In the opening of thrillers directors use different aspects such as character, location, genre and tone/mood to establish the film. Different directors usually focus on one aspect overall in the opening of a film based on its overall style.
Character
character effectively within the opening
scenes to allow audience have a better understanding of the character.
For example in the shot Detective Summerset's essential belongings are perfectly placed out. This shows the characters structure and organisation which implies he's a careful man.The first object shown is a cut out of wall paper which holds sentimental value, though the scene which shows the background story to this is a deleted from the full movie of se7en. The rose like print shown portrays the characters more emotional and sensitive side which contrasts to the other objects which convey a more serious side to Summerset. The gold homicide badge which lays next to the wall paper piece outlines his profession and implies his skill and intelligence. The pen and glasses also portrays the intelligence and furthermore shows the characters intel to detail and precision, showing how he looks into the deeper and more hidden things and ensures to recollect them. Moreover, the pen knife presents his character to have a darker side, in which he is aware of the dangers which surrounds him and feels the need to protect himself.
For example this shot is symbolic as it conveys detective Summerset's loneliness, the inequality within the composition forebodes this. The two lampshades with conveying two different peoples taste, however the second person to the bed missing. The single character within the shot.
Location
using the opening of a film to establish location can be effective as it gives the audience insight to where the film is set and can create the tone. 'Essex Boys'
especially uses location in a way in which it bases the harsh reality of the location, opening with the shot below entering Essex. The colour palette conveys the bleak county the characters are entering into and foreshadows the darkness of the upcoming events. The grey off tone colour forms the sense of positivity being drained from this setting. Before even establishing what the films main plot is the audience can already understand the gritty tone of the film from the location only.
Furthermore the location bellow doesn't adjust the audiences anyway differently from the previous image, only justifying the bleak tone which is established within the location. This image focuses more on the scenery rather than the character with the on-screen vanishing point also forcing the audience to concentrate on the scenery. Highlighting the deserted expanse of setting dulled with a saturated colour palette creating a location filled with hopelessness.
Genre
The director of The Third Man, Carol Reed uses generic conventions of film noir to establish the movies genre. The costume of the protagonist clearly defines the anti-hero character presenting them with the classic trench coat and fedora hat which is also shown in other noirs such as Double Indemnity and Out of the Past. Furthermore Reed establishes the genre through location, presenting the inner city night setting set in a European location. This establishes the key theme of post war society where the city is divided, where the British, Americans and Russians are in charge. This contrasts with the characters and the underworld that is below the city full with paranoia and secrecy.
The mise en scene used in Reeds The Third
Man also constitutes the genre of film noir. Using Chiaroscuro lighting standing as a metaphor for the characters darker/ hidden side. In addition the winding stairs creating a disorientating feeling of entrapment metaphorically showing weakness in the sense of mental and literal struggle within the character which is a common aspect within the anti- hero character in film noir.
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