2nd textual Analysis of a thriller opening sequence. The sequence I have chosen is a two minute clip from ‘One Hour Photo’.

In the sequence camera work, mise en scene, editing and sound help to establish the situation and character in the opening two minutes. The opening raises many questions which intrigue the viewer and make them want to continue watching. It does this in a variety of ways, one of which is the mise en scene of the main character, as he does not appear to be the type of person who should be in the situation that he is in.
The representation of the main character in the sequence depicts a balding man. He first appears as the camera processes a picture of him. It appears in segments creating suspense as at first it does not show the viewer who this person is. It then becomes apparent that the man is in custody. This creates a feeling of dislike in the viewer as he is a criminal. However, his appearance does not show the stereotypical view of a person who is likely to break the law. His appearance is rather ‘geeky’ as he is balding and has large glasses with high waisted trousers. It gives the impression that he is quite weak and pathetic and also all his clothes are synthetic in textures making them look quite cheap, again hinting that he is weak and pathetic so it is hard to tell why such a frail man would be in prison.
Another reason as to why the viewer sees him as quite a ‘geek’ is the dialogue. This is because as the police officer tells him to ‘turn to the right’ he gets confused. This makes him look quite quirky and awkward, it again gives the viewer the feeling that he could not have done any thing bad but he obviously has as he is in prison. This gives the viewer a feeling of enigma about him and intrigue as you want to continue watching to find out what he has done.
The setting is completely white; it does not contain any clues at first as to where it is. There is a close up of a machine which then flashes so it becomes apparent that it is a camera. Although, it is still not clear as to where it is so there is an element of mystery to it. As you then seen the police man and the main character it becomes apparent that this man has been arrested and there is also more intrigue for the viewer as they want to find out what this man has done to be arrested.
The completely white background also creates a contrast as white is often associated with purity and goodness, however, as this is in a police cell it contrasts as the people that are in prison are usually bad and impure. These characteristics are usually synonymous with darkness and black. The contrast works well as there is also a contrast between the main character who has been arrested and the stereotypical view of what a convict looks like. As said before his appearance is quite weak and pathetic so the viewer would not at first think he is a criminal. This contrast works well at creating enigma in the scene as it is clear that something is not normal about the character or the situation that he is in.
During the editing process the editors have spent a great deal of time looking at the shapes involved in the sequence. For example, a lot of rectangles are used in the sequence. This is done so that the shots have the same dimensions as a photo. This works well as the main theme of the movie is a man who works in a photo development store and then stalks a family. Although, this does not create suspense to the viewer, it is a very clever way of portraying the main themes of the movie in subtle way.
Another aspect of the sequence is the use of sound, primarily; there is no sound apart from diagetic sounds. Silence is used very well as it is so quiet that it is almost suffocating to the viewer, this creates the feeling of intensity and a feeling of enigma. The silence creates a foreboding atmosphere that puts the audience on edge and makes them think that something bad is about to happen. The silence also creates unease about the main character, as he is obviously a criminal, the silence makes him seem sinister even though his appearance contradicts this.
In conclusion, the camera work, mise en scene, editing and sound effects of the sequence create lots of suspense and tension in the viewer as well as raising many questions which may be answered later on. For example, the man’s weak appearance does not suggest he is a criminal. This keeps the viewer guessing as to what is going on and later on in the sequence, and what the man has done. The slow passed nature of the opening and suffocating silence suggest a sinister and well planned crime has been committed by the man and this is one of the key themes to the thriller. The viewers then want to watch on to find out who this antagonist is and what he has done as it is shrouded in mystery.
Hollie