Psychological Thriller: The Grey
Running time of opening sequence: 2 minutes and 58 seconds
This opening sequence portrays the following generic opening sequence conventions:
Induction to the character type:
A male character (Liam Neeson) in his mid forties is established, walking towards his destination. His body posture portrays his rather intense body language and creates an illusion to the audience that the character is uncomfortable and unwillingly placed into a coming circumstance.
Induction to theme tune:
The opening sequence does not include an actual theme tune. It begins with a mysterious feeling as we are introduced to ambient sounds- nature; which effectively portrays the location the narrative will be set within.
Indications of place and location:
There are two settings established within the opening sequence, first we see a shot of mountains which suggests the film is set in a cold region. Secondly we are introduced to an industrial looking, were inside the characters are drinking beer.
The films title:
The Grey
Enigma:
From the very beginning questions are raised, as much of the opening sequence is unclear and rather mysterious. Audiences question the location, the protagonists uneasy body language, his specific thoughts and the dark, dangerous looking atmosphere.
Information on genre:
The genre in the beginning is slightly unclear as to what exactly is going on, but fairly unclarity is a feature of psychological thriller movies. Furthermore, during the ending of this opening sequence the protagonist- Liam Neeson's inner thoughts (monologue) are revealed giving away some information about why he is placed in that particular location.
This opening sequence illustrates the following sub-genre conventions:
Mis-en-scene:
Lighting- The lighting within he opening sequence is rather dull and dark primarily due to the movie being filmed during the evening. However, we are introduced to artificial lighting when we see the actors having a drink in the bar. This artificial lighting creates a rather sinister atmosphere, almost as if death is going strike the bar and take a companion with him.
Costume- Liam Neeson is dressed in clothing according to the weather forecast of his location. From the misty air and high speeds of wind the audience can foretell how awfully cold this location must be. He is dressed appropriately in warm clothing with warm accessories to keep him going.
Body language- As stated above we are introduced to Liam's awkward body language. He seems rather uncomfortable in this environment as if he's lacking something or missing a loved with. His body language portrays similarities towards the atmosphere as we sense a feeling of gloominess and darkness from both.
Camera techniques:
Close up- A significant shot allowing the audience to recognises the character and his disgusted reaction towards his destination.
Establishing shot- This shot allows for the narrative of the scene to be set as we establish the location- the mountains which is were the film will later progress towards and the industrial prison where the narrative is set at the moment. The smooth transitions from the mountains to the prison/bar effectively helps the audience relocate the locations.
Medium shot- Two male characters are caught up in a brawl and begin to violently attack one another, the medium shot portrays their actions successfully. We also slightly see other actors surrounding the two males and cheering them on.
Editing:
Long shot- The long shot within the opening sequence clearly illustrates the male character in an unknown surrounding which he is processing in recognition. The shot stabilises upon him and his surrounding for more than 10 seconds giving us a detailed insight about the characters appearance and the atmosphere.
Fade in- We are introduced to a fade in as Liam begins to reminisce his memories with perhaps a lover. The attractive female is lays beside him whilst stroking his face passionately.
Sound:
Diagetic sound- This sound is very limited and comes across in the form of dialogue. The protagonist's thoughts are portrayed in speech as we are given information on his emotions and and explanation on why the character is in that location.
Non-diagetic sound- Non-diagetic sound is recognised near the ending as the audience see Liam reminiscing his past. It contradicts the image as the image is portraying a sense of affection and love where as the sound portrays a sense of sadness. Non-diagetic sound is common in psychological thrillers as it confuses the audiences, creating unanswered questions for them.
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