Thriller Opening 4 - Flightplan- Robert Schwentke 2005 (Action/mystery Thriller)

Camera
The long shot establishes that she is alone at the train station and the close ups enable a full view of her facial expressions in order to show the audience how she is feeling. The long shot at the beginning not only shows that she is alone, but her character isn’t introduced emotionally straight away, which leaves a surprise for the audience when she is seen. This builds up suspence.
Mid shot of moving train. Long shot of the back of a character sitting down, in front of a stationary train. Camera zooms into character- but her face not yet seen. Camera switches quickly from behind to in front. Camera then zooms into her face- portraying her fear.

Long shot of the room is seen and a coffin is centred with the main character in front. Mid shot of character walking out. Low angle of a man- camera moves up. Shot reverse shot of the man and woman. Long shot of the couple at the train station- the same train station she was seen sitting alone at. Long shot as they enter the train. The long shot of the coffin leaves the audience speculating who is in there. The shot reverse shot highlights both characters expressions and juxtaposes her expression before hand. The long shot of the moving train again contrasts the speed. The shots used all draw attention to the loneliness and seclusion of the characters and the fear of the woman. Long shot of character walking towards the coffin, close up of water dripping off her umbrella, low angle of character looking at the coffin and then the camera pans and zooms in slightly.

The panning and zooming out from the train goes into a long shot of the couple walking up the stairs. The long shot of the couple outside shows that they are still alone and are possibly being watched. The camera goes round to see the character in the coffin, which adds to the shock and anxiety of the audience and as it is the same man seen at the train station, it builds up the narrative.

At the end of the opening, the long shot shows the couple outside and then birds fly up and into a black screen, which causes shock to the audience when the next shot arrives. After the black screen, a long shot of outside appears but this time she is alone and only one pair of footsteps can be seen, which leaves the audience doubting whether the man was really there. This creates suspense and builds up tension.


Editing
A mixture of slow and fast pace editing is used throughout the opening title sequence of this film, along with straight cuts. The fast straight cuts and pace contrast the shots, which connect with the character and the pase of the character. Similarly the moving train compared with the pace of character juxtapose one another.

The opening sequence has fast paced editing; shot of something unknown- possibly a train, then straight into titles. Continuous straight cuts are used from train to titles. Pace slows down. Slow editing contrasts to the music. Straight cut into character entering a room, two other characters are also present. Train moves and the camera watches as it moves off. Another straight cut into character slowly walking towards the coffin. Straight cut back to the moving train. Fading out from w the couple were walking on the street portrays the atmosphere changing. A straight cut from inside to outside, straight cut back to the room with the coffin.


Sound
Diegetic sound of the train, no music. Non diegetic music appears- quiet and tense- as the camera zooms in. The non diegetic music is tense and juxtaposes the pace of editing. A lot of diegetic sound is used in this scene, such as, the character breathing and dialogue. Dialogue appears in a non-English language and she replies in English. The tone the females voice also represents grief and fear. These emphasise this character’s unknown fear and pain helps the audience to connect emotionally. It leaves the audience guessing to why she is behaving in this way. A man’s voice appears. Diegetic sound of the water dripping emphasises the silence within the room. Nonetheless, quiet non diegetic music is used, which builds up tension and atmosphere. The effect of the tranquillity within the opening sequence helps to connect the character with the audience, it enables the audience to establish the emotions and feel for the narrative. Increased in sound volume creates tension and suspense and reinforces the change of shot. Dialogue- mans’ name introduced as David. Diegetic sound of birds, female character is startled.


Mise-en-scene
The lighting is bright inside from the electric lighting but when outside it is much darker. This creates the atmosphere and ands to causing tension. Furthermore, throughout the sequence the train juxtaposes the character. This train plays a significant role as it is the only thing that moves fast within the opening. When the camera shows the characters face, tears can be seen in her eye, which establishes the emotion of the character but leaves the audience distance and wondering what has happened. Taken as a whole, the facial expressions are fairly sinister and dark and show a lot of feeling.

Character hasn’t moved. When the characters face is shown, she seems very scared and deep in thought, with tears in her eyes. Other characters in the room change their expression quickly and break away. Facial expression alters as she sees the man- happiness, relief and surprise/shock- highlighted through her breathing. She quickly opens the door and her expression changes- she appears surprised at seeing somebody but then upset at what the character asked. Slight aggravation is shown. The dark clothing contrasts to brightly coloured yellow train.



Special Effects
No significant special effects are used.
Shadows of planes are seen over the snow- shot fades out.


Titles
Simple, white font over black.
The titles are used in this way so they are not a distraction to the audience and so they are easy to read.