Risk Assessment

Production Schedule

Video Shoot Shot List

Storyboard

We added a list of errors that could occur for mise en scene in order to avoid any problems and add to the realism of our sequence.

Target Audience Profile

Our primary research involved us conducting a questionnaire suitable for both male and female to complete about their film interests. The questions we asked included some such as 'What is your preferred main character gender?' 'What is your favourite genre of film?' 'What is your favourite film?' and 'What is your favourite thriller sub-genre?'. We asked a range of people of different ages, backgrounds and ethnicities. This gave us a variety of answers that were not biased. This ensured that our results to be reliable. We found that the girls aged 16-18 have a preferred film genre of comedy, whereas their favourite thriller sub genres are crime and pyschological thrillers. The boys aged 20-50 show that they prefer a genre of action, war and historical drama and a favourite thriller sub-genre of crime thriller. Lastly, girls aged 20-30 prefer a comedy, rom-com, horror and thriller genres and a pyschological thriller sub genre. In every questionnaire completed by a girl they have said they would prefer a female main character. This was also the case with the questionnaire that the boys completed as they would prefer a male main character. This tells us who our target audience will be as the different ages and genders show different interest of film genres and characters. The thriller sub genre we will be incorporating in our opening sequence should be suitable to our chosen target audience. We have decided to use the target audience, mainly female, aged between 18-30 as they show most interest in a pyschological thriller and would relate to the main character the most as we are using a female main character.

From our secondary research we used the Pearl & Dean audience profile website to find statistics regarding the viewers of the Horror, Sci-Fi Thriller '28 Days Later'. From these results, we can see that the male population enjoyed this film more than the female population. We can also see that ages between 15-24 enjoyed this film better than any other age. However, ages 15-34 also enjoyed it. The social class that gave positive feedback from this film were the upper middle class. We believe that this is due to this class having the education to understand this film.

The next film we looked at was the Mystery,  Horror Thriller 'A Nightmare on Elm Street'. It is clear that the male gender found this film better than the female gender. Ages 25-34 found this film more entertaining than those of a younger and older age. Surprisingly, the lower class had the highest percentage of appreciation for this film. This could be because the majority of the lower class are unemployed therefore, have more time to watch films. It could also be because they have more time for social vents so they could have heard about this film from friends or gone to see it with them.

Finally, we researched the review from the Crime, Mystery Thriller 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. Audiences aged 45+ are shown to enjoy this film more than the younger aged audience. This could be because it contains mature content, like violence and crime, that younger viewers may find distressing or difficult to understand. The male population also found this type of film more interesting which is surprising as the main character is female. However, it could be due to the violent scenes. The upper class population is proven to like this film, maybe because of the plot, more than the other classes.

We found that all three thrillers were preferred by the male audience. This contrasts with our questionnaire results as we found that the female population enjoys thriller more than males. Our chosen target audience has the age of 18-30. This age range has been shown to enjoy thrillers as you can see from our research and our chosen reviews. We hope that this will make our opening sequence suitable to our target audience and to make their enjoyment successful.

Age: 18-30
Gender: Female
Interested in: Socialising, cinema, shopping, gym, driving, cooking, clubbing, music, fashion, food
Where do they live: Windsor, Slough, Old Windsor, Eton Wick, London City
Occupation: Student, working part time, working full time
Economic status: Earn money from part time/full time work
Favourite film: Phone Booth, Saw, Shutter Island, Taken, Hangover, Panic Room, Inception
Favourite gender of main character: Female
Favourite genre of film: Rom-com, horror, thriller, comedy
Favourite thriller sub genre: Pyschological

Sound in Thriller Movies Analysis 'Se7en' and 'Inception'

The next two films we're going to analyse in terms of sound and music are 'Se7en' and 'Inception'. Both films are under the sub genre of mystery thriller however, 'Se7en' is also described as a crime thriller while 'Inception' is also associated with adventure and action.

'Se7en' begins with an extreme low base. This immediately suggests a negative atmosphere which links with the sub genre. This is followed by repetitive, light symbols and mechanical sounds. The continuous mechanical sounds consists of the noise of metal rolling on the ground along with metal rattling. This is parallel to the dark atmosphere of the scene. This creates an eerie atmosphere and causes the audience to stay curious as to what might happen. As the deep sound of drums comes in, it is joined by the background sounds of cds scratching and an electric razor buzzing. The collaboration of these sounds creates an enigma as to why they relate to the narrative. Distorted sound effects are occasionally joined into the sequence, these sounds are heard more than instruments. From 1:12 loud music begins, this builds up suspense and atmosophere within the sequence while keeping the audience interested. The music's tempo increases as the opening sequence comes to an end until the bass cuts out and a voiceover is heard saying an ambiguous and unclear sentence. The increased tempo excites the audience and gets their adrenaline flowing, they feel as though they are a part of the film.

'Inception' begins with a repetitive low bass cello sound. This is parallel to the films sub-genre of action thriller as it is intense and captures the audiences attention. This sound is then replaced by the ambient sound of crashing waves. At 1:00 a soft non diegetic music is played as the main character awakes on the beach. This adds to the dramatic tension of what the character will see when he opens his eyes and why he is where he is. The ambient sound of children laughing and playing is then heard over the music. This helps the audience to establish that the setting is not suspicious. An armed soldier then pokes at the sleeping character and begins to speak in his unknown, native language to a colleage. This dialogue is interesting to the audience as it causes them to realise that this character is most likely not in his hometown. This creates an enigma as to why he is on this foreign island.

Although both Thriller Movies have the same sub genre of mystery thriller, after analysing them we realised there were many differences between the two. They both begin with a low base/cello sound however, Inception's is repetitive whereas Se7en's is not. This low sound sets the negative atmosphere that is present throughout both films. Se7en then moves on to have more mechanical sounds, which is opposite to the ambient crashing waves that Inception goes on to include. Both of these sounds cause the audience to become curious and eager to learn more about the narrative. Both films have dialogue included however Se7en's is a voiceover whereas Inception's is a conversation between the main character and a foreign man. The dialogues in both films are ambiguous which make the audience intrigued as to what will happen, this keeps the audience's attention and concentration. The sounds within Inception are much more realistic than the sounds within Se7en. The ambient sounds of the waves crashing in Inception along with the soft non diagetic music. Whereas the digital and increased tempo music within Se7en excite the audience and create a tense atmosphere. Consequently this causes us to have the opinion that Se7en is far more effective towards the audience, gripping and exciting compared to the naturalistic and repetitive opening of Inception. 

Sound in Thriller Movies Analysis 'Panic Room' and 'Catch Me if You Can'

The two films that we have chosen to analyse are 'Panic Room' and 'Catch Me if You Can'. When analysing the sound, we have noticed that the two have both similarities and differences. Firstly, we will analyse the sound and music in 'Panic Room'.

The 'Panic Room' starts off with one instrument which is the cello. This is a low key sound which starts the sequence with a negative feel as it has deep tones which suggests fear. As the cello is playing, we hear the sound of car horns in the background. The music is quite slow paced which builds tension as the scene is set around buildings and skyscrapers in a city. As the title comes in the cello goes very low key which establishes the theme of the film. Ambient sound of wind comes in which adds realism to the external setting. It is followed by the sound of symbols that then introduces the sound of other instruments. Ticking starts at 0.56 seconds in. The ticking represents a time limit which compliments the connotation behind the title which is panic. It makes the audience feel as if they're racing against time. Coinciding with the ticking, a sharp pinging from the violin strings sets a harsh, violent sound. The tone and pace of the music increases which makes the audience feel distressed. A undertone of whistling is used which is very subtle. However, it creates a big effect. Traffic and pedestrians sound effects are played against this harsh music, again as a subtle undertone which isn't supposed to be individually depicted from the music, however it adds to the complexity. A repeat of the symbols is used to set apart the instruments as the cello is being introduced, played along the sound of the ticking. The violin and the cello fade in and out of each other which creates different tones and sets a varied motion. It is also apparent that at the end of the opening sequence an organ has been used as the last instrument of the soundtrack before the non-diegetic dialogue appears.

The second soundtrack we are analysing is from the film 'Catch Me if You Can'. It has a more upbeat feel which is parallel with the pace of the chase. It starts off with a xylophone instrument and a snappy 'shhh' sound effect. There are gaps in between each chime which could represent heartbeats that is relevant to the fear of being chased. The introduction of the violin quickens the pace and the high pitch sets a more positive feeling. This is followed by a saxophone which adds a suspisious, mysterious feel. A piano is playing in time with the saxophone when the name of the director and actors are shown. We hear a clicking sound 6 times within this part of the sequence. This hasty click represents the time ticking away. A flute starts playing against the piano and saxophone. All these instruments playing together makes a larger collaboration of sounds that work well with creating a tension building piece. The violins create a higher pitched and paced sound which elaborates the title. Once the title is shown, the music goes from a mixture of pitches to a leveled pitch. With the introduction of the saxophone, it is also obvious that gender representations are shifted from male to female. This is because the mood of the music the audience hears has gone from a low pitched and nerve-wracking sound to a relaxed, subtle tone. The change of tone then changes again when the crew are introduced. Shortly after the sound of clicking fades down, a beeping sound starts. The short, sharp beep could represent an alarm  or siren, suggesting the character could be late for something. The sound of the music starts to fade  down once the name of the director comes up. The music stops and we hear two clicks and a final key on the piano to round off the piece.

These two soundtracks are different in many ways. However, they also have some similarities. These being, they are both parallel to the visuals they show and both soundtracks are non-diegetic. The instrument that has been used in both soundtracks is a violin which is conventional to the thriller genre. Both soundtracks have also used sound effects such as beeping, time ticking and ambient sounds. Although both soundtracks have similarities, they have differences which can be recognised. For example, the pace of 'Catch Me if You Can' is sustained at a fast level throughout the opening sequence whereas, in 'Panic Room' the pace speeds up after the title has been introduced. Also, 'Panic Room' has diegetic sound such as ambient natural sounds throughout the opening and the diegetic dialogue at the end. Whereas, in 'Catch Me if You Can' it is noticeable that the whole sequence is non-diegetic music with animated visuals. As the music fades down in 'Catch Me if You Can' the visuals fade out to black whereas in 'Panic Room' as the sound fades down the dialogue is introduced so they overlap momentarily. 

Initial Ideas

Initial Ideas Presentation and Feedback

The Curse from sophiereid95

The ending of the opening sequence needs to be planned in more detail, two possible ideas have been discussed. The first being an external setting in a field, with a fast pan circling the female protagonist with a fast cut back to the house location this shows the audience her mental state. The second option being the female protagonist after running down the stairs, grabs a knife from the kitchen and runs behind a sofa. The audience have no idea why she has reacted this was creating an enigma. She says 'Toby is that you?' But who is Toby? suddenly there is a fade out and she is standing infront of the mirror, not with a knife but a toothbrush, is she sane?

Constructive critism on the baby videos, there could be problems with putting the videos on to Final Cut due to their age. We would need to look in to this problem and our solution if this fails to work will be, Layering shots of the protagonist sleeping, making it clear she is in discomfort and having a nightmare. We would source sounds of babys laughing although taunting her in her thoughts.

Past Student Work Analysis

We analysed Group One's thriller opening sequence. They combined the four micro areas to create an effective and tense 2 minute opening to a thriller film. It opens with a logo they created with their company name 'MGA' and a picture of a film roll next to it. This is followed by a black screen with 'MGA Pictures present' written in white and in capitals. The simplicity of these gives a professional start to the film. The font is slightly too big which can make the opening sequence look amateur. Any writing used within professional films is very small, this is to give an expert and polished effect.

The camerawork in this piece helps to produce a tense, scary atmosphere along with explaining the narrative of the opening sequence. The first shot is an out of focus medium shot of a girl (Mimi Dulake) waking up and lying on the ground struggling with her hands behind her back. The camera then zooms in on her face for a moment before zooming back out while her name appears in a small black font in the bottom left corner. This creates an enigma as to why this girl is lying on a forest floor and how she got there. Due to her serious face and struggle to get up, we understand that she is not there from free will. We then see a close up of the girls hands behind her back and we learn that they are tied up with rope. This confirms the viewer's suspicions that this girl is in this situation due to the act of someone else; the viewer assumes that this is the antagonist. We then see a close up of the girl's confused and scared face squinting at something in the distance. This builds suspense as we sonder what she is staring at and why she is so scared of this. There is then a Point Of View shot as the audience see exactly what the girl is seeing. The Point Of View shot is an out of focus long shot of a man digging a hole in the forest floor with a different girl tied up struggling beside him. As we see the girl further panicking and struggling to get free, she falls to the ground. The camera follows this in a Dutch shot. This explains to the audience that the girl is still encaptured and in danger. The audience are left on the edge of their seats as they worry about the girl's safety and if the antagonist will notice she has woke up. There is then another out of focus point of view shot on the man still digging. Because we are seeing the blurred shot through the girl's eyes we assume that she is enduring blurred vision, the audience begin to wonder if she has been drugged by the antagonist. This cuts to an extreme close up of the girl's widened eyes, this portrays her fear and panic to the audience. The viewer's have sympathy for this young victim. They are left in suspense as there is then a flashback of the night before, however they become excited to find out how these girl's got in this situation. Within this flashback there is a long shot of two girls walking down the street singing before stopping as a car containing a young man pulls up beside them. It then cuts to an over-the-shoulder shot of the girls looking at the pulled up car as he asks them where they're going and if they want to go to a party. As they agree and get in the car there is then a Point Of View shot from one of the girls sitting in the back looking at the suspicious male driver. It then goes back to present time and we see a medium shot of the girl still in fear then the male antagonist coming up behind her and putting his hand over her face. There is then the title 'Buried Alive' on a black screen in red capitals and medium font. Like the company name, the title is in a font that is too big. The group should have copied many professional films in containing very small font writing. However, the two colours black and red mirror the suspicious and thriller theme of the film.

When the logo and name of the company is on the screen a quick and eerie sound is heard. This is a typical element of a thriller film. Before the opening sequence has even started the audience know that this film is not a comedy or love film. The non-diegetic eerie music continues as the girl is shown lying on the forest floor. As we see her struglling to get free we also hear the diagetic, ambient sound of leaves rustling beneath her. We then also hear the sound of her heavy breathing as she begins to realise what has happened to her and starts to panic. This causes the audience to understand that she is confused as to how she got there and is not there due to her free will. As there is a close up of the girl's hands tied up with rope behind her back there is a louder and faster version of the eerie music used for that shot. There is a score when that image is shown again with the same faster, louder music. As the girl starts to get very scared and panicked the music gets louder aswell as the ambient sound of rustling leaves.There is dialogue used when the girl sees the antagonist digging a hole in the ground and says to herself 'no' repeatedly. This explains to the audience that the character is assuming what they are to, that he is digging the hole for her. As there is a flashback we hear the diagetic sound of the two girls singing as they walk down the street. Dialogue is used again as the antagonist pulls up beside them in his car and asks them to come to a party with him. This is frustrating for the audience as they know what will happen to the girls now they have got in the car. This is an element used frequently within thriller films as it gets a reaction off the audience as they watch it. The eerie and scary music then starts again as the flashback stops and we see the girl sitting on the forest ground in fear. The unsettling music reaches its peak as the antagonist is seen elaping on the girl covering her face with his hands.

Fades are frequently used within this opening sequence. However, the logo and company name at the start of the sequence both fade in and fade out. A fade in is also used when the girl notices the antagonist digging a hole in the forest floor. This gives a dazed effect as though the victim is confused and is fading in and out of consciousness.

Past Student Work Analysis

We decided to analyse Group Two's opening thriller sequence. We will explain the ways we think this group produced a good opening sequence and the ways in which they could have done to improve it.

Within the first few seconds of the clip starting, the production company is introduced as 'droplet'. This production logo is suitable with the name as you can see a physical droplet therefore, it looks quite professional. However, the font looks amateur as it's a basic font, Arial, which could be a lot more imaginative and creative. The music starts from as soon as we see the opening. Then it fades to black to a handheld shot walking down an alley. With this stereotypically thrilling location, the lighting should have been a darker tone to make it look more scary. The view is blurry and unclear however which does create a better effect. It is followed by a cut to black with white text saying 'Droplet Production Presents'. While this is shown the music changes to a harsher tone which adds tension and emphasises the writing. The same handheld shot is carried on. Then, for one second of the clip we see three girls dancing. This makes us assume that they hold an important role in this clip. The clothes they are wearing are suitable for the types of characters they are and creates a more realistic feel. It then cuts again to black with more texts saying 'A film by Lauren E Tarling'. Which is followed by another handheld shot walking up to a house. Pip Stokes and Greg Warkins names are shown in the bottom left of the screen. The font they have used has been the same throughout which adds to the professionalism. However, the size of this font makes it look basic. A cut is then used to three girls posing for a photograph. The three girls in this shot are different to the girls in the earlier shot that was seen. This creates confusion and disrupts the continuity. The camera then shows someone entering the house, using an eye view handheld shot. As this is shown, you can see that it is in slow motion from the speed of the movement from the characters.

A flashback transition of someone's bedroom is then used to show a outer border effect, to show the emphasised view point from the character. This is again handheld so the movements are very quick and sudden, adding to the tense and rushed moment. While this shot is happening, diegetic sound is heard. The loud breathing we can hear is clear and helps the audience understand the panicked atmosphere. It then comes out of the flashback and back to reality with the handheld shot walking outside. From this scene, it shows another scene of the bedroom and then another scene of a injured character. This creates confusion as we are not sure what is going on. This is repeated three times, showing all three different scenes in the same order. This mixes up the flashback and the reality. The end of the clip includes the injured character falling to the ground with a cut black screen with the title 'Playback'. Throughout the whole clip, the same music has been used. To add more suspense and thrill to this clip they should have thought about adding some more tense music to go parallel with the drama happening. When the title comes up, the music stops but is replaced with a loud sound effect. This sound is similar to a lightning sound effect. Having this extra sound added completes the opening sequence of the film. However, the sound is not relevant to the narrative and it is a completely different tone to the other music we heard.

We have noticed many things they could have improved to make this opening sequence better. I think the music could have been changed a little through certain scenes. I also think they could have experimented more with locations as it would make it look more professional. The continuity was disrupted because we noticed the change in the characters we were initially introduced to. The camera-work is not really varied enough as the main camera shot is handheld. Handheld is a really effective shot to use for a thriller opening yet, different camera angles makes it a lot more interesting to watch. The editing in this clip is limited. Most of the shots are long durated which is unusual and uneffective in a thriller opening sequence. This is because short shot duration creates a panicked effect. To improve the intensity of this sequence would be too make each scene play together in a short amount of time. This will unsettle the auidence and increase the panicked effect. However, the mis-en scene is good. The costume and make-up designed for the characters adds to the realism of the drama. The setting in the male characters room was good because it established a stereotypical male features such as the Arsenal wallpaper and the messy appearance. If I graded this work, I would give Group Two a C grade. If they included some more editing and camera techniques this clip could have got a B grade.

British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)





BBFC is the guidelines that producers need to follow to make a classified film to be sold in the UK.  The British Board of Film Classifcation (BBFC) set age limits so that there are no ethical issues and so it doesn't corrupt the youth of today, and their attitudes towards sex and violence. They view all films and decide which age is suitable to view this film.

This U symbol stands for Universal. The certified 'U' films are aimed at a audience aged 4 years or over. However, it is hard to tell what the audience will find upsetting. A minimal, mild amount of bad language is included in these films, such as 'bugger' 'bloody' or 'damn'. There may be scenes in which the audience could find scary as the characters are put in danger. But it ends reassuringly and is quickly resolved. The sexual content involved is very mild - kissing or cuddling will be the extent of the sexual behaviour. The same with gay sexual relations, it is kept to a minimal.

A certified 'U' film will oftenly be a family film, meaning the message would be positive and something to do with loyalty, love or friendship. The intention is for the young children to not be influenced by any negative issues that can be created through drugs, horror, language, nudity, sex and violence.

PG films may endure issues of domestic violence, racism or bereavement. Illegal and anti-social behaviour (smoking, drugs, bullying) can be included in PG films. However, they need to educate them by emphasising that these things are bad and harmful. There may be mild language included like 'shit' or 'son of a bitch' - the context and delivery are important factors. The sexual and violent content are allowed however, it will need to lack in detail. The blood can be seen but not how the injury was inflicted. Some scary moments may occur but they should not show realistic horror, violence or weapons such as knives. This will not be glamorised within PG work. Potential copying from the children will only occur if the actions are seen as fun or safe e.g. climbing onto dangerous things. 

PG stands for parental guidance meaning the parents need to think if the content might upset younger or more sensitive children. The films are aimed at audiences of 8 years or older as is for general viewing but could include some scenes that are unsuitable for a younger child.

The difference between 12A and 12 is that the 12 certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays. Whereas, 12A is for films at the cinema only. 12A is suitable for anyone over the age of 12. The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory' therefore, anyone under the age of 12 must be with someone aged 18 or over to watch the film with them. It is not recommended for a young child to see this as it may be seen as unsuitable.

The language involved in both of these certificates may be very strong, but it is only acceptable if it is infrequent. The context of the language is important. There may be moderate language included however, any discriminatory language will not be endorsed at all. The sex scenes may be brief and portrayed discreetly in 12 and 12A films. The verbal sex language should only be suitable for a young teenage to hear. Frequent crude sex references are accepted very rarely. Nudity may be in these films but sexual nudity should be briefly and discreetly shown. There should be no emphasises on injuries as moderate violence is only allowed. Action scenes may be viewed however weapons that are easily accesible for people aged 12 will not be glamorised. Also, moderate physical and pyschological threat is permitted as long as they are not too frequent. Dangerous behaviour may be shown but not dwelled on however, discriminatory behaviour should not be endorsed. Drug abuse may be shown as long as they are not glamorised or are portaying details.  

15 rated films are suitable for those aged 15 years or over. No one under that age can buy/rent or see a 15 certified film. The strong language involved is not really limited - it can potentially be a huge amount. There may be discriminatory behaviour, however as a 15, the work must not endorse this kind of behaviour. Sexual activity is allowed, it is normally shown for a long time with nudity and movement. Nudity has no contraints on non-sexual or educationational context.  However, there can not be strong, graphic detail or crude references. Easily accessible weapons may not be glamorised and strong sadistic or sexualised violence is unlikely to be accepted. However, the violence may be strong without dwelling on the pain or injury. Gory images especially are less likely to be accepted for a 15 certificate film. Sexual violence can be shown if it is discreet and if it shows a strong justice of context.  However, verbal references to sex is allowed. The extent of horror can go up to strong threat and menace, as long as it is not sadistic or sexualised. Most horror films are rated 15, but if it will include gory images it is likely to not be accepted. The promotion and encouragment of drug use should be clear if shown. Easily accessible drugs and highly dangerous substances is not suitable for a 15 film.

18 rated films are strickly only for adult viewers. This age guidence prevents under eighteens from viewing this content in the cinema and on DVDs. Films like this are expected to have strong scenes of sex, violence and will contain strong language. Other language that should be expected is racist, homophobic or any other discriminatory language. Sex is aloud in strong detailed portrales in eighteen rated films, however there are not any constraints on nudity in an educational or in a non sexual manor.

R18 is the highest rating a film can be given without it being deemed unfit for viewing. Expected to contain heavy strong content of sexual scenes including fetishes and sexual acts containing adults. They are so explicit they cannot be supplied by mail order incase minors can access it. The puppose of a flim with such a high rating is sexual arousel and stimulation, they can only be viewed in specially licensed cinemas, and sold to adults in licenced sex shops.

Opening Sequence Analysis- 9 Shot Analysis

The two minute opening sequence of "The Talented Mr Ripley" begins with the 'Paramount' and 'Miramax' logos being shown. A fraction of the main character is shown with the credits beside him, this imcludes the actor's name 'Matt Damon'. The character not being fully shown creates an enigma as the audience wonder what he has to hide. The scene then cuts to the man in the previous scene in a prestige setting playing the piano for a group of wealthy people with an opera singer by his side. This gives the audience some more insight into the character's interests, job and hobbies. The title of the film gives the viewer the knowledge of one of the character's names "Mr Ripley". The fact that he is described as talented creates a curiousity within the viewer, they want to watch the film in order to understand why he is talented. When a part of the man is shown in the first minute, we assume that he is "The Talented Mr Ripley".The lack of knowledge within the audience creates suspension and keeps them interested.

The song 'Lullaby For Cain' by Sinead O' Connor is played continuously throughout the opening sequence. When the scene switches from the mans face to the opera singer we realise she is the one singing the song. A sound bridge is used which turns the music from non-diagetic to diagetic. In the second scene set on the roof, a voiceover is heard speaking over the consistent music. The voiceover is the male character's thoughts which expresses his desire to go back in time and 'start by changing' his self. This is effective as it causes the viewer to become curious as to what events this character would want to change. We recognize that the genre of music is opera, this linked with the upper class roof top setting causes the viewer to assume this film surrounds characters of the wealthy, elite kind.

The four micro areas work together to create a tense and gripping opening sequence. The close up of the main characters face in the first scene gives a clear indication that he is an important cast member which also links to the title of the film. This is followed by a box slide transition, which is different to an ordinary cut. This works well in an opening sequence because it separates the credits from the actual film. A box slide transition causes the viewer to recognize that this is the opening sequence, this is because a box slide transition would traditionally not be used in the middle of a film as it would break the continuity. The close up on the man's face helps the audience to become familiar with this character. The long shot duration on his face makes the viewer intrigued as to who this man is and if he is Mr Ripley. There is a match on action from the man's face looking down while sitting, to his hands playing the piano. This creates an enigma as to whether piano playing is Mr Ripley's talent, or if it is something more sinister.