The opening credits of Stigmata use various film techniques to create tension and build excitement. Rapid camera pans and close-up shots are employed to make the viewer feel unsettled. Fast cutting between shots, loud music, and dark lighting maintain an ominous atmosphere throughout the sequence. Religious images and the protagonist's red underwear also help set the tone and foreshadow key elements of the film's plot.

1. Analysis Of
Stigmata

2. Camera
Many different shots were used in the opening credits of Stigmata in
order to create tension and excitement. Starting in the very first
shots of the sequence, panning is used. Camera panning adds
movement creating a build up of excitement due to the fast moving
subjects. This feeling is also created by the constant moving and
shaking of the camera. Close up shots are a convention of thriller
films and these are evident within Stigmata and can be seen within
the opening sequence during the shots of the tattoo and the tattoo
gun. The close ups used give a very uncomforting and unnerving
feel as the shots create an awkward composition to look at.
Extreme close ups soon follow during the bathroom scene. The
extreme close up of the eye again gives of a very unnerving feel to
the audience. All shots are then used throughout the duration of
the clip.

3. Sound
Sound is also used during the opening sequence again
to add a tense feeling. The fast and loud music adds
tension straight away as it brings feelings of
excitement, intrigue and anxiousness to any viewer.
The music also helps to reflect the thriller feel due to
the feelings it creates within it's audiences. The fast
music also works well alongside the fast cutting and
constant movement of shots to create the
disorientating feel that the sequence gives off.

4. Editing
Through out the sequence, fast cutting is used
adding to the disorientating and perplexing feel
of Stigmata’s opening sequence. Fading is again
used throughout the sequence adding to the
atmosphere. During the clip stills are also used
showing religious images. The images are
effective as they help to foreshadow the events
of the film as well as hint ideas of the films plot to
audiences. Stills are also a common thriller
convention making Stigmata fit the stereotypical
thriller genre.

5. Mise En Scene
Dark/low key lighting is a typical convention of thriller movies and it is
evident in the duration of the opening titles of Stigmata . The dark
lighting adds a sense of mystery making audiences intrigued in what
they’re watching. The characters seen within the clip are all dressed
in costumes made up of casual clothing. The clothing gives
audiences the impression of normal people living their normal lives.
The New York City setting also adds to this impression. This is then
contradicted by the dark colours and disorientating effects. The
protagonist is also shown to be wearing red underwear during the
last scene. The colour red is usually associated with danger or a
sense of importance. It therefore makes the protagonist stand out
and gives the impression that she’s an important part of the films
plot. The red colour of danger could also suggest and foreshadows
future events in the films plot. The main titles were also in red,
linking the title of the film to the protagonist.