Opening analysis: Underworld (18)

(Watch up to 2 minutes and 45 seconds)

Camera movement and shot

The opening camera movement is a tilt of a gothic-like building followed by a slow zoom in of a figure on the wall this establishes a sense of place and identifies the main character. There are many close ups used of certain features of the woman for example there are close ups of her fingers and hair dripping with water this reinforces the common stereotype of rainy weather being associated with thrillers. There is a high angle shot of figures below seemingly form the woman’s point of view this shows her t have more power over the everyday civilians. There is a medium shot of a man resting on the opposite wall to the woman positioned in the same way – one leg up this shows a bond that they have with each other.

Editing

There are several jump cuts used in the extract to establish context, for example a jump cut is used to show that the women is resting on a wall and is superior to all below her as well as this a reverse jump cut is used to show the man jumping of the ledge allowing the audience to see that no mortal could survive a drop that far down.

A straight cut is used from the male to females face showing them acknowledging one another this reinforces their relationship and shows their synchronization with each other.

Mise en scene

The main colours used in the extract are black and blue hues these colours connote danger and eeriness plus create a cold and sinister atmosphere which links in with the vampire genre i.e. lifeless.

The costumes worn by the characters are black leather trench coats theses portray them to be empowered individuals it also shows that both characters are on the same level of authority. The main female appears to be central in the frame but however again framed by a cut out archway in the building showing her to be of key importance.

There are two settings in the extract that clearly contrast with each other the first is the gothic building in which the vampires are situated this is a grand supposed castle which creates a foreboding atmosphere. The second is the streets in which the everyday civilians are located drawing a clear comparison between the two types of being.

There is the constant echo of rain in the background of the extract and an eerie wind blowing this shows that something is lurking amongst the crowds there also the addition of a howling sound that adds to the abnormality of the film i.e. immortal creatures.