You are on page 1of 7

Opening Thriller - Pi

By Georgi, Emily and Cinzia


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHygMeYtREM&safe=active http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_CtgelI6xU

Titles
The titular sequence is edited quickly to match the music and flashing names, this contrasts to the long duration shots of the opening scene signifying the theme of the protagonist's mental state through the changes in pace. Each of these production titles enter one by one as the sound gradually crescendos, heightening the tension nad also adding a sense of mystery due to the black background The audience are then left to consider the significance of the pi signal on a completely black background until the numbers at the bottom gradually fill the screen upwards whilst a heavy beat is played in the background There is a moment of just a black background with music playing before the name of the executive producer appears in order to increase the suspense given. The music heightens this suspense since once the name appears the music gets suddenly louder with various drum beats in the background which match the flashing image behind the name of the executive producer. Images continue to still flash on and off the screen throughout the titles adding a sense of obscurity

Sound in the titles


Non-diagetic music starts off quietly and hesitantly to create an uncertain atmosphere Music slowly builds and more layers are heard as the tempo begins to quicken Music falters and stops for a brief moment before starting back up again but faster than before, creating an uneven and unknown feeling Fast paced tempo matches the sudden changing titles flashing across the screen which is effective in disorientating the audience Music slows when Original Score comes on screen, emphasizing the importance of the music

0.00-0.15
The opening shot is an extreme close up focused on the main characters face creating a sudden and disorientating effect as it differs from the opening titles. This theme continues as the shot is almost completely black due to the lighting contrast, accompanied by the protagonist's position in the door way the shot conveys his solitude and the setting is used as a representation for his mind set. The close-up high angle gives a sense of confinement because it is only focused on the main character and does not show much of his surroundings. Resonating sound heard as the camera focuses on the characters face signifies the start of the film and his importance Monotone voice over sets the pace of the scene as slow There is continuity editing present in the opening sequence however there are unexplained gaps where we do not see the protagonist move from room to room, drawing attention to his mental state as it feels to the audience as if time has been lost crating confusion.

0.15-0.30
The extreme close-up causes the blood on his finger to be the main focus which is unsettling for the audience who are unaware of what it is and are made to feel that it is significant. The black and white colouring emphasises the film's dark surreal nature and conveys the protagonist's state of mind The surrounding backdrop of the shots makes the protagonist seems isolated and draws attention to the white highlights in the frame that bring out the blood on his fingers. The framing of the medium long-shot showing the reflection in the mirror highlights the entrapment that Max faces since he is only shown in the mirror The use of the mirror conforms to feature of a psychological thriller. Its positioned centrally signifying its importance to the protagonist and his state of mind. Voice heard over eerie and quiet background music as the main character gives a narration in a slow pace that is parallel to his movements and actions on screen

0.30-0.45
The over the shoulder shot hints to the audience that the character is only showing one side of his persona and may hide secrets from others. The proximity between the camera and the character in the extreme close up highlights the enclosed atmosphere of the room. The close-up of Max looking into the mirror allows the audience to view how he sees himself which is emphasized by the narration of the first time he saw light after being blind The use of the mirror conforms to feature of a psychological thriller. Its positioned centrally signifying its importance to the protagonist and his state of mind. Diagetic synchronous sound of water running heard over the music and his voice makes the scene seem more natural The long duration shots focused on the protagonist make the audience feel as if he is unbalanced due to their unnatural length.

0.45-1.00
The extreme close-ups of the pills, box, hand and mouth connote a certain importance to his medication and his need for it through the rhythmic sounds which were parallel to the editing The sudden fast pace editing of the protagonist swallowing pills feels disjointed from his inner monologue and the slow editing beforehand alluding to his state of mind. The dark backdrop of the quickly edited objects put focus on them and highlights their importance as there is no room for anything else in the shot. The fish eyes lens gives the shot a dream like surreal quality emphasising the protagonist's paranoia and mental state as well as his solitary life through this minimalist shot. Amplified synchronous noises of him taking pills heard over the music and his voice again suddenly changes the speed of the scene and contrasts to the moments before when he was slowly waking up Amplified sound of chain as he undoes it from latch is also synchronous and startles the audience with the sudden uncomfortable sound The short duration close ups of the protagonist unlocking the door signify his paranoia and again create a contrast in editing Amplified sound of the door closing and being locked with asynchronous sounds of shouting in the background give the effect that there is crime where he lives and that it is not safe

You might also like