Film Opening Research on Major Motion Picture

 Film Opening Research on Major Motion Picture

    Following up from my research on the short film scenes, I also will be researching the opening scenes of a major motion picture.  The techniques that I am about to learn will not be replicated exactly as I will be on a much lower budget producing my own scene.  However, it is a good starting point to learn what is needed and gives me inspiration as to what may be incorporated into my project.

    This film below shows great technique in a major motion picture and a motivating source to perform research within.  As I continue to dig deeper, I hope to gain a better understanding of what makes a good film work.  I am excited to find better ways to create an opening scene such as below that intrigues us to want to keep watching to see what develops next.    

    

YouTube Video: Scream 1996 Opening Scene by The Movie Clips Channel

    Cinematography

• The tracking shot on Casey gives it a false narrative that she is the main character when it is in fact the masked villain.  This gives the audience that thrill and suspense to see what happens next.
• There was great use of dark and shadowy exteriors to heighten the suspense factor for the audience.

    Sound

• The diegetic sound of the phone ringing gave the audience a sense of realness and built much anticipation of when the phone will ring again.  This is a great way to keep the viewers engaged through the opening scene.
• The popcorn on the stove whistling in a higher pitch as the scene progressed symbolized how the intensity gradually climbs as the masked villain reveals more of his knowledge and abilities for the audience to look forward to.

    Mise-En-Scene

• The setting takes place late in the evening when Casey is home alone getting ready to watch a horror video.  The house is located in the middle of nowhere so if she were to call the police they would not be able to respond timely.
• Casey was a scared teenage girl answering any phone that rang in the house.  She continued to each of the doors to lock and lookout and then ended up listening to the villain as he directed her to turn the lights on and off and again.

    Editing

• Quick cuts were used to create frantic energy during the first kill.  This builds the thrill factor in a high vivid moment.
• Hard cuts after a long take gives the audience a false sense of security to disrupt the mood and builds suspense during the phone calls.

    

    After considering both the short film and the major motion picture, I have taken away that the use of sound and cinematography are the utmost important factors when creating a thriller/suspense film.  These two key factors are what hooks the audience right away and keeps them wanting for more.

    Th