Research the opening sequences of several films. (Cinematography, editing, sound and mise en scene)

Panic Room (2002)

Cinematography - A long, wide shot was used in this opening scene showing the background the location of where the film was set, throughout the majority of the opening sequence there are many city buildings which could indicate what type of class the characters are from or just where the film is set. This makes the audience more aware of what's going to happen and to get a feel for the film as if they were involved. These other shots are medium shots, low angle close ups and crane shots, the variety of shots makes the opening sequence have more character and to portay that the city is a very busy and different place for everyone who visits and lives their so the director may be trying to show this in this film so the audience is aware of different perspectives. There is some tracking shots but are less frequent and do not last as long as the other shots.

Editing - The credits have been transferred onto the location shots at the beginning of the opening sequence which could be described as a harsh text (For example, Gothic) and is in a stone colour. The use of the strong text expressed in capital letters but lack of colour which blends into the background could suggest loneliness, something or someone being lost or hidden. This use of editing helps give some of the storyline away but very discreetly. The credits are performed in a continuity manner and passes very quickly, this creates a edgey atmosphere for the audience which could prepared them for

what is going to happen next. This is also helped with the non-diegetic sound. In addition, the text is mostly set to display on the left or right hand side of the shot but the main title 'Panic Room' is placed in the center and the font is much bigger than the credits which emphasises the meaning of the film. There is some edited unnatural light used to make the city to appear much bright than it could normally be which makes it look much nicer and improves the background scenery.

Sound - Non diegetic sound is being used throughout the opening sequence which creates an edgey atmosphere because even though the background is made too look really nice and a place where people would like to visit, the music suggests to the audience something completely different which may get them to like twice about what they believe the film to be.

Mise en scene - The big, tall skyscappers, building and many cars including yellow taxis sets the scene of a very busy city life and another normal day. During the film, the pale, worn out makeup effect and dull clothing suggests a horror/thriller film and the the beginning of the film starts very quietly which contradicts the setting the characters are in because the city life is very noisy due to the hundreds and thousands of indviduals and transport that is moving around. Also, when the robbery takes place the the three males are in all black/ dark clothing which indicates a robbery and that something bad in going to happen no matter what. The all black costumes is a large scale sterotype which is sued all over the world for robbery acts and negative events.

Jaws (1975)

Cinematography- At the beginning of this film there is a panning shot that points towards the characters at the beach which shows what they are doing and that is a normal, happy day and the beach. The use of the panning could indicated a predator looking and waiting for his prey, which in fact a shark does too. This may be deliberate and some audiences may already be thinking this because of the DVD/ video case has a shark on the front of it. During this film, there is a range of close up shots that allows the audience to anaylse the mood and the characters expressions towards certain events during the film. Also, shot reverse shot which allows the audience to engage and feel involved. Another shot is point of view, this shot is used to show the audience what the shark sees before and during his attack. This makes thriller effect which makes the film exciting, more interesting and causes adrenaline rushes by the audience. Long shots also has this effect on the audience.

Editing - There are many cross cuts during this movie, an example of this is when the female is being attacked and the drunken male on the beach. Also, jump cuts, graphical match and fading is used to give the film more character and so it can flow without looking jumpy and making the shots look harsh.

Sound - Sound motif is used in this film to create suspense and a fearful attack by the shark which relates to the meaning of the film to suggest something bad is going to happen or sometimes nothing happens at all but the director wants to play games with the audience. This can make the film more fun and less disappointing as audiences get fed and up bored if they already know what is going to happen just by the music or lighting.

Mis en scene - The location was at a large, sandy beach on a hot summers day which connotations suggest happiness and everyone can relate to a nice, relaxing day they had on a day like that which could make them unaware and unconscious of what is going to happen. The characters clothing is very natural and basic types of clothing at the beach. E.g women in swimsuits and bikinis and males fully dresses or in swimming trucks. There were sun canopies which some characters laid under and deck chairs that the one of the main character and other characters were sitting on.

Taken 2 (2012)

Cinematography- During this film there is a wide range of different shots to explain the storyline with as much detail as possible so the audience can feel apart of the chaos and to enjoy the adrenaline rush. Close ups and medium shoulder shots were used to show the emotions of the characters face's were changing and to get an idea of what was happening even if they could or couldn’t hear anything. For example, when the daughter was on the phone looking out of the window. Also, there was a long, wide shot when she came out of the building to escape, which shows her against the outside world, this makes her look extremely small and to show the audience the dangers of what she is doing. Also, to make the audience fear for her. There were over head shots in this film aswell.

Editing- There was a huge amount of editing used for the credits, the transition fade in and fade out was used which express something being taken quickly of the subject which begins to show the audience that something may happen very quickly and easily in the film. This could indicate that the film is going to be fast moving. The credits were laid on a black background which connatates crime, mystery, darkness and something being lost. This colour scheme was a great way to start the story as it gets the audience thinking.

Sound- During the opening scene, diegetic sounds were used; such as gun shots and cars crashing which instantly gets the audiences attention and the adrenaline rush is instant. Non diegetic sounds were used of fast pacing music. This was used when two gun men ran past in the background but the director chose to use music which builds tension and suspense.

Mise en scene - The location was a huge part of the film because it shows the audience that the character is traveling and searching, the use of the city in the background suggests that where they are in the villages they are not noticed and unheard so it shows that they feel hopeless in some parts of the film. Also, the characters clothing for the young female suggests that she's still very much a child and she is very innocent. This is focussed on when she is wearing a denim jacket with bright pink flowers on. However, the villians are always dressed in black or dark clothing which suggests they are are danger to her and they will catch her when shes not ready because they are not brightly dressed they are very dull and could blend into the background.