The opening sequence of The Prestige establishes a mood of mystery through its use of camera angles, sound, mise-en-scene, and narrative elements. Wide and medium shots show the action in the courtroom and magic show. Sound effects of birds and the audience enhance scenes. Dark, shadowy lighting and mysterious costumes set the formal tone. Character names are given but occupations are concealed, hinting at secrets yet to be revealed.

1. The Prestige
Conventions

2. Camera Angles
• There wasn’t a lot of different types of camera angles in the
opening sequence. There was a lot of wide angles and medium
shots to show the action that was happening. During the court
scene there were a lot of low and high angle shots to show
superiority and power. Unlikely though the judges appeared to
have less power than the main being interviewed. Also there was a
wide angle of the court room to show to the audience the action
that was taking place.

3. Sound
• To start with there was a lot of silence with speech and no effects or
music but then we were shown the bird scene and there were sound
effects of bird noises. Then once we were introduced to the magic show
scene there was a lot of sound effects throughout. There was the sound of
the audience, a lighting bolt strike for part of the show and still in the
background was the sound of the birds. There was a bit when the
background music was very intense which told the audience something
drastic and big was going to happen and the music continued in the
background up until the man’s death.

4. Mise-En-Scene
• The initial lighting was dark and very shadowy.
• The setting consisted of a forest in the beginning which had a lot of top
hats laid out on the floor which is confusing and intriguing for the
audience.
• The props were mainly the bird with the bird cage, the cloth to cover up
the birdcage and the the magic show props (eg. the water tank).
• The clothing was very old fashioned.
• The characters were very mysterious. The little girl showed innocence
which shows she may be in the femme fatale and need saving from
something.

5. Mood
• Mystery and confusion come to mind when watching the opening
sequence to this film.
• The theme of magic also creates a positive mood for the audience
as magic is generally a happy thing, although a man dies at the
beginning.
• All of the dress up and scenes seem to be quite formal which sets
the tone of the film.
• Also the theme of ordinary and extra-ordinary appeared during the
opening.

6. Narrative
• The design illusions and the fact that names and
occupations were given introduces the characters
which is typical of a thriller film even though is
contrasts concealment which is another typical thriller
film convention.
• The idea of the third act and return and that it was
broken could be important later on or could be a redherring.

7. Editing
• There wasn’t anything special in terms of the
editing of the opening sequence. Each scene
changed to one another smoothly but with no
fancy transitions.