opening sequence

1. Psycho shower scene:
The first thriller opening sequence I have chosen to analyse is the film Psycho, which was released in
1960. This film was directed by Alfred Hitchcock. This film is described as a bit of a hybrid genre
because it has horror in it and it also has a thriller theme to it because of all the action. The age
rating for this film is 15 and I can conclude that it is for people who are of an older age who like
horror and suspense. I have chosen to analyse this opening sequence because it involves a bit of
thriller in it. Also the fact that it has suspense in it, will allow me to get ideas for my thriller film.
In my analysis I will look at…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VP5jEAP3K4
In this shot it shows a scene of
her blood and water going
down the drain. This is shown
using a close up shot of the
drain and you can see the
spiralling of the water/blood
going down the drain.
In this scene, a close up shot is used
to portray meaning to the viewer.
This is done by zooming into the
direction of the water and it
resembles her life going down the
drain. This will make the audience
think that she is going to die
because she has been stabbed. The
close up will show significance to
the viewer because it will make
them think that there is clue and a
hint to the audience.
In this shot it shows a scene of
the woman screaming in pain
and shock. This is shown by an
extreme close up of her mouth.
In this scene, an extreme close up
shot is used to portray meaning to
the viewer. This will make the
audience realize that how bad the
pain must be or how scared she
actually is. The extreme close up
adds a bit of suspense to the scene,
as they cannot see what she is
screaming at.
In this shot it shows a scene of
the main character looking
confused. This is shown by a
high angle shot.
In this scene, a high angle shot is
used to portray meaning to the
viewer. This makes the audience
think that she is looking up at
something or someone. This could
show the audience that she is
isolated in the bathroom and she
might be in danger, as shown by her
facial expressions.

2. Terminator 2 Judgement day
The second thriller opening sequence I have chosen to analyse is the film Terminator 2 Judgement
Day. This was released in 1991 and was directed by James Cameron. This film is best described as a
hybrid genre as it has action, sci fi and thriller in it. The age rating for this film is a 15 and I can
conclude that this film is for people though like twists and tension. I have chosen to analyse this film
because it has the genre thriller in it. Also as it has some really strong main characters.
In this s hot it shows a scene of
the main character (terminator)
looking strong. This is shown by
a mid shot of him.
In this scene, a mid shot is used to portray
meaning to the audience. This is done by
positing the camera so that the audience can
see their facial expression and what they are
wearing. This will let the audience know
what surroundings they are in and whether
there is likely to be danger where they are.
Also the mid shot allows you to see the top
half of their clothes and whether they look
powerful or not.
In this shot it shows the main
character standing there. This is
done by a close up and by the
lighting.
In this scene, the lighting is used to portray
meaning to the audience. On the right side
of the characters face, the light is high key.
This will make the audience think that he is
looking at something important. Also the
fact that what he is looking at is bright and
could be dangerous, e.g. Fire.
In this shot it shows the main
character looking at his arm.
This is shown by the use of a
low angle shot.
In this scene, a low angle shot is used to
portray meaning to the audience. The low
angle illustrates that he is strong and
powerful. This is because we are looking up
to him and he is more dominant. Also the
use of the low angle, makes the audiences
think that he is not going to be defeated and
he won’t give up.