The document analyzes the opening scene of the film Gladiator. It discusses how the setting of a gloomy forest establishes the mood of an impending battle. Costumes, makeup, lighting and music are used to highlight the main character Maximus and build tension. Both diegetic and non-diegetic sounds further the ominous atmosphere. Shots of the army and landscape set the location, while close-ups on Maximus' face convey his stress and responsibility. Editing keeps the audience engaged by cutting between shots efficiently to advance the plot in a time-saving manner. Overall, the opening engages viewers and provides context about the story through visual and audio techniques.

1. THRILLER FILM ANALYSIS The opening of gladiator starts with the battle scene. This gives away to the audience that the film is based around a battle or a war. The mood is emphasised with the mis-en-scene. The location and setting seems to be in a wood or a forest, an isolated place that would be fit for a battleground. The trees seem to be lifeless without any colour or leaves, this could connate that it is not a park or a place which could be associated with happy places but it connotes despair, dreariness and misery. The colour and lighting of the scene also sets the mood, as the lighting of the set blurs out the background to give it a dull effect, however a dim light is shone on maximus to highlight his importance. Costumes and make up also play an important part as they declare and represent the type of scene and the action taking place within the scene. The lighting create shadows which outlines and highlight the main character in the scene, enigma is built due to the soundtrack as a dramatic type of music will cause the audience to feel a certain way according to the mood of the scene. The sound plays an important role as it builds effect in the audiences mind. Non-diagetic sounds have also been used to set the mood. The soundtrack is a sharp yet dreary tune which is effective as it makes the audience feel drawn into the opening as it emphasises maximus’ emotions as this is helped by his facial expressions and the stress lines which shows the stress and tension he is under. Other diagetic sounds are included such as sounds of the army men, and the wind, this connotes the tension arising in the atmosphere as the battle is about to begin. Tracking has also been integrated to emphasize on the army and the landscape showing the location and the background. A medium shot is used on his face to underline the dark circles around his eyes stressing his responsibility which may suggest his status and position. There is also a long shot of the army establishing the location and the character. Editing has been used to keep the audiences attention and prevent them of getting bored. An example of the editing was when maximus looks up at the robin and there is a straight cut to the robin flying away. Editing saves time and prevents a film being dragged along. This saves money and keeps the attention of the audience. Editing is also used again to show the protagonists and the antagonists. A medium long shot of Maximus’ hand gently stroking the wheat zooming into his muscular hand, it also shows his gentle side as he is stroking the wheat showing no signs of violence. This suggests to the audience that he is the protagonist. The opening of the film engages the audience and it informs them about the story line. The use of Diagetic sound also helps builds tension within the atmosphere with the help of costumes and make up. This intrigues the audience as they feel drawn in and want to watch the rest of the film. The use of camera and mis-en-scene builds a scene and establishes character.