3. The title of the film is introduced which is embedded into this image of the train and the woman which makes
the audience aware of the name of the film. In this image there is high key lighting which highlights that she’s in
a significant place. The purpose of the yellow train connotes that she has just arrived from somewhere or is
possibly heading to a specific destination. Furthermore, the purpose of her wearing black epitomizes this thriller
genre, suggesting that she has a dark secret or that someone has died. The shot used in this image is a mid shot
of her back which depicts that she has turned her back on someone or that something is bothering her. It could
also possibly suggest that she isn’t willing to face what’s bothering her yet.
4. In this image, the medium close up of the woman’s face is used to emphasis her emotions. Her make
up is very naturalistic and pale which hints at her sense of unease and redemption. She is pictured as
emotional (watery eyes) which insinuates that something is bothering her which at this point we
don’t know what is. The lighting is quite low key which sets the thriller genre, insinuating that this
film will be based around of anxiety and tension.
5. In this image the lighting is very low key lighting which darkens the atmosphere and suggests that they are
about to enter a mysterious place. The train tracks and train adds to the connotation that they are heading
somewhere. Furthermore the lighting on the board of the destination could possibly connote that there is a
significance of where they are going and that it is an important place, possibly related to the woman’s secret
which hasn’t been revealed yet. The long take of the train leaving the platform makes the scene seem more
naturalistic and lively which adds to the mysterious atmosphere.
6. In this image we once again see the woman dressed all black which epitomizes that she has a mysterious side
to her character which at this point we don’t know. The colour black also contrasts with the coffin as she is
looking at a dead body, possibly which has something to do with her past. Moreover, the coffin itself
insinuates that the genre will mostly include death and fatality. There is also low key lighting which vaguely
keeps the woman out of the light and focuses on the coffin itself. This highlights the importance of the coffin
which can be seen as something to do with what’s bothering her. Furthermore, the lighting also adds to this
cold, dark atmosphere. The setting is in a mortuary which sets the genre – it comes across as tense and dark.
The two shot of both the coffin and the woman suggests that she wants to keep her distance from the coffin
as she’s scared of coming face to face with the dead body.
7. In this image, the camera is positioned at ground level and we see a close up of the tip of the
woman’s umbrella, whereby water is dripping from it. Each drop may be used to connote her
tears as she is upset about finally coming face to face with this dead body. Moreover the
woman is also wearing black heels; the significance of black associates with death particularly
this dead body. The lighting is very low key which sets this genre as is creates a sense of tension
and eeriness.
8. In this image the two shot of the man and woman epitomizes their relationship; the fact that they’re
holding hands hints at their closeness and intimacy. This may also foreshadow that their relationship
will be essential as the film progress. Once again the lighting is low key which intensifies a mysterious
atmosphere – a convention of the thriller genre. The clock is brightly lit up with highlights its
significance that time may be running out for them. The purpose them walking out the train station
suggests that they are now facing reality and that it’s time to stop hiding from it. Moreover the fact
that they’re walking up the stairs could be seen as a metaphor, as by being with this man is making
the woman stronger than she was before.
9. In this image a tracking shot is used through glass windows which highlights that they’re being watched.
This immediately creates a sense of unease and trepidation. Furthermore the setting is in a barren area,
whereby no one is seen on the streets which connotes that they’re isolated from society and possibly that
they depend on no one but each other. Moreover the significance of the snow and the dark lighting with
the lampposts once again adds to this cold, thrilling atmosphere.
10. In terms of editing, the screen blurs out which leaves us with a cliff-hanger as to where they are going.
Furthermore, the dark lighting and blur also adds to this suspense, trepidation ambiance – a convention of
the thriller genre.
11. In this image, the low key lighting in the room suggests that this is a dark place; the purpose of it being empty may
suggest that this is where the dead body was found. Both characters are dressed in black which equates with the dark
location. Moreover, the make up on the man is very naturalistic which connotes that this is not an act and they’re facing
reality. In terms of camera angles and movement, the low angle shot of the woman looking up at the man depicts that
she is relying on him, possibly for support or to help her overcome this problem she faces. The two shot reveals that
their relationship is essential throughout the film.
12. In this image, the significance of the bats juxtaposes with the setting, adding to this dark and mysterious
theme – a convention of the thriller genre. The significance of the old tree with no leaves could analogise
the woman’s emotions as she feels empty/ lost and that it will take time for her to get back to her normal
self. In addition, the purpose of there not being any lights on in the apartments epitomize they’re in a
barren place where they could only be dependant on each other. Once again the lighting is very dark which
reflects upon this mysterious atmosphere. The crane shot connotes that this man and woman are being
looked down on, which also suggests their vulnerability to what they may face during the succession of the
film.
13. In this image the editing technique fading is used to link the planes to the title of the film ‘Flightplan’. The
planes could also be seen as an iconographic element of the film. Furthermore this image also connects the
woman to the plane suggesting that later on in the film she may find herself trapped on one. The high angle
shot isolating the woman may highlight her vulnerability and suggest that she may be dependant on herself
for survival. The lighting once again is very dark, which can already be seen as a precept to the genre.
14. Sound
• There is very few dialogue in this opening sequence; the only point
we hear it is when she’s in the mortuary visiting the dead body
• However the soundtrack used is quite nostalgic/ sentimental which
reflects upon her emotions, as she is seen dwelling on what has
happened in her past throughout this opening sequence
