Analysing thriller openings and audience expectations

I analysed a wide range of different thriller openings and how we can learn that the film will be a thriller and the way they present the theme of mystery and suspense. I also then explained this information to a peer and asked on what they would expect the thriller to be about and their expectations. The thriller openings i chose to analyse were Vertigo and The Bourne Identity.

Vertigo opening scene analysis

What makes it a thriller?

The scene opens with fast paced music  as a man appears to be climbing quickly up a ladder from a police officer who appears to be chasing him. The man then contiues to run and be chased by this police officer as he continues to run ontop of buildings and onto roofs. The film is also shown to be dark and cold as the scene is set in the evening and coloured blue. The man is stuggling, which creates a theme of suspense which is only built upon by this use of music. There is also a theme of excitement and mystery as the audience are left to wonder who the man is and what he has done wrong in order to be chased by the police officer .The image of the man hanging from the building leaves the audiences on the edge of their seat and draws them into the storyline as they fear for the helpless mans life.

Audience expectations

This is the mindmap i made conclusing what my peer expectted of this thriller film.

 

The Bourne Identity opening scene analysis

What makes it a thriller?

The film opens in a large, tired room which appears to be on a boat judging by its curved walls and small circular windows. Pathetic Fallacy is also used as there is a storm outside and the boat is rocking foreshadowing danger and excitement. In the foreground we see a medic operating on an un-consious man to remove bullets from his back- leaving us questioning how and why the victim was shot. The audience are also left questioning who the characters are and where are they going. This is ideal in creating the theme of mystery.

It also appears that the medic searching through the un-consious man's belonings as he turns to check he doesnt wake up. He then inspects his items, which makes the audience question why he is doing this and wheather either of them had something to hide. The man wakes up and confronts the man questioning what had happened and who he was, so the audience are left questioning why the man can't remember anything. We are also left questioning why the man's bank details was in-bedded in his hip.

Audience expectations  

This is the mindmap i made concluding what my peer expectted from this thriller film.