8/7/2019 Opening Sequence Film Analysis - Donnie Darko (2001)

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Donnie Darko (2001)Written and Directed by Richard Kelly

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, MaggieGyllenhaal, Patrick Swayze and Jena Malone

Genre: Psychological Thriller/FantasyCameraThe camera techniques used throughout this opening sequence consist ofa tracking shot this grabs the immediate attention of the audience thisconnotes that what and who the camera are tracking is very important tothe concept of the story as well as this it also first introduces the viewer tothe main character and sets the scene by creating an atmosphere,therefore identifying to the audience what to expect to come in the film. Italso tracks all the movement of the character connoting his importance aswell. As well as this the close-up used in this sequence demonstrates thefacial expressions and physical features of the character this could connotethe emotion and feeling that the character is expressing at the present time.Also a point of view/ establishing shot is used to show the setting of theopening sequence and what the character can see, this also helps toidentify a atmosphere towards the viewer. EditingThe opening titles of this sequence create a symbolic reference, whichhelps the audience to identify some of the different elements of what the

8/7/2019 Opening Sequence Film Analysis - Donnie Darko (2001)

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film might entail. As well as this the opening titles help to create and set an

atmosphere for the film which connotes that the audience get a sense ofwhat to expect to experience or see in the film. As well as this they denoteeveryone that helped to produce this film such as actors and ProductionCompany. Also the titles used in this opening in terms of the font and style

are representations of the genre this is seen through the colours e.g. blackand white used in the foreground and background, which complement eachother. As well as this the way that they were displayed to the audiencethrough the use of transitions which also contributed to creating the

atmosphere of the film, these titles are very conventional of the thrillergenre. Also there isn't much transitions used in this opening sequence dueto the fact that he majority of it consists of a tracking shot which grabs theaudience full attention towards focusing on the main character. SoundThe sound used in this opening sequence is denoted through the use ofnon-diegetic sound which connotes and sets the atmosphere of the film,therefore indicating to the audience of what the film may consist of or entail.As well as this the choice of music suits the the scene and the genre of thefilm due to the fact that it create tension, suspense and curiosity to why thethe camera is tracking the character and why his is alone on a mountaintop.Mise-en-sceneThe mise-en-scene used in this opening sequence helps the audience toidentify certain aspects or elements of what the film might consist of. This isdenoted through the use of setting which connotes the atmosphere of thefilm, also the denotation of the main character shown in this sequence,through the use of the tracking shot connotes the importance of thecharacter to the storyline suggesting to the viewer that they should focusand pay attention on him. Also the costume used represents the age of thecharacter which could connote that his is a teenager therefore immaturityand adolescence.