L O O P E R O P E N I N G T I T L E S E Q U E N C E

M I S E – E N – S C E N E L O C A T I O N The location is very remote and isolated, this is normal for thriller films as it decreases the chance for escape, and creates tension and panic. There is only one location used in the entire opening title sequence of this action thriller, this is not a conventional thing to do, and therefore raises a lot of questions, where is he? Why is he there? Is this setting significant? The reeds, seem peaceful, as they are associated with river banks which are usually quiet relaxing places, however thrillers usually take place in very urban settings. This is the exact opposite as it is a clean, rural location which looks safe, and not dangerous what so ever. This would have the opposite affect on the audience and make them feel relaxed and not scared Dusk/dawn which implies that he wakes up very early to do his job which shows dedication, or maybe so no one will be awake to hear him. Right away we can detect that he is doing something suspicious and people don’t usually wake up extremely early to go to a deserted field.

M I S E – E N – S C E N E L I G H T I N G / C O L O U R The lighting behind Joe’s head is dark, this suggests coldness and violence of Joe’s personality. The film has a blue tint to it, which is normally the case in thriller films, which shows the evilness in society. The time of day creates an odd light in which everything becomes silhouetted. This creates mystery as the audience won’t be able to see exactly what is happening, and therefore will create nervousness.

M I S E – E N – S C E N E C O S T U M E Joe has neat hair, a jacket and posh trousers, this suggests that he is in this specific location because of his job. Usually in thriller films the protagonist is an ordinary person, however Joe looks like he is skilled in what he does, and is not a normal man. This creates mystery for the audience. The antagonists identity is covered by the bag, this is a normal convention in thriller films to keep give the film more mystery and to make it harder for them to be found.

M I S E – E N – S C E N E P R O P S The pocket is a significant prop as suggests to the audience that Joe is waiting for something, which creates tension and excitement. The plastic sheet and gun have negative conations which imply that his job is violent, as the plastic sheet may be used because it’s easy to clean. This is unusual as these brutal props are normally associated with the antagonists, however Joe is the protagonist, and therefore creates a sense that Joe is tough and possibly dangerous.

M I S E – E N – S C E N E A C T O R S P E R F O R M A N C E Joe seems relaxed while waiting which suggests that he is content and calm. This is not a usual convention in thrillers as the characters are normally panicked, confused and scared. The fact that he seems so calm about his situation makes the audience feel relaxed as well, which again is opposite of what thrillers are suppose to do, which is to create adrenaline. The fact that Joe has time to get sorted before the event occurs indicates to the audience that he is prepare for what is about to happen, and because he is preparing himself, it makes the audience intrigued.

This film starts with a close up of the pocket watch. This suggests that time plays a big part in the film. This is usual for thriller films not to use an establishing shot because it creates mystery for the audience. When Joes face is in close up, the camera view rotates to the right, keeping his face in focus. This implies that Joe should have all the attention of the frame, but the scene needs to change for a particular reason. This reason is ambiguous, and as a results creates mystery for the audience. M I S E – E N – S C E N E C A M E R A A N G L E S / M O V E M E N T S

M I S E – E N – S C E N E S O U N D The whole of the opening title sequence has no film score, or soundtrack, the only non- diegetic sound being the tape, in which Joe is learning Chinese. The fact that he is learning a new language while waiting suggests that he is so experienced with what he is about to do, that he knows exactly what to do, and when. The only ambient sound is the ticking of the pocket watch, most of the scene is in complete silence. This builds tension for the audience, however it’s also quite calming as well. Because of this silence, when Joe shoots the gun the sound effect would hopefully make the audience jump, creating adrenaline.

M I S E – E N – S C E N E E D I T I N G Most of the opening title sequence seems to be in one shot, and it keeps to the 180 degree rule. The only obvious use of editing is when the prisoner appears from no where. This is to portray the time leap that has occurred, but is done but overlaying the two scenes.