Panic Room Opening (2002)

Panic Room

Mise en scene;

Setting – this is the focal point of the opening sequence. We see lots of buildings which suggest that this affects people on a larger scale and this seems much more scary. The words Panic Room end up between two buildings giving it a trapped claustrophobic feel indicating that the film (Panic Room) may involve psychopathic wards where you are restrained. Furthermore by using a simplistic opening and not giving too much away we are left wondering the meaning and significance of it all therefore creating an effective enigma.

Props – we see everyday things such as cars and billboards, which make us, think that the end will disrupt this sense of normality that we are seeing at the beginning. And this creates tension.

Camera Shot/Movement;

We get a high angle shot of the cars driving, we are looking down on everyday life and it is inferior suggesting that whatever is coming up in the film will be big and have a huge effect on everyday living.

We get a long shot of a billboard with a woman on. These images are the closest we get to any viewing of humanity. We don’t see any actual people therefore suggesting that the people are inferior and to be the victims of whatever is going to happen in the film.

We get a pan of a cluster of large buildings, which, again emphasises the sense of superiority. It also anchors this idea of the audience/people being small and defenceless to whatever is going to happen.

Editing;

The titles all come up in every shot, in the middle of the settings. They do not fit at all therefore stand out a lot more. The use of it is to make the names more eye-catching and fit in well with the frame not just thrown in and scattered wherever possible.

Sound;

The main non-diegetic sound used in the sequence is a low steady drone that continues throughout the opening. Its careful balance of sound puts us on the edge, waiting for a change or a break that indicates action. Furthermore it creates tension and this edge has connotations of danger. It’s also far from being panicky like the title suggests. We also hear some police sirens, which have connotations of crime and danger. It’s a more distant noise therefore this could mean that the danger is in the distance yet to come, which creates further tension for the audience by not giving too much away. Its much more subtle which creates enigma and tension.