The film begins without any background sounds to set a quiet and lonely tone. Slow establishing shots introduce an empty room and slowly reveal a protagonist sitting alone in the corner in a curled position. As the camera zooms in closer to the protagonist, the audience feels both closer to and more uncomfortable invading his privacy. Finally, the protagonist acknowledges the audience's presence and involves them in his isolated story.
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Film Opening Immerses Viewers in Lonely Protagonist's Perspective
1.
2. The film starts without
diegetic/non-diegetic
sounds.
Already it sets the
scene, creating a very
quiet, lonely
atmosphere. The use of
blue also connotes
similar feelings.
Establishing shots and
slow panning shots of a
room are shown, as
slowly introducing us to
the character who is yet
to be revealed.
3. The first minute goes
through a series of
jump-cuts between
panning/establishing
shots of the room and
opening credits. The
second cut involves
ambience sound
(beach), thus setting as
well as giving life to the
scene.
4. Finally, it pans to reveal
the protagonist. There
is a sharp contrast
between the cold and
warm tones in this shot.
It also reveals the
characteristics of the
protagonist, based on
how he has chosen his
position/situation in his
room (crouched, in the
corner, in the ‘cold’
area of the screen).
5. At this point, he starts to
narrate/introduce
himself. He is not
physically talking straight
to the camera, but rather
seems like he is very
distant to the audience
and closed off, because
of his posture and
averted gaze.
Alternatively, it can
depict how he is
speaking internally, and
we therefore have
access to his inner
voice/monologues,
meaning we can identify
with him easier.
6. [clock ticking, zooms in
to the tick]
This shot involves an
image alluding to the
title. Also it brings down
his character, as if he is
depicted being
underwater with the
submarine, which again
alludes to his feelings
and emotions (feeling of
sinking, going to the
unknown, being alone,
etc).
The zoom-in was used
as if to allow us to get
closer to his character
and identify with him.
7. This extreme close-up
which has also been
taken at quite an
awkward angle, with an
awkward framing;
creates a feeling of
unease- as if the
audience has again
been brought closer to
him, but to an extent that
it has become
uncomfortable or an
invasion of his privacy.
8. Finally, he becomes
aware of the ‘presence’
of the audience. He
regards the viewers,
thus involving them in
the film- in his story.
9. [Stuck on a Puzzle by
Alex Turner]
A series of establishing
shots of the outside
world follow.
One notable
characteristic of all the
shots that were used
was the absence of
people. Like the
protagonist’s room, it is
isolated, still and quiet.