Analysing a Thriller Opening.

The Shining

The opening of 'The Shining' shows many conventions of a Thriller, consequently creating the tone of the film before we are intoduced to the characters.

'The Shining' uses a Narrative Opening, where the titles appear whilst the location of the film is unveiled. The Mise en Scene shows a secluded location with just one car on the road which immediately suggests to the viewer that trouble is stirring, however the scenery is quite idyllic and can pose the idea that the journey of the character in the car could be full of splendor, furthermore the soundtrack used within the opening firmly implies that there is danger, where as if a more up beat, minor keyed soundtrack was played, the audience would have a completely different interpretation of the film and its meaning.

The Soundtrack includes deep undertones which may insinuate an unpleasent atmosphere, the volume of the music is loud, rather than creating a subtle effect on the audience, therfore the instant implification of tension is present.

The tiles used are in a Light Blue coloured text which is vibrant and literate on top of the scenery being shown, therfore this can imply the vigorous action that may be witnessed within the film, as well as promote the false hope of 'happiness' which diminishes throughout the plot of the film.

The Camera shows alot of long shots, which establish the scene aswell as communicate a great width of proxemics between the character and the camera, implying to the audience that a distance must be kept between themselves and that car. Tracking shots are also used to show that the character within the car is obviously the protagonist and it's his journey that we follow throughout the film. High angled shots also communicate how at first our interpretation of the character in the car is almost insignificant, however once the camera is at mid shot distance from the car we can understand his role is pivotal.

For our thriller we aim to have a narrative opening as it clearly views the titles along with the opening of the thriller, furthermore they are then out of the way once the introduction of the film has come to an end, we didn't want to use a Discrete film opening as it may cause confusion and our plot would be easier explained if a Narrative Opening was shown, as we want to keep the audience guessing for a while.