Analysis of Opening Film Techniques Employed

Film Techniques Examples of typical film techniques used and why– Illustrate your findings with references to actual onscreen moments.

Titling – colour, font style, over image or black, timing, credits presentation etc

The colour of the title ‘Secret Window’ switches from a white colour that signals purity, life vitality and innocence (amongst many other positive meanings), to a red colour which signals caution, danger and blood. The signs are not too great, but this is one of the main conventions that make a psychological thriller movie. In general, the presentation of the film suggests that there is a lot to come later on in the film. There is a feeling of unfinished business, for example, during the opening sequences; there is a window not closed and unfinished typing work in the laptop, which presumably belongs to the protagonist.

Camera Movement (panning, tracking, crane shot and crabbing etc)

During the opening sequence of the film, the camera slowly pans whilst zooming in towards the sea and then zooming out which emphasizes the speed and realistic movement of the sea respectively.

Framing of Shot (CU, MLS, ELS etc)

There are a culmination of shots used in the opening minutes of the film, however, the close up shot of the protagonist in the car, being advised by his mind not to “go back”, tells us that he is always stick in two minds. Either listen to his mind or let his actions do all the talking.

Camera Angles (high and low angles etc

The high angle shot which shows the main character by the staircase or balcony, looking down over the female cleaner demonstrates his superiority over her. That fact that she is cleaning for him and does not even live with him hints that he is a man of importance and should be respected by all. The same thing could be said about the relationship of the main character and his dog, Chico.

Selection of mise-en-scène including colour, figure, pops, lighting, objects, location and setting;

The lighting during the film is generally dark which matches the miserable weather we encounter during the first few scenes of the film. The board house is in an isolated area located around woodlands, which are not safe places to go to at night, especially on your own. In terms of the main characters clothing, we can tell that he is an unorganized, untidy man, who`s house is in a pigsty, as well as the deep hole he has by his back, and the fact that he is deep into his sleep at the middle of the day.

Editing directions(Match cuts, jump cut, reverse shots etc)

There are three fade cuts which signals the passing of time. The most notable fade cut is when the camera zooms out from the sea and fades into a medium shot showing the main character sleeping, with a clear sign that says ‘six months later’. In addition to this, there are various reverse shots that are shown during the conversation/argument between the main character and another character over book rights (the main character incidentally suffers from writer` s block). The reverse shots are included to show the style of continuity editing (which is a classical Hollywood film technique), but and to emphasize the emotions running through the two characters at that moment in time.

Sound techniques(diegetic, non diegetic, silence, dialogue

The sound of the main characters voice being defeated by his own actions tells us that he has some sort of problem as he is always questioning himself before he does anything. His mental state is not perfect which makes him vulnerable.

Actor’s positioning and movement

The positioning of the actor is lazy and reluctant, particularly when we witness him sleeping during the middle of the day, as well as the unfinished typing (in due respect he is only 4 lines into his novel). The actor` s movement creates uncertainty and caution not just through what’s going on with him, but also for the audience as he is always hesitant , for instance, the unsure expression he has on his face, when looking anxiously to see if the other character who claims was plagiarized, has gone.