Media thriller openings. - Amy Odell

The disappearance of Alice Creed.

Camera Work and Editing:

The ground level shot leading up to the two men at the van, adds tension to where the action is happening. Because the stealing of a van is quite significant at this point, the pace then gets quicker here adding to the idea that something peculiar may happen.
The next major shot which is of their feet and trolley level, enables the shallow depth of field shot to shine through here of the trolley wheels.
The camera is in clear focus of the items being purchased, so the audience can begin to think what they may go onto be used for.
 Every action the two characters then go onto make is pretty much identical, they are almost robotic how they are assembling the room, drilling in nails and ripping down curtains, this effect shows more about their characters, that perhaps this has happened before, they have planned this in great detail and know a lot about what it is they are about to do. Close up shots of the action. in particular the drilling, so we can see it in focus and increases the idea of pace throughout the opening shot. The bed is then set up very quickly, and edited in a way so its almost like a gun, each step of the making of the bed like a bullet. one thing after the other, very quickly. Maybe to also show that they're not wasting any time in this plan, and that every moment counts.

Mise En Scene:
the outfits the two men wear, of tracksuits and denim, are very casual and non suspicious as to what they are really doing. Gives them an almost disguise of what they are really doing. The bright colours of the room and the hardware shop, contrast greatly with the dark woods, enabling the audience to predict what may happen.All the settings included in the first sequence of this film vary immensely. such as it beginning in an airport car park, then going over to a dump, then to a hardware store, then to a squat like flat, then to the woodland area. All settings included to create mystery and curiosity.

Lighting and Sound:
the sequence begins with the diagetic sound of the aircraft in the sky, allowing the audience to grasp where the characters are. The music then becomes non diagetic, meaning the audience can hear the music but the characters can't. The music sets the mood for this beginning sequence, the music also changes as the settings do. AS the pace of the sequence gets quicker, so does the music, as it creates like a ticking noise, getting faster and faster.
the over exaggerated noises of the drill, and the ripping of the curtain rings makes the action even more bold and a crisp sound is conveyed. The deep mood music of the cello then plays, and it creates even more suspension for the audience, as the mood drops to a sad, confusion tone.
 The characters are always in light, even in darker settings, this would definitely be to show their power and status, as the criminals they are.