Opening Sequences 2

Opening Sequences 2

Vertigo:

Tension music:

Alfred Hitchcock cleverly used the traditional convention of music to convey tension and suspense to the audience. He used a constant minor and falling music throughout the opening title sequence that raises suspense as it engages the audience with the excitement of danger occurring. As it is also heard before anything is seen it as shown as playing a key part in creating tension and draws the audiences attention without them missing any minor detail that might be important in the film.

As well as creating this sense of tension it also gives the audience the idea of imbalance. This sense is a major plot of the story as the main character suffers from Vertigo,hence the title. By doing this we as the audience get an early insight as to this fear and it starts the connection between us and him as we all now have this sense of imbalance.

Shadow/Low key lighting:


Throughout the sequence the woman is in shadow and low key lighting with the whole background immersed in shadow as well. this makes her features stand out and makes her stand out though appears to be being swallowed by the darkness making the audience hang in suspense as to what will happen to her.

Montage shots:

During one part of the sequence there is a sudden montage of colorful and complex pictures that are all spiraling , This give a sense of confusion to the audience and feels hypnotic which is a constant theme throughout the film. By doing this the audience is given a sense of anticipation as they are drawn in to the imagery created by them.

Tint:



In two parts of the sequence we are shown the woman's eye covered in a red tint, By using this convention  the audience is drawn in as people relate this color to blood and excitement which raises the suspense of the audience with the idea of life threatening danger  and the anticipation for the plot to unfold.

Rear Window:

Tension music:

Just like ,"Vertigo","Rear Window", used music in orider to draw the attention of viewers and to create an atmosphere of suspense. Though this time it has more of an upbeat jazz swing to it that turns into a more orchestral sounding that continually changes in sound. This resulted in the tension building in the audience's anticipation as to what is going to happen in the movie, and ithe also gives the idea of sudden changes and twists that could occur in the plot making it act like a foreshadowing of what is to come.

Low key lighting:

The whole time the shot is covered by this dim lighting making the scene appear more dark and ominous raising the suspense of the audience. This darkness remains until the end of the opening in which it fades to a lighter colour at the same time as the music fades. This was most likely used to symbolise the progressive uncovering of what the main character is aiming to find. It could also symbolise that there will be a brighter future for the character at the end of the movie.

Urban setting:

By using an urban setting during the sequence the audience is given a claustrophobic feeling which raises the suspense of the audience. This also reflects the constrictions that are imposed on the main character which is a clever way to combine conventions and symbolism. It also let's the audience now the main location of the film as this is the sole area we are shown, a contrasting effect to the multiple location shots Hitchcock used in his North by Northwest movie.

Camera Shot:

Throughout the opening sequence we have a static shot of the window looking out with the blinds slowly being drawn. Apart from the graphic overlay of credits the main focus is on the blinds being drawn which gives the impression of something being revealed. This is most likely a theme of the movie as the main character uncovers that truthe and will end up getting a clearer perspective of what is happening. The slow zoom at the end is also most likely intended to reflect how the main character will look closely to find this truth and is willing to get involved.

Tintin:

Montage shots and Quick cuts:

Steven Spielberg cleverly combined these techniques in order order to make the fast pace action scenes that unfolds in the opening sequence. By doing this the level of suspense and tensionot is raised enticing the audience in anticipation or what will happen.

Shadows:

As they made the title sequence fully graphic they were able to manipulate the shadows to be fully black. This raised the tension as it appears to takeover the whole screen at certain areas capturing the audiences attention. It also gives the audience a heightened sense of danger as we are unable to see what's going on in the background. As well as this giving the audience a constricting feeling we are also made to experience the film the way the character Tintin would.

Urban setting:

It achieves the same effect as,"Rear Window," though it also gives a sense of freedom as the shots are of multiple different areas . This adds confusion to the audience as this restricted freedom is thrust upon them and they are drawn into this fantasy world. They are also very symbolic locations as this movie was an adaptation from the book series. While showing the locations there are many easter eggs the director included, some of which are obvious like the red rocket, others though are more discreat like the bad guys lair nearing the end of the film which is from, "The Lake of Sharks". This would help to engage the audience as they try to spot every one.

Protagonist in the mercy of the antagonist:

This is shown continuously done throughout the opening sequence and raises the anticipation of viewers as they question if he will live during the opening sequence! This rais especially tension as to the expectation of the danger that will oppose Tintin during the movie.


Gun and Knives:

Both weapons are immediately associated with danger and raise the tension of the audience as they give the idea of death to the audience. This entices the anticipation of the audience as the sense of danger is feed again with the worry of what will happen in the movie.