Analysis of an Opening Sequence:

Saw II:
In this analysis of an Opening Sequence for Saw II I
will be going into depth using all four technical
aspect, mise-en scene, cinematography, sound and
editing. I will be looking into how these four
aspects are linked in to create various themes that
follow the codes and conventions for the horror
genre such as fear, suspense, death and torture. I
will also be talking about how they gained the
audience attention thus opening sequence opens with
the main character, Michael who is trapped in a room
by the antagonist, the Jigsaw Killer. Michael wakes up
and looks in a mirror to find his eye has been stitch together.
The scene begins with Point Of View (POV) shot throughout until he
looks in the mirror and medium close up shot of the light bulb at
the beginning of the scene. Showing the audience the small amount of
light in the room, it is then accompanied by panning of Michael
looking into the mirror. This gave the audience an insight into
Michaels what sees. This shot was very effective as it makes the
audience feel a sense of realism and connection with Michael. From
the speed of the camera alone the audience can tell Michael is just
waking up and is fully aware of his surroundings. The quickness of
the movement connoted fear showing to the audience that he was
scared to death. After this we finally see a wide shot of room which
Michael is trapped in. The room is small, giving the feel of being
claustrophobic and isolated.
Low key lighting is also used in the scene thud making the colour of
the room look dull due to the low key lighting thus connoting evil
and darkness, which fits the theme of horror film. This allows the
audience to see the situation that he is currently in and sympathise
for him. Whilst this was going on the diegetic sound of Michael
heavily breathing since the beginning of the sequence give the
audience a sense of realism and makes them feel as if they are
experiencing the situation alongside him. In the background the
ambient sound of a ticking clock brings more tension and anxiousness
to the scene as the audience wonder whether he will complete the
challenge in time. Throughout the opening sequence, many editing
techniques were used. The one that was used the most was fast pace
editing as this makes the scene more dramatic and makes the audience
more aware and adds to the sense of thrill whilst watching it.