The document analyzes the opening sequences of two films, Mission Impossible 2 and The Silence of the Lambs. For Mission Impossible 2, the opening establishes the adventurous setting, introduces the protagonist Ethan Hunt climbing rocks to action music, and provides narration to explain the sequence. For The Silence of the Lambs, the opening depicts a woman running in a dark forest to set the thriller genre, introduces the protagonist Clarice Starling during an FBI training exercise, and includes narration introducing her character. Both openings provide clues about their man-on-a-mission and manhunt storylines through these genre and character establishing techniques.

1. Opening Sequence on any
Genre and a Thriller Genre
BY GEORGE DALY

2. Mission Impossible 2 – How the genre is
introduced?
 In the opening sequence, the setting is of a natural landscape with rocks
and a clear skyline, this suggest the idea to the reader that the film is
quite adventurous which has connotations to an Action film

3. Mission Impossible 2 – How are the
characters introduced?
 In the beginning opening sequence, the audience are met with a mid-shot of the
protagonist character, Ethan Hunt climbing a rock in a deserted location. Seconds
after, you can hear non-diegetic sound coming in at a slow intensity. There is then
sounds of the wind blowing and the non-diegetic music then becomes fast -
paced making it exciting for the audience. This creates the impression of the
protagonist to the audience, that Ethan Hunt is athletic and physical.

4. Mission Impossible 2 – How is the
narration introduced?
 The narrative is introduced by the narrator who is explaining the opening of the
film, which leads into the protagonist of the film. This is key as it provides the
audience with more of an understanding of the opening sequence as it is
confusing for the audience to why a man is hanging of a cliff in an unusual
setting.
What clues do we get about the storyline from the opening sequence?
 From the opening sequence, we get this impression as an audience that the
storyline is about a “Man on Mission” which is suggested due to the setting and
the main protagonist (Ethan Hunt) climbing the rock. The use of diegetic and
non-diegetic sound creates tension which links into this idea as well as the
amount of screen time Ethan Hunt gets. The title “Mission Impossible” also
implies this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0KzvD-0rx0

5. The Silence of the Lambs – How is the
genre introduced?
 In the opening sequence, the scene starts off with a women running through a dark,
naturalistic forest of some sort. This gives the impression that the film is a thriller
because the scene is mysterious and has elements of suspense which are key
conventions of a thriller film.

6. The Silence Of The Lambs – How are the
characters introduced?
 From the Opening Sequence, we learn as an audience that there is a women
running through a forest but it comes apparent that it is an assault course and
she is an FBI agent. We soon are told as an audience she is called Clarince Starling
and it comes clear, she is the main protagonist of the film.

7. The Silence of the Lambs – How is the
narration introduced?
 In the opening sequence, narration is introduced by a man
reporting Clarince to see a important figure in the FBI
agency. Soon after, we are introduced to Clarince in greater
detail when she responds to him.
What clues do we get about the storyline from the opening
sequence?
 From the opening sequence, we can idea that the storyline
involves a manhunt with a high-profile serial killer named
the “Buffalo Bill”. We can tell that the main storyline will
involve a FBI manhunt and that the idea of Clarince being a
female will be raised throughout the storyline since it’s
usually a male-oriented job. Also because of the use of
woods and darkness in the opening sequence we can tell its
going to be a dark thriller film.

8. Conclusion
 From analysing the action film Mission Impossible, I have learnt that it is
important to use narration in an opening sequence, as it provides the audience
with a clear-cut understanding of what the film has to offer. This is important
because it encourages the audience to continue watching the film.
 From evaluating the thriller film Silence of the Lambs, I have gathered that it is
extremely significant to stick to key codes and conventions of a thriller film. When
filming and producing a opening sequence, you always want the audience
wanting more, therefore you have to leave the opening sequence undisclosed.