Opening Sequence Analysis: Mise-en scene, shot types, angles and editing

Firstly, the opening sequence beings in a small, well-lit room. The set is perfectly symmetrical, suggesting to the audience that it might not be reality. The light is golden, and the costume suggests opulence as well as the decoration of the set itself. The table is reflective, creating an almost unsettling symmetry within the frame, further suggesting to the audience that it could be a dream. It also connotes introspectiveness as the characters reflect upon themselves, a common theme within the psychological thriller genre. A number of other conventions from this genre are used also, for example the dark formal costumes and props with semiotic connotations of threat, danger and mystery (the guns, the letter, the safe). From the setting, the audience can assume that the narrative is taking place somewhere in East Asia, such as China or Japan. This engages the audience because the exotic setting is unfamiliar and therefore interesting to American/British audiences. It is also symbolic of the human mind and turmoil, which fits nicely into the overarching narrative of the film. Similarly, the Art Deco styling and Jazz Era mise-en-scene reinforce the idea of a 'dreamscape' because this style connotes desire, lust and seductiveness. The multiple staircases suggests layered meanings and dreams, a complexity to the narrative.
         The extreme close up of the watch suggests that timing is an important aspect of the film, and alludes to the narrative. Extreme close ups also reinforce the psychological nature of the film. The slowed and enhanced diegetic ticking sound effect without music further highlights the importance of the passage of time. It is used to signify a switch between the dream and what the audience thinks is reality. The change is drastic and the two scenes contrast each other: the low-key, shadowy lighting to evoke enigma and mystery, the relative peace of the dream world vs. the violence of reality. Explosions in the street (conventions of an action film to engage fans of this genre) and the grimy flat where they sleep suggest that it is real, with natural lighting to add realism. The editing remains fast-paced throughout the whole sequence and heavily stylised to contribute to the feeling of detachment from reality in the dream locations-- they are a settings that each represent a specific aspect of the human mind.

In our own opening sequence, we could use setting to show the characters' mental state, e.g. a messy room for a disorganised mind etc.