Stella's thriller opening research: strangers on a train

Certificate: PG
Duration of opening: 1:28

Camerawork:

• The main shot sizes used are close ups and big close up- meaning we only see parts of the characters- mainly legs and feet- creates mystery and suspense
• the majority of shots are shot at low and very low angles, meaning we only the see the shoes and ankles in the majority of shots-creates intrigue-restricted narrative
• tracking shots used to follow movement off characters through station- highlights importance of these characters to story and suggests progress to main event
• dollying shot on train tracks to create effect of train moving-introduces setting and fills in ellipsis- the characters are on the train
• dollying shot of walking to train-suggests progression towards other character

Editing:

• cross cutting between both characters arriving and progressing through station-introduces both characters without dialogue and suggests an upcoming collision
• match on action of shoe being touched by other shoe- collision of characters
• both characters are fully introduced to audience for first time through a two-shot-suggests both character's importance to story
• match on action of Mario's reaction to seeing Guy from two-shot to close up- emphasizes reaction and suggest importance of his reaction- suggests a disruption

Mise-En-Scene:

• prop-both characters arrive in a cab ran by the "diamond cab" company-suggests characters are of similar class,background- forshadows upcoming collision and suggests they will co-operate together
• costume- both characters have smart- brogue style, shiny shoes- shows wealth and introduces time period of 1950s
• costume- both are wearing smart, expensive looking suits- suggests wealth and importance
• body language- both have a confident stride when walking- suggests importantance and high status
• cast- both Guy and Mario have porters to carry their suitcases- suggests they are both rich and important men - strong characters
•  facial expression- Mario's surprised expression when he sees Guy- suggests Guy is important, recognisable, a well-known figure- restricted narrative- adds intrigue
• set- train carriage- has a bar, nice seats, tables etc- first class carriage on a posh train-highlights both characters wealth, upper class, powerful and important people
• body language- Guy slowly crossing legs when sitting down- suggests at ease in surroundings, confident, suggests strong character
• hair- both Mario and Guy have gelled, parted hair- fashionable for time period, suggests they take pride in appearance, well-kept, suggests high rank in society
• composition- each character is walking in the opposite direction of the other- foreshadows collision

Sound:

• non diegetic soundtrack-brass intruments- upbeat, several crescendos which matches action on screen- when both characters exit the taxis- highlights importance of content on screen
• diegetic sound of footstep through station- empathasizes journey through station
• diegetic sound of train on tracks- introduces setting and context

This match on action connects the two ideas (characters) together and shows the collision, showing both character's importance to the film.

• low level lighting with all lights used on scenes through station
• two shot of train carriage is fully lit
• close up of Mario is fully lit, so we can clearly see his reaction