Research Task - The Bourne Identity - Dilys

The Bourne Identity is a very traditional style opening for a thriller its is intriguing for the viewer and immediately places you right in the action 

(I've analyzed from 00:00-2:30) 

Camera Work

• The sequence opens with an extreme long shot of a boat in a storm at sea, this strong visual imagery to open up with is captivating and immediately makes the audience curious and wanting to know more
• The decision to use low angle shots of the man who has been shot is interesting as it suggests that he is weak and vulnerable, the first gun shot of the scene is from someone the audience can not see helps build suspense

• Tracking shots are used in the opening  sequence on the character who has been shot, this suggests that we may be following his journey 
• The shots taken in the ocean as the character sinks perhaps are there to help the audience connect with the character and make them feel as if they are also with him 
• The long shot taken of the character in the ocean as he battles with the waves suggests that he alone and that there will be more battles in the film

Sound

• The movie opens with thunder overhead and sounds of what would appear to be a storm, however there is no picture on the screen at this point so it is up to the audience to interpret what is going on, it also creates an dangerous and scary opening, thus setting the mood for the rest of the movie
• The non-diegetic music playing in the background is dramatic and creates tension, at first it is slow and then the pace quickens and building suspense, it is classic action fulled thriller music 

Mise en Scene

• Pathetic fallacy is created in the opening sequence, the scene begins with a storm, it suggests the film will have a thrilling dramatic theme to it and it also helps to set the mood. It is also raining which gives connotations of something miserable and uncontrollable 
• The two characters are dressed in trousers and jumpers suggesting that it is cold and that they are working as the clothes look comfortable and easy to move in

Editing

• The opening credits are in black and white which suggests simplicity but also as the are opposites it suggests there will be competition and contrasts to come. 
• There is a match on action shot as we see the man shoot the other man again and then we see him fall into the ocean, I think it is important as it shows the brutality of what has happened. 
• Slow motion is used to show the character sinking it helps to show his vulnerability against the dark sea