This document provides a detailed analysis of the opening scenes of a thriller film. It analyzes aspects of the cinematography, mise-en-scene, characters, and editing techniques used to set the mood, develop characters, and increase tension. Key points analyzed include the low-key lighting used to set a hostile tone, challenges to stereotypes of Arab terrorists presented through the leading male's appearance and demeanor, use of flashbacks and music to reflect a character's emotions, and focus on characters' facial expressions through close-ups and zooms. Symbolism and assumptions about characters' backgrounds, views, and trustworthiness are also examined based on their appearances and interactions.

1. SpooksOpening thriller analysis 2

2. The first shot we are introduced to is a close up the food being served, and then cuts to another close up of the white females face, and then opens out to show us the setting which seems to be an empty room. The low key lighting was vital to establish the mood, which in this case was hostile, colourless; the low key is so strong they are almost seen as shadows.

3. We are introduced to the leading male Arab “terrorist”, I believe it challenges the mainstream perceptions of the typical terrorist, how? Well he can tell this by the speech he has, his still got an accent but can speak it very good. Also this is radiated to use by the mise-un-scene, the typical terrorist is presented in society as a Muslim person, with a beard. Turban and the Arab outfit. Whereas on the other hand this terrorist is clothed in a suit, and seemed to be very well groomed.

4. Another point that the director shows us about the character is that his married. In a way he is giving us signs to sympathize with this “terrorist”. Another section of the mise un sene that reflects the middle eastern character is the wallpaper, it is very elegant , modern sophisticated .We are put in a very awkward situation, do with side with good people or the bad people. But in fairness how are the mood people and bad people in this scenario?

5. When the Arab man shows the white women the picture of the son, non digetic soundtrack is inserted to reflect her emotions which at this point is worried. We are also taken to an editing affect called a flashback, the way we know its a flash back is because its in a distorted black and white filter and the non diegetic sound is more ambient mysterious, and also its in also in slow motion. The thing that I could point out about ethnicity is that by the mise un sene clothing of the boy and his uniform I could make an assumption that he goes to a private school, if this is so it would represent that this white female is a well off, higher class person, so this conforms to the stereotypical view of white people.

6. All throughout this clip the camera is handheld, this gives an effect of realism, almost makes us believe we are there, in their situation. It also to a certain extent reflects the atmosphere they are in , confused and unaware.

7. We also encounter a split screen sequence when the two white couples are having the phone conversation and the dialogue is between the women in the room and the white man walking. I’ve also noticed that there are lot of zoom ins and close ups. Most of the shots in this sense are close up, i think it’s because the director wants the spectator to focus on the characters facial expressions, emotions.

8. When the Arab terrorist makes the women decide between her husband or son, we hear non diegetic sound track, of drums beating in a countdown rhythm, this is done to add to the tension of her making a radical choice. The husband in the NEF cafe is portrayed to us as the typical upper class white man, costumed in a suit, all this is shown through a panning shot. He sits down with a cup of coffee and a news paper, a procedure in a white man day to day life, well that’s what the media shows us.

9. Very quickly we are introduced to the female Middle Eastern character. She again is shown as a intellectual smart elegant women, some of those aspects of her are shown through her mise un sene, her bright white jacket makes her look innocent and humble in this situation. Again we are shown into a split screen, introduced by a sound effect, there are lots of cuts ins leading to a close up of the character facial expressions. The non diegetic sound track of the violins playing adds more drama and tension.

10. Another thing that caught my eye is that the black guy was tied up were as the white women wasn’t. This maybe the because they the terrorist may have some certain views on black people, they trusted the white women, but when it came to the black man, they took more caution, he might of tried to steal something or attack them. These are some perspective that the media radiate to the people.