Detailed analysis of Thriller clip opening:

The opening of a movie is solely for the purpose of capturing the audiences attention and to make them interested in the film, they introduce the characters and set locations and sometimes suggest outcomes of the movie. To understand and familiarise ourselves with the style and techniques used in an opening of a thriller movie, and for inspiration, we viewed and analysed a selection of thriller opening title sequences. Particularly paying attention to the opening of 'Collateral', directed by Michael Mann and starring Tom Cruise.

The opening sequence of 'Collateral' is set in a busy airport; masses of people walking/rushing around with luggage and are almost instantly introduced to two key characters in the sequence, of whom are walking toward something/someone. Later we become aware they are headed for each other. Both well dressed, and built men; they appear to blend in with the rest of the airport crowd, but their composition in the shots used suggest something otherwise. Something deeper than whats on the surface. The men bump into each other, and each drop their luggage. They are quick to apologise and there bags are then swapped, of which we assume to be intentional. They are then soon on their way to where they were headed. Only one character is then followed to the exit of the airport. Throughout many techniques are used to grab the full attention of the audience as well as to create suspense. The opening scene(s) of a movie usually entail some form of title sequence, this opening does not. The movie starts straight away as the director felt no need to include them.

During the opening, many different camera movements, shots and angles are used to have an effect on the audience. During the journey of the characters through the airport, selected focus is used. Only the two key characters are seen in focus and others around them are out of focus, and are seen in close up shots. This enables the audience to familiarise themselves with each of the characters and highlights there importance at the present time. The close up shots allows us a clear demonstration of the emotion felt by both characters. We are shown that one of the men is very confident (Cruise) in comparison to the other, who seems nervous and not as confident. The audience can clearly see the stronger and more dominant character. The characters throughout the scene are seen to be walking toward a static camera, instead of the use of a tracking shot or hand held camera, it makes the audience feel as though the action is coming to them; they aren't finding the action nor are they following it. There is one shot, over the shoulder, that gives the audience a real sense of place and point of view without the use of a point of view shot. We can see through the sunglasses worn by the character, the audience are almost to close for comfort with this character. And start to feel uncomfortable, but there is a sense of intrigue gained through this shot as well as the continuation of suspense the whole sequence has created.

The editing techniques used in the opening demonstrate and connote different emotion on the viewing audience. There are repeated clean cuts between two main characters walking through the airport. It allows the audience a clear distinction between the two. The pace of the cuts, which is dynamic, suggests an urgency within the scene; whatever the two men are doing they need to do it, creating suspense among a viewing audience. The more confidently portrayed character, played by Tom Cruise, is seen in a slower motion walking, whereas the less confident character is seen at a quicker speed. The more relaxed pace of Cruise's character again, suggests his confidence and dominant role. The faster pace of the other character shows insecurity.

The sound used within the opening also plays a key role in the opening sequence as well as camerawork and editing. The foots steps of the walking men are emphasised, over powering the sounds of the everyday commotion of an airport. This instantly directs all attention to the key characters and the audience begin to feel the building tension and growing suspense. As well as sound, Mise en scene is important. The costume worn by each character clearly illustrates a clear distinction between the key role. From the outfit of the character played by Cruise, a grey, expensive looking suit. One of which makes him stand out and above the rest of those in less smart looking usual black suits, like the one worn by the other character. The audience are inclined to feel the power and status of the grey suited character.