RESEARCH: Previous student film opening analysis

'Violet'

As part of my research I watched, studied and analysed a thriller opening produced by previous media students. The opening that stood out in particular to me, was the opening of  'Violet'. It is particularly interesting in terms of the use of sound, editing, Mise en scene and camera, to give an indication of the mood/tone of the thriller, to indicate the themes/ plot featured and to intrigue the audience.  



Sound

The opening of the thriller uses the non-diagetic sound of a instrument, characteristic of a xylophone, in which creates a chromatic effect. This links and emphasizes the repeated use of the colour violet, along with the use of the violet flower and also creates a slow tone. 

The sound of a heart beat can also be heard, during the middle of the opening, to signify life and to suggest events happening in the blink of an eye. However the non-diagetic sound stops after a while, signifying death and destruction. These factors also add to the slow motion effect. 

Mise en scene and camera

The opening of the thriller also uses mise en scene and images to suggest the themes in the film and create a mood/tone. 

The opening starts of with a close-up shot of a violet, not only establishing and emphasizing the name of the film, but also signifying marriage or commitment, in which could be one the main themes featured in the film. The violet also has peaceful connotations, suggesting that at the start of the plot things were lay to rest. 

It then goes on to show a long shot of a young girl, in a white dress, sitting on a tree branch. The long shot of the girl establishes the isolated forest location, signifying bemusement and disorientation, along with her being unidentified. The long shot also puts emphasis on the young girl wearing white and sitting on a branch, signifying innocence, purity and playfulness. This also adds a peaceful, slow tone, however one of bewilderment as well. 

The opening then goes on to show a close-up shot of a hand with blood dripping form it. The close-up is used to emphasize the use of the blood, in which suggests the action of murder, but also danger and condition. 

Another aspect of mise en scene and camera that i found interesting was the close up shot of blood in a sink and around the plug hole. I found this intriguing, as the close-up shot puts emphasis on the blood and it going down the plug hole, whilst the use of the sink signifies the attempt to wash away or conceal the murderous activity. This gives an indication that the mystery of a murder is a theme featured in the rest of the film. 

Editing

The students in which produced the film also used interesting editing techniques, to also create a mood/tone and suggest the themes in the film. 

Towards the end of the opening, fast paced editing is used, in which creates an anxious tone suggesting the theme of terror, fright and fear. It also creates a sense of immobility and hurry suggesting the running out of time. 

The opening also uses editing to create a monochrome effect as shown in the image above, in which creates a sense of exposure and isolation, in which could suggest part of the plot of the rest of the film.