2. MISE-EN-SCENE
This opening scene relies quite heavily on props. For example the amount of
money shown in the bank volt to show the audience at what level the
criminals operate at. Another important prop used is the masks. Although all
the criminals have these masks, at the start of the opening the camera
specifically lingers on one mask in particular. This hints to the audience who
might be the main character within the criminals.
All the shots in this opening are quite bright, which is unusual because it
doesn’t really reflect the scene; a robbery is considered a ‘dark’
event, however in this scene the lighting is quite bright. This could be to show
each characters whereabouts and allow the audience to anticipate what might
happen next. The only darker setting in this scene is at the bank volt itself.
This may have been done to emphasise how dangerous the whole operation
is.
The costume used in this scene is fairly normal; nothing really stands out to
the audience but I think this is because the criminals want to blend into the
public before they put their masks on.
3.
4. SOUND
The sound in this opening scene is integral to conveying the narrative of this
film. in this opening the sound of gun shots, explosions, windows breaking
and screams are emphasised and made louder/clearer to the audience so
they can carry on following the narrative easily, even if they didn’t actually
see/notice the gun being fired or the window breaking. Having these sounds
amplified increase the sense of chaos within the film and tension in the
audience.
Throughout the beginning of this opening, the criminals keep asking who
the joker is, what he is like and why he wears make up. By doing this, it
sparks interest in the reader – it makes them ask the same questions
At the beginning of this opening, there is non-diegetic sound effect used, a
slight ticking sound which I think signifies a build up to the big event. It also
increases tension and anticipation within the audience.
5. CAMERA WORK
Quite a lot of long shots are used in this opening scene, allowing the
audience to see the whole setting, where each character is and gather a
clearer understanding of the narrative.
When the robbers first enter the bank, there is a long track used. This is
important to show the audience the new setting, further show the
intentions/actions of the criminals and the innocent people in the
background. This helps to convey plot and meaning.
There are also quite a few mid shots used of the criminals in this
scene, which is odd because they have masks on so you cannot see their
facial expression. However, it is still important to use because it shows
the proximity of the characters, allowing the audience to establish what
type of relationship they have.
6.
7. EDITING
Throughout this opening the main editing technique used is invisible
editing. I think that this technique has been used most to change
location, conversation, characters or action to help create a seamless flow
of action, which also helps create the illusion of real life. This allows the
audience to focus on the action and not get bored or lose interest in the
film.
