Danielle Conneely

Analysis Of An Opening Sequence- Taken

I will be analysing Taken as it fits the same genre of our production Thriller. I
chose to analyse this film in as it can relate to our production of a young
innocent girl getting kidnapped.

This close up shot shows that Kim is about to be taken

by a group of men. Throughout this scene the
background music emphasises whats going on and
create tension and suspense of what is going to happen
to her. By using a close up shot you can see Kims
facial expressions that shows the audience how scare she is. By her diegetic
dialogue Dad theyve taken Amanda Im next this shows the audience that
Kim is on the phone to her Dad asking him what to do this shows the
audience that Kim is worried about what is going to happen to her.

The use of low-key lighting adds to the suspense of

this scene as it sets the mood of a negative
atmosphere. The use of diegetic dialogue Now the
next part is very important they are going to take you
is slowed pace as it shows that her dad is trying to
keep the daughter calm and stop her from panicking.
This is further emphasised with a close up shot of his
facial expressions to show the audience his emotions against his daughter
being taken.

The low angle foot shot shows the intruders coming

into the room where Kim is hiding. The use of diegetic
sound of the flood boards creaking adds to the
suspense and tension of the situation, this shows the
audience that Kim is now at risk of being taken. The
use of a wide foot shot show how many men are
entering the room this shows the audience their
dominance against Kim as there is only one of her.
Danielle Conneely

A point of view shot is used to show Kims

perspective of whats going on. This shows the
audience that Kim can see them looking for her
this adds to the suspense of how close they are
to her. The use of diegetic dialogue shows how
the intruders are talking about Kim, by the
dialogue being in a different language it adds to
the confusion to Kim and to the audience, as they are not aware of what they
are saying. The use of wearing black trousers and black boots adds to the
stereotypical image of a kidnapper.

A medium shot is used to show how Kim is

reacting when the intruders are looking for her.
By Kims facial expressions the audience can
see she is scared and apprehensive of whats
going to happen next. The use of the intruders
lower body parts being in the shot it shows the
audience how close Kim is to being taken.

A point of view shot is used to show the

audience that Kim can see the men
leaving the room. The diegetic sound of
the floorboards creaking show how the
men are leaving the room. This is followed
by diegetic dialogue showing the audience
how the intruders are discussing about the
young girl it also shows the audience the
frustration in their voices as they cant find Kim. This gives the audience high
hopes for Kim, as she may not be kidnapped. The lack of the focus in this
shot shows how Kim is viewing what is happening you can tell by her vision
that sheis overwhelmed by whats going on.

A fast jump cut is used to cut to the

perspective of seeing Kim getting
kidnapped. This is used to show the
audience that Kim believed that they
went. A long used is used to show
Kim getting dragged from under the
bed the low angle shows how Kim is
smaller showing her as inferior to
the intruders. The use of her
diegetic dialogue Dad Dad this shows how scared she is and cries out for her
dads help, Kim screaming follows this.
Danielle Conneely

The use of diegetic dialogue I dont know
who you are, if you dont return my
daughter, I will look for you and find you
and I will kill you this emphasises how the
father is determined to get Kim back. The
use of non- diegetic background music
helps add suspense to the scene as it can
justify what the father is feeling. The use of a wide shot shows how the father
is positioned, and his concentration on his face when having a conversation
with the intruder. The use of the intruders diegetic dialogue Good luck this
shows the audience how the intruder isnt afraid of the consequences of
kidnapping Kim and that they wont give her back. By him having a foreign
accent it adds to the suspense of whats happening, as they can understand
what he is saying. The use of him laughing suggests he is mocking her dad
and wants him to put up a fight for his daughter.