The opening scene of The Dark Knight establishes mystery and tension. Criminals wearing clown masks rob a bank, hiding their identities. Their sophisticated equipment indicates they are professionals. The music and dark colors create an ominous tone. Rapid cutting and camera movements build dramatic tension. References to the mysterious Joker intrigue audiences and foreshadow his importance to the plot. The screaming civilians show the criminals prey on innocents, contrasting with Batman's ethics.

1. Analysing theOpening Two Minutes of The Dark knight

2. The clown masks have obvious links to the iconic image of the Joker. The appearance of the character had been hotly anticipated prior to the film’s release. The image of the clown mask therefore has an immediate impact on the audience.The fact that the criminals’ faces are hidden gives an element of mystery to the sceneThe sophisticated nature of the equipment used by the criminals suggests that the operation is being carried out by professionalsIn the opening stages of the scene the music is dominated largely by ominous tones before progressing to a more frantic pace.Dark clothing portrays the criminals in a negative light in that it is a commonly recognised symbol of untrustworthiness. The increase in the pace of cutting reflects the rise in dramatic tension.The act of zooming in on the clown mask once again implies a sense of mystery. In addition the fact that the character is granted his own shot indicates that he will be important to the wider plot.The dark colours echo the significance of darkness in the film. The explosion also gives a sense of danger and foreboding.The fact that the establishing shot is taken from a great height before rapidly moving downwards disorientates the audience and amplifies the sinister tone.The snippets of conversation regarding the mysterious joker creates a sense of intrigue but also foreshadows what will occur in the coming minutes given that the majority of the audience will already be aware of the character and his reputation.The screaming of civilians reflects the way in which the criminals prey on innocent inhabitants of the city which in direct contrast to the ethos of the films central character.

3. The act of zooming in on the clown mask once again implies a sense of mystery. In addition the fact that the character is granted his own shot indicates that he will be important to the wider plot.The dark colours echo the significance of darkness in the film. The explosion also gives a sense of danger and foreboding.The fact that the establishing shot is taken from a great height before rapidly moving downwards disorientates the audience and amplifies the sinister tone.The snippets of conversation regarding the mysterious joker creates a sense of intrigue but also foreshadows what will occur in the coming minutes given that the majority of the audience will already be aware of the character and his reputation.The screaming of civilians reflects the way in which the criminals prey on innocent inhabitants of the city which in direct contrast to the ethos of the films central character.