Analysis of Opening Film Techniques Employed

Film Techniques Examples of typical film techniques used and why– Illustrate your findings with references to actual onscreen moments.

Titling – colour, font style, over image or black, timing, credits presentation etc

The title is not shown; however, there is a series of red colors which for me is very distracting. Especially as it coincides with the disturbing, and estranged plot, in which a little boy called Cole Sear is able to see the dead- hence the title ‘The Sixth Sense’.

Camera Movement (panning, tracking, crane shot and crabbing etc)

Framing of Shot (CU, MLS, ELS etc)

The close up shot of the second character in his bed, speaking to the main character timidly, and with tears in his eyes is a very effective shot because it illustrates his emotions. The fear that he has because he possesses the skill of witnessing dead people.

Camera Angles (high and low angles etc

There is no specific high angle or low angle shots at this present time.

Selection of mise-en-scène including colour, figure, props, lighting, objects, location and setting;

The continuous inclusion of dark shades and red lighting creates a negative and scary feeling of the film, As I said before, the plot of this movie contributes to it, because it something that is so surreal, it is hard not to believe its true. The props are also red as well, the red jumper Cole` s mum wears inside the car, the red balloon that is released into the air, and the red car that nearly hits the main character are all good examples.

Editing directions(Match cuts, jump cut, reverse shots etc)

There are numerous jump cuts that are included inside the first two minutes of the film, signifying time has passed by. This has been done deliberately by the director to emphasize the effect the sixth sense has had on other people who have been told about Cole` s skill. Reverse shots have been included in dialogue but are not as effective as the jump cuts at this present time.

Sound techniques(diegetic, non diegetic, silence, dialogue

Actor’s positioning and movement