Analysis of a Thriller opening

1408, Directed by Micheal Hafstrom.

The opening sequence in this thriller gives a clear representation of what conventions are need to make a successful thriller. During the opening sequence for this production the location plays an important aspect for the identification of this production being a Thriller, it start with a dark surrounding that imidiately tells the audience that this poduction is a thriller. Along side this set for the location, a mysterious soundtrack is used to overlay the diegectic sound, this is used to increase the tension throughout the scene. The camerawork used throughout this opening sequence specifical identifys specific props or areas in which the audience are wanted to see, for example when the main character enters the first haunted room its uses a long shot to identify the room and then immidiately positions the camera towards the window were it uses a slight zoom fading out into the next scene.

The props use throughout this thriller create a tense atmosphere for the audience as they link well to the story e.g. a dim old fashion room is used, with specific pictures positioned around the room which clearly give a good representation of a haunted room. Also the camera work is positioned to identify these specific props and give the audience a better understanding of what they stand for throughout the production.