Research - Analysis of Three Film Openings

Inception

URL: YouTube - Inception

Director: Christopher Nolan.

Writer: Christopher Nolan.

Studio: Warner Bros Pictures.

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Marion Cotillard, Cillian Murphy.

Release: July 16, 2010.

Mise-en-scene
A gun which shows that the film contains voilence. Along with suites for the actors, displaying smartness, relating to intelligence, and success. Throughout the 5 minute intro, the circumstances change to create an illusion and depth of feel the film. Drawing the audience in, with suspense and uniqueness.
Camera Angle
The camera angles used vary from looking up or down at the actor, showing dominence. Furthermore, when the actors are within the building the camera is a mid shot, to close up's and then long shots, also having establishing shots.
Lighting
The lighting is bright outside, then swiftly moving into a moderately lit room creating an atmosphere.
Music
The music in the opening 5minutes, is slow but heavy, it gives the a dramatic effect to the audience, giving the impression that something is going to happen, but keeping the audience in suspense.

Law Abiding Citizen

URL: YouTube - Law Abiding Citizen

Director: F. Gary Gray.

Writer: Kurt Wimmer.

Studio: The Film Company.

Cast: Gerard Butler, Jamie Foxx, Leslie Bibb.


Release: November 27, 2009.


Mise-en-scene
The location is inside the family home, and soon unwanted men barge into the home to cause dismay. Stealing items from their home, throwing around the wife.
Camera Angle
There are a couple of over-the-shoulder shots, along with mid shots, and close up's of the bracelet. Over the shoulder shot when the door opens and Gerard Butler get's hit with a baseball bat.
Lighting
Dim lighting, just lit from lamps. When the door opens, outside is dark, and inside the home is lit up.
Music
Slow start to the music, but then low sounding music, for dramatic effect. Loud knock at the door, keeping the audience in suspense.

The Dark Knight

URL: YouTube - the Dark Knight
IMDB

Director: Christopher Nolan.

Writer: Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan, David S. Goyer.

Studio: Warner Bros.

Cast: Christian Bale, Aaron Eckhart, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Maggie Gyllenhaal.


Release: July 18, 2008.


Mise-en-scene




Camera Angle




Lighting




Music