Conventions of a Thriller Opening Sequence

The conventions and characteristics of  thriller opening sequences:

The opening sequence too many thrillers however different he genre be, can all draw similar characteristics and a normality throughout. When looking at some opening sequences and thinking of these characteristics I can confirm that some include;

·         Setting of the scene, this done through establishing shots or the use of the scenery/locations used. This is also seen throughout other genres to.

·         Introduction of characters, this is however seen throughout most genres.

·         An enigma of some type or a reference to something later on in the storyline. These provoke the audience asking questions which shall be answered later on but intrigue the audience to carry on watching.

·         Music, weather this is through deep percussion instruments or through other types of sound there is dramatic music.

Some examples of opening sequences that include these conventions and characteristics;

Inception (2010):

Directed – Christopher Nolan

Budget - $160,000,000

Gross Profit - $825,532,764

Genre – Action, Adventure

Examples of conventions used- Deep orchestral music used throughout the opening scene, with minimal use of dialogue. Another use is an enigma used in the form of the children, and initiates questions like: Why are they there? Who are they? Finally the setting of the scene has also been done not in terms of the whole film but in terms of that scene we are made aware it’s a beach, by the sea, and then are made aware that there is a house or building of some description of some type.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VXkUzf1et4

 

Cowboys and Aliens (2011):

Directed – Jon Favreau

Budget - $163,000,000

Gross Profit - $174,822,325

Genre – Western, SciFi

Examples of conventions used – The first obvious convention used is the setting of the scene like any, its shows a panning shot revealing a western, outback landscape with credits. The introduction of the main actor is then followed in an orthodox fashion of jumping up from the bottom of the screen. Could suggest many things from this however the seeming one is that he has woken up from being asleep or knocked out. The use of a futuristic bracelet and wound both act as enigmas together making the audience think like any good film about what are they and why are they there? This is enigma is also made noticeable to the character as he looks inquisitive as to what it is.

 

http://www.movie2k.to/Cowboys-Aliens-watch-movie-789173.html

Journey to the Centre of the Earth (2008):

Directed – Eric Brevig

Budget - $45,000,000

Gross Profit - $101,702,060

Genre – Comedy, Children, Adventure

Examples of conventions used – Wasn’t Able to watch the opening sequence.