1. Director: Robert Schwentke
Born: 1968 in Stuttgart, Germany
Directed: Red, Time Travellers Wife
and Tattoo.
Release Date: 2005
By: Harrison J Gallagher
Ryan Rana

2. The opening shot flashes from a
black screen to a train, which
suggests that danger is being
associated with the concept of
the film.
Through this, the audience are
aware that danger will be a
recurring theme through-out
the film, which is a convention
of a thriller genre.
Harsh lighting gives the
audience a sense of tension in
the opening scene.
The main character is
established in isolation which
connotes that there are
psychological elements to the
film.

3. The character appears to be focusing on something
that is unknown to the audience, we get the
impression that it is something negative by her facial
expression which is emotionless and the tears
convey the character's sadness.
The coffin is in the centre of the
frame and it is well lit compared to its
surroundings, therefore we pay more
attention to this prop.
It is symbolic of death and may give
us an insight as to why the character
from the previous shot was upset.
The male character to the left, who
we may assume is the undertaker, is
dressed formally which shows the
serious nature of the film.

4. The aerial shot of the man represents
the notion of death. Moreover, this
could foreshadow future events that
could occur in this film.
This crane shot illustrates the isolation
of the main character again, which could
show that she may have a detached
relationship with the other characters in
the film. This shot also makes her
appear vulnerable which suggests that
she is the victim throughout the film.

5. The establishing shot introduces the setting to the audience, which shows an empty train
station. This is a common setting for films of the thriller genre.

6. • The sound effect of the train is eerie, connoting
mystery, which makes the audience feel uneasy.
• The ambient sound of the crows flapping their wings
adds realism as “background noise” and creates an
ominous atmosphere; stereotypical of a thriller film.
• The undertaker’s dialogue "You need to enter your
code now” is in a different language, showing the
seriousness of the situation.
• The incidental music played occasionally, has the effect
of creating tension which maintains audience interest
and viewing experience.

7. • There is continuity editing (use of straight cuts) which
enables the narrative of the film to make sense in
chronological order.
• Some of the cuts use a fade transition (from the
outdoor snow scene to the a shot inside a child’s
bedroom).
• The consistent match-on-action makes the production
appear more convincing to its audience.
• The use of shot-reverse shot shows the reactions of the
characters to one another and enhances the audiences
experience as we feel more involved in the narrative.

8. • The setting, an aspect of mise-en-scene is
appropriately lit and located to conform to the thriller
genre.
• The use of camera angles, shots and movement
contributes to creating the atmosphere that surrounds
the films setting and characters.
• The acting (figure movement and expression) is
convincing and effective which increases the quality of
the production. Their performance is enhanced by the
use of editing.
• The use of sound is subtle yet effective as it creates the
eerie atmosphere that the film has.