The Purge: Anarchy Opening Analysis

The start of the movie uses text which sets the scene and tone for the rest of the film. Similarly to an establishing shot, it lets the audience know what is happening, where and when. The following opening sequence uses the same font as this, representing how the film is about order and conformity. This sets the tone and ideas for the film.

The first image of the film is crumpled money being thrown onto a table. The lack of care taken with something as precious as money can be linked to how, during the movie, people have no care for each other's lives, another precious thing in life. Money is also a motive for some characters in the film and it also can separate between those who hunt and those who are hunted. The extreme close up emphasises how important the money is as the audience are forced to focus on it.

A pretty young woman has a yellow dress on. The fact that she is young and a woman stereotypically implies that she is to be in danger throughout the film. The yellow connotes innocence and vulnerability. Also, the use of high-key lighting gives a sense of friendliness, matched by the kind conversation gives the scene a warm and pleasant feel; this is in juxtaposition to the film as we expect a thriller film to be scary and fast-paced. This is done to settle the audience before they are scared. On the other hand, there is sirens in the background which is in contrast to the scene which is quite light-hearted.

An over the shoulder shot gives the audience a sight of the characters focusing on the television. From this, the audience can tell that what is happening on the television is going to have an impact on the storyline, as the characters are taking an interest in it. We can tell that the television is important also as the characters then proceed to exchange dialogue regarding the 'purge'. The non-diegetic soundtrack builds a sense of anticipation for the audience as it builds pace and mimics a heartbeat. This leads the audience to believe there is some sort of action forthcoming and they want to be excited or scared.

The scene changes to a room with low-key lighting and a man dressed entirely in black, which has connotations of evil and mystery. The curtains are closed and the scene is very shadowed. The close up of the gun gives a sinister feel when combined with the low-key lighting. There is a focus pull from the guns laying on the bed to the man who is arranging them. This creates a link between the two and shows how the man knows what he is doing, showing possible experience in this field.

Another focus pull in conjunction with an over the shoulder shot goes from the man to a picture of him with a young boy, presumably his son. This draws an emotional link between the man and the picture and giving a background to this character. This will make the character more relatable for the audience and a feeling that a viewer can attach themselves to this character.

There is a closed frame shot which could represent how the family are set to be trapped throughout the film. The bars make the lobby seem like a prison and they are stuck inside with no way out.

As the woman enters the lobby of her apartment block, there is a drunk man who is overweight and balding. This may represent how the man's life is off-track both mentally and physically, hence why he has turned to drinking during the day. The low-key lighting is a representative of the situation, as the man is obviously trying to come onto the woman, who is seemingly innocent and politely declines.