Opening sequence to Se7en

• Camera Shot/Angle/Movement;

There are many different shots and angles. A lot of close up camera shots are used in the opening sequence. This makes it harder to realise what is actually going on. Point of view shots are used as well. This creates an unusual atmosphere as if you are doing everything with the character that is being introduced in this opening sequence. The repetition of certain clips is a way to try and imply to the audience that this scene is more important and has a meaning in the opening sequence of the film. This sets the tone of the film and prepares the audience for what is to happen in the film  

• Sound;

The only sounds you can hear is music, screams and many other synthesised sounds these are non-diegetic sounds as they are not associated with the action you can see it is also not very clear what the sounds are exactly. The music does help to build atmosphere and tension throughout as it is an abstract piece, it is very dull and eerie and their are other sound affects like a scream, sound of clippers and somebody typing set the mood for the film.

• Editing;

There is a lot of editing in the opening sequence. Where the scene goes from a close up or a point of view shot to the credits. There are lots of cuts and the majority of them happen quickly. This confuses the audience and makes them want to keep watching. There are also flashing disturbing images that make the audience feel uncomfortable and edgy. Also in the opening credits of this film you get to go through everything that is going on and through this you get the sense that this character is preparing to do something this also gave you the impression that there are two people doing two separate things in different locations.

• Mise en Scene;

It is difficult to determine what the scene or setting is. The only costume seen in the shots is cloth that is wrapped around the persons finger tips. The scene seems to be dirty and it looks unpleasant. Dark colours are used throughout the whole opening scene. 

Lighting: In the opening credits the lighting is some what bright which is unusual for a horror film because the lighting is normally very dull. In this scenario the lighting is bright because they wanted to see what the person in they opening credits was doing to set the audience up for the rest of the film. The image in the centre of the screen is bright implying that the object has a sense of importance. 

Prop: There is a lot of props in the clip. As the objects the man is holding are important parts of the prop as they give the audience a layout of the setting of the film, the prop in this scene is used to give an idea of how the antagonist does his work because from the opening credits you could see that the antagonist does put allot of thought in to what he or she does. 

Settings: In the opening sequence it is hard to tell what the film is really about. The antagonist in the sequence is holding a verity of objects in his hands. this could imply that he may be in a tool shop or mechanics.

• Characters;

Only one character is introduced in this opening sequence and they seem extremely mysterious as you only get to see their fingers, what they are doing and their surroundings. There is not a clear defined character but the audience assumes that he is the antagonist because of their surroundings. As the antagonist is surrounded with violent objects and images this shows that the character may have a dark side.

 

• Locations;

The location is unknown. It could be a Cellar, Laboratory etc. The location seems dark, dingy and gloomy.  

• Narrative/Plot;

There isn’t a clear plot and the audience cannot tell what will happen throughout the rest of the film but the opening sequence keeps the audience engaged as the audience is not sure what is going on and is led on to think many things.

• Themes;

The themes that are suggested in this opening could be death, serial killings, the disturbing pictures could imply suffering. As the whole opening sequence appears to be gloomy these themes are subconsciously gained in the audiences mind.

• Visual Style;

This opening sequence is very unique and original, many flashes of disturbing images are used, combination of edits, lighting and mise en scene is used to create an atmosphere. This atmosphere helps to keep the audience engaged as they are not sure as to what is going on.

• Genre;

This opening sequence has some conventions of a thriller or maybe even a horror. This is because all of the aspects above combined create an atmosphere for the audience that is almost uncomfortable and thrilling. 

                                                       

                                                        

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