Minority Report - Opening

Opening to Minority Report

• It is a rather unusual opening for a thriller film but uses many of the same techniques used in any common thriller film opening scene.
• This film is a hybrid between a thriller and futuristic, sci-fi style film.
• The film successfully sets up enigmas right from the start with the kissing scene and close up of the knife - creates sense of mystery and suspense.
• The close up of the knife, as well as creating the sense of mystery and suspense, successfully highlights danger and keeps the audience wanting more.
• The opening is quite similar to a montage - suggesting its happened in the past and establishes the genre of the film.
• A suspenseful and almost horror like atmosphere is established in the first 2 minutes.
• Atmosphere in first 2 mins - the ominous (horror film style), non-diegetic music running throughout the opening sequence creates tension and apprehension.
• The constant showing of the bloody water - highlights power and strength of killer and adds to suspenseful and sinister atmosphere.
• The fast pace editing (cuts from scissors to water etc) also creates tension and trepidation.
• We are not introduced to three characters in the opening 2 minutes but there is little dialogue - the characters are characterised extremely well without hearing them speak.
• The lighting is also quite low key and Spielberg decides to employ the use of shadows a lot (chiaroscuro) - creates suspense and fear.
• The close up of the eye that fills the whole screen is very effective - almost feels like it is judging us.

(This is the trailer for the film, not what i was analysing)