The first image is a typical shot of the genre. A close up shot used in a title sequence is used to create suspense and curiosity by limiting the amount the audience can see. Whilst this scene was playing, there was loud 'choppy' noises gradually ascending . This is also used to create a build up of tension which is an important convention of thrillers.The second image reveals the setting of the piece. The mise-en-scene presents a rural area covered in fields etc. There is a car in the middle of the shot, which grabs the audience's attention as it is unlikely that a car would be parked in such a remote location. This establishing shot shows all of the previously mentioned and two figures walking away from the car. This makes the audience ask questions such as "Who are they?", "Have they broken down?" etc. A title sequence's purpose is to fulfill this, especially in thrillers.
In the third image, the unknown characters are introduced. They are walking away from the camera therefore not much about them or who they are is revealed. Again, this keeps the audience asking questions and wanting to watch on. The girl on the right has traditional rebellious clothing and hairstyle, where as the girl on the left has her hair neatly in a pony-tail and is wearing nothing out of the ordinary. This contrast should make the audience question the scene. We later find out that the rebellious dressed girl murdered a taxi driver, which was suggested by the clothing and status heightening techniques. A convention of title sequences in thrillers is for clues to be given and to make the audience think (keeping them interested).
The fourth image shows that neither of the girls owned the car as there is blood splatters on a taxi drivers licence and a dead man slouched in the drivers seat. The blood suggests murder and the audience automatically assume it is the girls as they are walking away from the taxi panting. This shot is a close-up from inside the car. The angle that the camera is placed however, shows the girls out of focus walking away from the car. Not much gory detail is shown at this time, only important details are in focus such as the blood splattered licence. This is not to give too much away but give the audience important details, thus keeping their attention.
I selected the fifth image as both the girls faces are shown. Both of their facial expressions look stern with a sense of distress. The camera shot is a mid-shot as to show both of the characters faces. The rebellious clothed girl is in focus where as her accomplice is out of focus. This is to put emphasis on the character in focus as it subtly suggests that she is responsible. The other girl also looks younger than the girl in focus. This is also a subtle clue used as an older person is usually associated with being responsible and braver than a younger person. The age difference is emphasized both by their style, stance and facial features.
The sixth shot I chose is another close-up. The mise-en-scene shows a badly beaten taxi driver with his head on the steering wheel. This close up puts focus on the intensity of the injuries and also the 'flicker' of the eye. This flicker suggests that he is still alive and the 'murderers' haven't been successful. The audience would be extremely interested at this point to find out if the two girls previously introduced are involved in the brutal attack of the taxi driver. Also, no motive is revealed at this time, leaving more questions unanswered.
In the seventh shot both of the characters are walking towards the camera. The appearance of both of the characters are now more clear, emphasizing the responsibility of the rebellious dressed girl. Also, the rebellious dressed girl has more blood splatters on her face and clothing, giving more clues to the audience about the identity of the culprit. This is a mid shot as both of the actresses are in the frame, to show the contrast of personalities (via appearance). The other actress' innocence is emphasized by her young age.
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