity and the phone booth on the outskirts of the city on a deserted road contrasts to his emotions during that moment. The camera technique of it being framed from the outside can suggest that there is a division between the normality and nightmares of his life, contrasting to the situation he is in.

Brick – Mise-en-scene

The bangle suggests the age of the victim. This bangle looks to be of a low cost, something a young person would wear. It can also suggest the status of the girl – she could be from a working poor class family which is the reason for a cheap bangle, not on the other hand a diamond bracelet.

Age is also suggested by this particular shot. The lighting also suggests darkness, eeriness and negativity on the lead up to the story.

This close up shot is suggesting again, social class. She looks to be categorised into working poor. She looks smart and well kept. She is young, and it is questionable to the viewer her background. This shot maybe harder to identify her age range, because of the long skirt and kitten heels –not something many young people would necessarily wear.

The boys facial and figure expression makes you as a viewer feel uncomfortable and gives discomfort. The messiness of his hair could suggests the state that he is in right now, and the fist clutch head into hands shows how weak and vulnerable he is feeling emotionally and physically.

We can see by this photo that the lighting is very dark. This has a negative effect on the viewer. The figure expression of the guy is seemingly coming across as the directors approach was to show the audience that he is weak, unsure on what to do, causes suspicion and mystery because this is in the opening scene, we may begin to think that he has something to do with this, and he may have been the one to put her there – shown by his body language too. The way he is folded into himself shows how deeply involved he is with his emotions.

When watching the opening, when this car comes along, you feel intensity. The setting of the scene is themed as loneliness – so when this car does come along, you have a feeling straight away that this car is driving past for a reason. The car has importance because it is old fashioned, sort of defines power and dignity too, because the person inside may come from a wealthy background – suggested by the car itself.

The effect that this particular shot has on the audience is again, loneliness. You feel discomfort, from his point of view. If anything was to happen there, he’s be calling for help for no reason, because it’s an empty, abandoned area of the outskirts of a sub-urban city. The figure expression is helpless. He is awaiting for something he don’t know what for, which makes you feel on edge and unsteady.

SoundThe sound begins as non diegetic. It starts as being quite low pitched, slow and at a low volume, similarly sounding like western music. The first shot is accompanied by the diegetic sound of bells, which gives the impression to the spectators that a fight or an occurrence of violence may have taken place resulting in the shot that we are seeing.

We also hear when she camera is focuses into the boys face (extreme close up of eyes) the sound of the shallow music is in contrast to his in depth emotions of what he is seeing.

We hear a school bell which is diegetic, and is carried onto the following frame. As the audience have just viewed a discomforting scene, the sound of this school sound puts the audience at ease slightly, and not feeling as on edge, because it is a familiar sound, and is a relatable recognition.

Towards the final scene of the opening, we have a voice over of “Oh no!” from the girl, when the car is approaching closer to the phone box he is standing in, in the deserted location. This is sharply enforcing that she is watching him, and knows what is going on. The car’s engine creates great suspense, because it’s the loud noise for a while, because you are so grasped into what the girl is saying on the phone, it’s a shock when the car comes shooting up the road, you know it has importance in which I think the director has purposely done. The sound of the car is also pleonastic sound as it is exaggerated to an extent so it shocks the audience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrnDZ8DDL9oTo hear the sounds for yourself, click here:

EditingThe most obvious editing technique that is used in the introduction of “Brick” is a technique known as “Eye Line Match”. The shot we initially of the boy crouched down all folded into himself looking into all we know initially as thin air is irritating to the viewer because he is looking at something that everyone as an audience want to know what it is, so you want to physically move the camera a POV of the scene he is viewing. Using the Eye Line Match technique, the viewers can see that the boy has no change in figure of facial expression, suggesting shock, and questionable to the viewer of how long he could have possibly of been there for as he seems shaken to what he has seen in front of him.

A visual representation of a Graphic Match is used in the introduction of the film. This shows the atmospheric changes of scenes, from normality (general day to day life) to a sinister, lifeless atmosphere. The Graphic Match takes place when we see to begin with the young girls hand in water (dead), to a jump back to the past, with her unlocking her locker. This is used to help establish a strong continuity of action and linking the two shots metaphorically.

“Editing is like killing your story then slowly bringing it back to life.”

180 degree rule is used also, noticeable because there is no mirrored effect. Continuity flows exact.

SE7ENMise-en-Scene and Cinematography

This particular shot from the Se7en OPT, implies hidden identity, and plead of innocence. We get this idea often throughout the clip; which you can see next to this picture of someone cutting off their finger tips to hide proof of any identification of something that he/she could have possibly done. The lighting is also dark so therefore tells us the genre, and also hidden agendas/secritivity.

This is a close up POV shot of the taking place. The close up is done for a reason, and the word that jumps out straight away is GOD. We can see exactly what is going on, and the focus on ‘God’ has a lot of meaning. ‘God’ is connoting death. The suggestion of death is also again, telling the viewer the genre of the film. I also got this interpretation because ‘John Doe’ has specifically cut out that particular word, which creates mystery, and gives us a sense of the story line of a matter of life or death. The lighting is dark, which is suggesting danger and masses of negativity. The prop being used is sharp also, so is suggesting violence, relating to the genre of the film.

The writing of the titles in the opening, interprets a lot of things. It fits into the perspective of the clip when the hidden identity guy (John Doe) is writing in the book, it links in to life reality. The drips down on each letter also suggest blood dripping, and maybe even tears. It has negative connotations. Again, also the lighting is dark, that signifies negativity and darkness in people’s life.

This clip is indicating darkness again, and the red implies danger, and blood (death, hurt). Because there is no clear image, it makes us as an audience feel really uncomfortable, wanting to physically actually un blur the camera into focus, and clear the redness. The whole point of this opening title sequence I feel is pretty much to show hidden identities in which people want to find out who it is, and are punished by death depending on what they originally had done. It is typical of the horror genre because it is building suspense almost straight away, and wanting to found out more > feeling on edge.

This frame tells us a lot about a lack of vision. The pens are doubled, like when you are dying (obviously it can’t be explained however you may see two of things – everything goes out and in of focus. It’s a medium side shot, therefore, the director’s approach is to try and get the audience to feel negativity towards the film opening, giving us the hint of what the film could be about. It is uncomforting for the viewer because you physically want to move the camera to find out what is being written; the director has done this to approach a mystery hybrid.

Sound Techniques

The shot of an unusual image being shown of something that plays on your mind, creates an emotion of disorientation to the viewers. The shadows also create an uncomforting feeling, because it feels as if you are being over watched.

The sound being displayed in the background is diegetic. The shadows give the interpretation that something ancient/rusty is swinging back and fourth, which then contrasts with the silence of the shadows suggesting that this film is sinister.

The shadowed hand that is sharply enforced on to the book is reinforcing a hidden identity, further expanding on a sense of mystery that plays which the director has approached for you to work out all throughout the film, in which it is sub genre is psychological… Music begins to rise, when next frame goes red, which is intense and suggesting something is about to happen.

When determining the genre and approaching a suitable mood to an audience it is key that the music used is specific. To start of the sequence there is a loud bang, similarly to the sound of thunder. This is used to give an instant hint to the audience that the film is at high intensity. A drum is played during the course of the sequence and although at times it is not as apparent, it is continuously followed by a screeching noise. 33 seconds into the sequence a hand is writing into a notebook, however the lettering is blurred so we are unable to see what is being written, but just by the sound effect of the screeching of the pen being pushed down the character is represented clearly. It is obvious for whatever reason they are heated, irritated and strong-minded with what they are trying to succeed.

Voiceover – non diegetic sound. “You’ve got me closer to God”. The directors approach is relating this voice over and this sense to death as God is related to the afterlife. Because the word “GOD” is physically being picked out of this paper, it is suggesting how really close you are to being dead, foreshadowing the events that follow in the film. At 1:36 the speed and the volume of the music increases, the drum bang is now more noticeable, and the audience’s expectation of a sudden jump isn’t fulfilled, which could create confusion. This pace is followed through until 2:01 where we eventually hear someone speak, “you can be closer to God” is the last thing we hear of the opening sequence, and this again creates anticipation and leaves unanswered questions from the audience, leaving us irritated and eager to keep on watching – therefore, has succeeded in creating the thrill to suit the thriller genre.

Mental Health related, which is curious to the audience. This links into the disturbing picture of the boys head photo. It suggests how deluded this film is.

Non-diegetic sound is being enforced which sounds like a girl screaming, which is then transformed into a high pitch sound straight after this shot, suggesting a tense emotion, and also a reminiscence to what this hidden identity character has done to get him to this stage. Moving further on in the sequence a number of diverse and random noises are put in place, this gives off an uneasy atmosphere to the audience and although they feel out of place and on edge they still want to watch on to unravel the story, meaning the director has effectively created narrative enigma through the assortment of the music and sound effects.

EditingEditing plays a big part in making the opening sequence of this film successful. Very early into the sequence the director decides to use a jump cut, and the metal object which is being held is shown in changed angles with altered lighting, to deliberately disorientate the viewer. Which relates to the disorientation of the film (using the technique of foreshadowing). Throughout the sequence, non continuity editing is used; this stops the clip from feeling like ‘real life’ for the viewer, however, still making them feel very anxious or on edge, because you are already grasped into the film already. It comes to realisation to the minds of the viewers that anything could happen. The director really gets into your mind. The visual effect of the credits draws the audience’s attention to them, emphasising again the suspension of the film coming.

“Editing makes or breaks a movie, you know.” Jamie Uys.

Collateral AnalysisMise-en-scene

The two contrasts of different lighting may suggest his two sided personality, and how he is often on the dark side of himself. This also is suggesting negativity towards the spectators.

The sunglasses are suggesting hidden identity. The smart outfit that he is wearing is telling the audience that he is blending in to the sub urban city that he is living in, not standing out – therefore, anything that he does that is against the law, is not identifiable easily to pin point it’s him. The suit also suggests business. He knows exactly what he is talking about, and when you initially look, he looks to be the more dominant character.

His dress sense/ overall appearance identifies his age and class. Mid 40’s, upper class.

The glasses on Max in this shot is defying intelligence and also in some ways weakness. Obviously, we can tell by his job that he is a very ordinary character, which is most noticeable also by his clothes. He looks “normal”. When approached by a business-like man, you can see by Max’s facial expression that he feels timid, unsure, and you know this because he has been forced into a situation he is hesitant to be apart of. The other guy shows power by his facial expression and body language, over powering Max’s actions – his looking slightly down looking up at Max, as though he is saying something to him emotionally.

The photos that Max has in his taxi tell the viewers that he is a normal guy. He has dreams that he is destined to do; just like every normal person. The way he keeps it covered discreetly is as though he wants to be able to achieve something on his own, without the companion of somebody else. This suggests his determination/motivation.

From this screen grab, we can tell that there is a clear division between the two characters. This also suggests the differences of opinions. Facial expression is the most important micro feature, because you can emotionally sense Max’s fear, and the other guys power and dominance.

The lighting from the car behind is reflecting off of Vincent’s face. This again is showing us who the dominant figure is, and how much negativity and awkwardness is in Max’s life right now, as he is on the darker side with no more than little light.

In this frame, we can see for the first time Vincent looks untidy, and not well kept. This could be a slight reveal to the real him – messed up/physcotic.

The weaponry e.g. the gun shows straight away that he has the upper hand in difficult situations.

His facial expression shows that he is fearless, and his body language and the way he is holding on to the gun shows how his is not giving up, and won’t let go – he is ready for everything that is thrown at him.

MISE-EN-SCENE

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Cinematography

This mid close up shot (wide shot) it placed in a spot where the audience feels involvement. The director has made this approach to make us feel as though we fit in the crowd of a normal every day society, only in which everything is blurred, and he is in focus, because we know that he is a significant character throughout the duration of the film. It is also placed in a way to show how he looks normal – like said in the mise-en-scene, he looks so business like, that he actually fits in to everybody around him.

Mid close up. The director may have chosen to do this shot for this frame, to show the audience his appearance, which relates to social class, status and age. Having a mid close up is done for a reason, to show facial expression to certain situations, and his attitude towards them also.

Collateral

Scene 1 - Opening3,2,1 ACTION!

Mid-Shot – if this was a long shot, it wouldn’t have the same effect as what is has a mid shot, why in which the director has chosen this shot. You can see the full definition of his facial expression, which gives of senses of emotions. The body language is easily defined to be strong – which is seen by the grip of he’s hands on the gun. If this wasn’t a mid shot, Vincent would focus in to the background, and wouldn’t come across as strong.

This mid-close up shot has great significance because like said in the mise-en-scene section, we can see the clear divide between the two characters. Again, body language and facial expressions are easily identifiable, which gives of a bigger impression to the viewers.

Editing

In the Thriller, “Collateral” it is clearly identifiable to the viewer that the opening scene is continuity editing. The whole scene throughout flows well into another action packed shot. Action happens quickly, therefore the editor and director have made it clear that this film is an action packed Thriller.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYB9ytA6weo#t=28 (both links)On this exact time of shot, the editing technique being used is the 180 degree shot. This technique is used in conversation to not create a mirrored effect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYB9ytA6weo#t=30

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYB9ytA6weoThe whole scene contains faced pace action cuts, Which flows well with each and every shot. It is Contrasting to the life of the characters, and Makes it relatable to the viewer, therefore, A wider range audience is going to be indulged Into the variety of action. Lives are constantly Changing, which is shown through the editing Of this sequence, however, life still goes on, Which you see also.

Sound

At the very start of the opening, we hear at it’s most, diegetic sound. This is of footsteps, dialogue of conversation, and normal every day sounds you would hear at it’s location – a train station. Although it is very quietened down, when we hear the sudden sound of the bag dropping, it emphasises the importance of the prop identified; and foreshadows what else could happen in the rest of the film.

The non-diegetic sound kicks in after the drop pf the bag and the “fake” non-diegetic dialogue of the characters, one being the main – Vincent. This is giving the impression that because now they have swapped bags, the action is now about to begin, making the audience feel excited, on edge and thrilled.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYB9ytA6weo#t=36

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYB9ytA6weo#t=22

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYB9ytA6weo#t=57

The non-diegetic soundtrack then begins to soften, after the second main character, Max, has been introduced. This gives the effect that Max is a much softer person, and he is the suttle character, the protagonist. Therefore, it is foreshadowing the events to come, and also identifying their personality is some ways. The whole minority of the opening is fulfilled with non-diegetic

soundtrack which at some points go from low to high pitch, creating sharp sounds. This creates a feeling of mystery to the viewer, and because it is all filled with action straight away, it builds suspense and thrills the audience.