Film Opening Analysis: The Dark Knight

Lemuel Lewin

Conventions of a film openingIn the beginning of a film the audience should be able to recognise the genre. In this opening scene you can easily identify the genre. For instance in this shot you can see three figures with bags to cover their identities. This gives the impression that they have been kidnapped. Usually these types of situations occur in crime thriller films which tells the audience that this is a crime related film. Another convention of a film opening is that the audience should be introduced to one of the key characters. In this case in the dark knight the audience are introduced to the main antagonist.

Mise en sceneThe beginning of the scene is built on suspense and establishing the scene. In this long shot of the government agent we can immediately determine the role of this character and his level of importance in this narrative. In our first look at the character he is positioned in the centre of the frame which suggest that he is the focal point and the most significant character In the scene. Also the guards are positioned behind him which suggests that they follow his orders, he is clearly a superior figure and that he is of a higher status and has authority. Costume is another element which states the importance of this character in the shot. The agents costume represents him as a weak and vulnerable character due to the colour blue which connotes softness or a mellow attitude. However the guards behind him represent his power and authority due to the connotations of violence and control which is associated with the guns.

Editing Editing Is another element that helps to establish the scene. During the fast paced action parts of the opening scene there are the use of cuts to emphasise show the different views of the action. This in turn connotes the sense of danger and panic while giving the audience the intestity that the scene should provide. In the build up to the action scene there is the use of cross cutting which is used to build up tension and allow the audience to wonder what happens next. It also gives insight on how cunning and dangerous the antagonist is by the fact that while he is speaking he is allowing his plan to be successful.

SoundAt the beginning of the scene the non diegetic music in the background creates a mysterious mood and atmosphere. As the scene goes on the music gradually increases in volume which builds up tension and suspense making the audience feel like they are waiting for something thrilling to occur. The music also helps the audience to identify the genre, the gradual build up of the music in the middle of the scene is a typical convention for a thriller. When the main antagonist Bane is introduced the agent and him exchange dialogue where the reveal makes the atmosphere full of suspense and climax. The tone of voice of the antagonist is distinct and represents him as quite a psychotic character which fits the convention traits of the antagonist in this type of genre. As soon as he gathers his confidence his voice lifts to ex[plain his master plan as to build up fear into the mind of the audience which then breaks the tension within the scene and places the focus on the action.

Camera Shots and angles

This shot clearly presents the theme of good versus evil. The main antagonist bane is shown in a Pov shot. The shot emphasises his domination and control over the scene. The fact that the audience are looking directly up at him suggests the feeling of superiority. The effect of the shot allows us to believe that we are involved with the scene and have taken the role of the survivors on the plane and how they must be reacting. It makes him seem a lot than he appears. Shortly after an handheld effect is used to emphasise danger, panic and confusion. This also enhances the powerful representation of the antagonist and provides us with a clear insight on his role and how he may affect the storyline.