2/3 Thriller Film Opening Analysis: Fast & Furious 6 (Action, Crime, Thriller)
14:08Throughout the opening sequence the mise-en-scene helps to set the atmosphere and setting. Things such as the bright blue sea and rocky mountains suggests that it is situated in a hot country. These colours that are on show create a warm, calm environment which intern contrasts with the fast racing, loud movements and sounds of the cars. The narrow roads and small buildings suggest that it is small city that they are situated in and also makes the race seem more intense because they are trying to race faster then each other and drive quick, but at the same time they are trying to be careful as it is tight and narrow. The use of some high key lighting makes the location seem friendly, happy, peaceful and safe which is another contrast to the racing, which is intense, loud, intrusive and extremely dangerous.
Camera Angles & Shots
the opening scene begins with a low angle long shot of the two cars zooming towards the camera; this portrays them as big, fast and flashy cars, creating the atmosphere as thrill and suspense. The camera then tracks back with the cars’ movement. Many establishing shots are used to help establish the setting and to get different angles of the two cars during a race. A point of view shot from the car is used make the audience feel as if they are the car and this shows the audience how fast the car is actually moving, supporting the feel of the atmosphere as being suspenseful and thrilling. Many close ups are used to show the characters facial expressions and how they are driving the vehicle. For example a close up of the man pushing his foot down on the accelerator pedal is shown to indicate that he is speeding up. After this a birds eye view shot is used to show more of the setting and the path which the two cars have yet to take. Throughout the opening sequence the camera is always tracking or moving, this is used effectively as it keeps the audience hooked with the action and suspense and makes everything look much faster than it really it is.
Editing
Throughout the opening sequence the editing is very fast and continuous, the clips cut from one to another in a matter of seconds, which could be known as jump cut editing. However towards the end of the opening the editing starts to slow down as does the thrill of the initial race, this suggests that the race will shortly come to an end. The action match technique is used multiple times, this helps to show contrast between the implied idea and the setting and content of the film as well as allowing the audience to see the smooth running of action despite the jump cuts throughout the shots during the entirety of the opening sequence.
Editing
Throughout the opening sequence the editing is very fast and continuous, the clips cut from one to another in a matter of seconds, which could be known as jump cut editing. However towards the end of the opening the editing starts to slow down as does the thrill of the initial race, this suggests that the race will shortly come to an end. The action match technique is used multiple times, this helps to show contrast between the implied idea and the setting and content of the film as well as allowing the audience to see the smooth running of action despite the jump cuts throughout the shots during the entirety of the opening sequence.
Sound
During the opening sequence of the film diegetic sound of the cars engine has been increased to create a fast thrilling atmosphere and to show that the engine is working at its full capacity. During the opening you can hear the screeching of the car wheels, this helps to emphasise the intensity of the cars turning the corners during the race and adds to the full on action and atmosphere of the opening. Sound effects are magnified on small things such as when the driver does a small thing; such as changing the gears or even pushing down on the accelerator, this helps to create the overall thrill and excitement of the opening sequence and helps the audience to stay interested in the film.
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