Student Thriller Openings Analysis

P2-37 Delirium Tremens

The fact the opening is in black and white adds to the gloomy atmosphere of the film, as does the slow music and long shots, which uses the thriller convention of the microelements building suspense. The panning at the beginning establishes the location of the film clip. The urban environment adds a sense of mystery to the clip and begins to make the viewer wonder what the rest of the clip will ensue. Towards the end of the scene, we have a trunk shot showing the protagonist staring in horror at the open boot, which shows the protagonist may be 'in peril' before a resolution, another thriller convention.

Surface

This opening is very professional, with parallel editing showing fire and a struggling scene. This could imply the film centres around a crime, a thriller convention, or an act of violence. The drama is in black and white, like Delirium Tremens, but the shots of the fire are bright red on a black background, both gloomy colours, suggesting impending doom. The close ups show a girl struggling, yet the audience cannot tell what she is struggling against - an unknown figure, potentially psychological. In the end of the opening, the struggle gains colour, and the fast cuts and short shots of editing highlight her ongoing struggle.