When analysing and looking into any type of genre, the audience will subconsciously make an instantaneous judgement of the film in hand and typically a first impression of the opening sequence is what determines whether they will watch on or predominately switch off. It is thus vital that the director from the very beginning uses the accurate techniques which will then create the well needed atmosphere to keep the audience entertained. I have therefore chosen to analyse the opening sequence of the well-known film 'Se7en'. I will discuss the diverse techniques used by the director and from this I will pick out the positives, but also the negatives of this specific sequence.
When determining the genre and giving off the suitable mood to the audience it is key that the music used is specific. To start of the sequence there is a loud bang, similarly to the sound of thunder. This is used to give an instant hint to the audience that the film in hand is one of a tense composition. A drum is played during the course of the sequence and although at times it is not as apparent, it is continuously followed by a screeching noise. 33 seconds into the sequence a hand is writing into a notebook, however the lettering is blurred so we are unable to see what is being written, but just by the sound effect of the screeching of the pen being pushed down the character is represented clearly. It is obvious for whatever reason they are heated, irritated and strong-minded with what they are trying to succeed. Moving further on in the sequence a number of diverse and random noises are put in place, this gives off an uneasy atmosphere to the audience and although they feel out of place and on edge they still want to watch on to unravel the story, meaning the director has effectively created narrative enigma through the assortment of the music and sound effects. At 1:36 the speed and the volume of the music increases, the drum bang is now more noticeable, and the audience’s expectation of a sudden jump isn’t fulfilled, which could create confusion. This pace is followed through until 2:01 where we eventually hear someone speak, “you can be closer to God” is the last thing we hear of the opening sequence, and this again creates anticipation and leaves unanswered questions from the audience.
The camera also holds a significant role in occupying the intentional mood of the audience. From the beginning to the closing stages there are continuous short takes, due to the fact not one thing is in focus for a long time creates an uncomfortable and nervous feeling of what is going to happen, but for the simple fact it is entertaining (the Uses and Gratifications theory) the audience will keep themselves involved. The majority of each of these shots are close ups, this draws the viewer closer and involves them further in what is happening. This would encourage them to observe in greater detail the build of up tension making them feel quite claustrophobic in the situation. When the camera cuts away regularly in order for the credits to show, it switches from being deadly still to a handheld shot. This could create uncertainty for the audience, and leave them wondering who is holding the camera, and for what reason? Below are screen shots of the cameras movements, shots and angles to demonstrate the points made above.
I personally think that the editing plays the most imperative part in making the opening sequence of this film successful. From as early as 11 seconds the director decides to use a jump cut, and the metal object which is being held is shown in changed angles with altered lighting, to deliberately disorientate the viewer. During the course of the sequence non continuity editing is persistently used, this stops the clip from feeling like ‘real life’ for the viewer, which would make them even more anxious as they realise that anything could happen throughout this film. As the opening sequence goes further, superimposition is used when the character is writing. This increases the amount of information the audience needs to absorb, and with the slow motion of the page turning they can actually focus on what is happening, helping them to delve more into the storyline. Finally, the visual effect of the credits draws the audience’s attention to them, emphasising again the suspension of the film following. Below are screenshots of the various editing techniques the director has used for the opening sequence.
The mis-en-scene doesn’t reveal a lot about the character, or what the intentions behind their actions are, but it does drop in some hints throughout relating to the storyline. We gain no real idea of the location, or the whereabouts of this person, as the shots are not continuous, but this has a positive effect as the amount of suspension created builds. When looking more thoroughly it is clear that the props which are used all hold a meaningful purpose as they are generally revolved round sharp objects e.g. needles and scissors. This would clarify to the audience the genre of the film, and understandably their response would be fearful. Dark colours are used, and a sepia theme to suggest that perhaps this isn’t a day-to-day regular film, with a sudden spurge of red appearing on the screen blood, danger and anger are associated and the viewer gets the assumption a murder is going to take place. Below are screen shots of the mis-en-scene of the opening sequence.
In conclusion particularly through the sound, camera, editing and mis-en-scene the genre is evidently shown, also the clear dominant ideologies ultimately revolve around death. The representations of the characters are limited but this is down to the directors’ decision to keep the audience guessing about the further storyline. The conventional elements such as the music and credits help the audience to feel involved, but most vitally the amount of narrative enigma created is just enough for the audience - resulting in them watching on.
No comments:
Post a Comment