‘Identity’ opening scene analysis

‘Identity’ opening scene analysis

The film opens on a black screen as you hear a recorded voice of Malcolm Rivers.  This cuts to close up shots of what obviously is evidence for a multiple murder case.  This has shots that cut quickly from one to another, all of close ups of the psychiatrist, Dr Malick.  The audience are not aware of the names of the characters at this point making both the recorded voice and the psychiatrist a mystery. This creates ambiguity which is typical of the thriller genre.  The close up shots of Malick also prevents us from seeing his full figure adding to the ambiguity.

The sounds in the opening scene are of mainly dialogue of the recorded voice and the un-nerving sound of a storm raging outside, however there is quiet background music which adds to the sinister tone of who we assume is the murders voice playing on the tape machine.  This adds to the already confusing situation and enhances the atmosphere.  The recorded voice sounds almost childish which juxtaposes with the murderous image the evidence portrays as well as the repetitive and angry tone in the recorded voice.

The Mise-en-scene in this scene contains of just piles of evidence, notes and tapes surrounding Malick on his desk.  None of these things are shown in shot for long before cutting to another shot.  This obscures the viewer’s knowledge of the situation creating the sense of unknown.  Some of the Mise-en-scene is only shown when flashes of lightning light up the room Malick is in building tension within the scenario.  The colours in the scene are limited to light, and dark.  These colours contrast and this, in my opinion symbolises good and evil.  There is a strong Key light from the evidence its self which is the only light in the room.  This light’s Malicks face slightly suggesting that there is much more to be discovered and brought ‘into the light’.

Public enemies opening analysis

Public Enemies (2009) Opening scene film analysis

The film opens with a blank screen.  The date of what is to happen in the film is shown, then a brief explanation of the date and situation of some of the main characters in text.  The font is plain but in almost a military style making a very serious opening.  There is also very little dialogue in the opening scene and this means any explanations of situations have to be figured out by the viewer.  This makes them think and be curious of what might happen next.

The sound of marching footsteps is heard before the camera cuts to show a line of prisoners marching in the typical striped uniform.  The camera shows both long shots and close ups of the prisoners.  One is shown lying dead on the floor by a guard; this shot its self possesses a tense atmosphere.

The camera cuts directly to a close up shot of a car pulling up outside the prison.  A man appears to be taking a prisoner into the prison.  The camera cuts back to the prisoners, now being inside the prison, sewing.  Music creates tension as the camera shows the prisoners discretely pass round guns to each other that they have taken from what was thought by the guards to be just thread for sewing.  The camera focuses on the box with the guns in it, at first this confuses the viewer but all becomes clear when it is opened.

This opening is bound to directly interest and excite the viewer from the very start.  

This Film relates more to the sub-genre of an Action Thriller than a stereotypical thriller film.  Because of my target demographic that I am targeting for my thriller, If my film were to have similarities to this in terms of filming/action style it would be more popular within my targeted demographic.

The Prestige analysis, Christopher Nolan, 2006


Camera frame, movement and angle
The film opens with a shot panning across something that to the audience seems completely random. This creates a curious atmosphere. Next the shot cuts to black before a close up of birds in a cage and a character explaining a magic trick. Film cuts between this trick with a bird and another trip with a human. A similar trick on a different scale.

Sound
A voice is heard, of a magician explaining a scenario. This is shown in parallel with an equivalent/similar act of a different scale. Tense music is apparent in the background. The electrical flashes and the tense music suggest almost certainly that something is to go wrong. Voices are not kept separate to faces (unknown). Therefore the film is relying on the confusion created by the immediate situation.

Lighting
A dark stage adds to the uncertainty of the act shown simultaneously with the trick with the bird. This shows that one trick has a sinister side, and the other does not, adding suspense.

Editing
The camera cuts to black after the first shot. And then directly cuts between the two tricks.

Representation
The film is set in the Victorian times when magic was of great importance because it bought wealth to those who mastered it. Innocence of a child is juxtaposed by the idea of a more sinister concept of a certain magic trick.

Mise-en-scene
The mise-en-scene is of foggy woodland with top hats strewn across the ground. Confusing to the viewer. Next, cutting to black and then the simultaneous magic tricks. One trick on a dark stage and enormous electrical equipment which in those days would be out of this world. Below stage a sinister scene of what appears as the death of the magician. However it is all unclear. The scene fades out.

Narrative structure
The narrative structure is of a man who is explaining the composition of a magic trick and its difficulties.

Me, myself and I

Year 12 Media Blog

Sam Stronge

GCSE Results:

Biology – B

Chemistry – A

Physics – A

Geography – B

Media Studies – B

Music - B

English Literature – B

English Language – C

Mathematics – C

Hobbies

I enjoy Kayaking at Norwich Canoe Club, Rugby at Wymondham Rugby Club and Cycling with VC Norwich.  I play the Guitar and I have played it since middle school now.

Media interests

I take greatest interest in the music industry and promotion.  I also have interest for new technology.

Music industry

My favourite genre of music is probably Metal but I enjoy a diverse mix.  Although I play Guitar, I am not currently in a band.  I access most of my music over the internet or simply from buying CD’s in shops.  I believe that illegal downloading of music does not destroy the industry any more than it advertises and promotes the music that’s downloaded and heard.  I believe that some people are heavily influenced by music and styles portrayed by the idols associated with that style of music.

Print media

I am not very used to print media as I only occasionally buy the Kerrang magazine and I get monthly issues from the RSC and the BCU. 

Video games

My favourite video game is probably Halo Reach because of its imaginative styles of play and unique ‘Forge’. I believe the ‘shooter’ style of the game may impact negatively on the attitudes of the player but I do not believe it could have a significant affect.

New technologies

Technologies have become an essential tool in day to day life we barely notice it.  For example, I use BBC news on the internet opposed to buying a newspaper.  Technology has enhanced our lifestyles; we can now watch films by streaming them over the internet.

Television

My favourite channels are Dave and Comedy central, simply because they have programmes that are easy to watch and enjoyable. And I don’t mind repeats.   My Favourite TV genre has to be Sitcom because they are entertaining and I like a good laugh.  I consider Faulty Towers memorable because the humour in it is completely ‘off the wall’ although when it was first shown it wasn’t an instant hit.  It hasn’t dated in the same way that most Sitcoms do and it is still popular today.  In addition, because only a small number of episodes were made everybody knows them off by heart.  Programmes can also be memorable because they are so shockingly bad.  Takeshi’s Castle is an example of this because of the sheer stupidity of the concept on which it is based.

Feature Film

My favourite genre of film has to be either comedy or comedy horror.  This is because I do not enjoy horror films for the same reason that they appeal to others, I do not find the concept enjoyable however a similar aspect of violence can be made humours hence one of my favourite genres being comedy horror. 

I prefer to watch films for the first time on the big screen at the Cinema, if I like the film, I would prefer to buy the film on DVD making it easier to watch and chat about with friends.  My favourite Cinema would probably be Vue because of its convenient location in the mall in the city, however Odeon is more comfortable.  My only issue with Odeon is that I have been not been allowed in to 15 rated films (me being 6ft 1 in height).  I prefer to watch a film with one other person to watch it with and discuss. 

I have produced media for various reasons in the past, I made a music video for my GCSE in Media Studies and I have also played with cloning, green screens and various effects.  I have a YouTube account that I put some of my videos on.

Why Media Studies?

I have chosen Media studies because I enjoy it!  Well most of it, some parts intrigue me more than others but overall I think its great :D x