Section 2: Research into examples of thriller opening scenes

Se7en Opening Title

Seven has a linear narrative structure as it has a chronological order. The audience can see this as we see the two men wake up and go through their day-to-day business -go to work, have tea etc.
Due to the extreme close ups and very dark scenes we see very little of the location and so the setting remains unknown and boring. This fits in with G. K Chesterton's idea of 'The Transformed City' as it is what happens in the setting -and not the setting itself- that is intriguing and keeps the viewers watching. This creates mystery and suspense but also means that the film relates to everyone- it could happen where you lived.

The opening scene is very dark with it being early morning, very dull cloudy and raining heavily. This all adds to the classical scary scene- 'bad things happen in the dark where no-one sees them happen'. It also reflects the mood of the scene as a rotting body is seen- this wouldn't have the same effect if it was a sunny day and everyone was happy and smiling. The location the body is found in is also very dark which creates tension and fear as we see the main characters walking through the darkness. There is also a very subtle green over-light to the scene which signifies eeriness and jealousy (all negative things). The title's are in white, black and red- keeping it simple. These together make it look sophisticated and the white could mean intelligence -possibly of the killer as he always seems to be one step ahead. The red and black connote blood, death, goth, anger and evil which make the audience feel uncomfortable and vulnerable.
Props used in the opening scene's include very thick, ancient books which again could signify intelligence and also old fashioned and old moral values. In addition to this, a metronome is used which is also very old fashioned and pages are stitched together instead of stapled. Other props that tie in to this 'old fashioned semantic field' are the black and white photo's and also when 'John Doe' processes photographs in the traditional way. Razors, needles and scalpels are also shown in the opening scene which show the typical codes and conventions of a thriller as both could be used to inflict harm on someone. Furthermore, american money is used which not only provides the audience with a clue to the setting, but also, the importance of the 'In God We Trust' shows the irony that underpins the entire film. Many props, including the scalpel used to remove his fingerprints also take any personality away from the killer- even the name used (John Doe) suggests total depersonalization of the character.

Characters
Somerset - Morgan Freeman.

Has a long-standing service as a detective who will not allow emotions to cloud his judgment. He is a rational character, thoughtful with a very traditional view on his work, always thinking before he acts. The final case of an exceptional detective who refuses to be beaten.

Mills - Brad Pitt.

He is the complete opposite of Somerset, being a very young 'new on the job' detective with a modern approach to society and the law. He is spontaneous and almost careless in his approach and is quite scruffily dressed with unkempt hair and an unshaven beard.
These characters are conflicting in almost every aspect of their personality and lifestyle: age, race, choice of home, marital status, moral views, dress and approach to the job.
These remarkable differences serve to create mounting tensions which keep the viewer hooked on the strange but developing relationship between what become two unlikely friends and work colleagues.