Thriller 3: Sin City

Sin City (2005)
Director: Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez, Quentin Tarantino
Action Crime Thriller

Camera -

The sequence opens with an establishing LS of the female character, allowing the audience to create opinions on the character on first view. The two-shot of the male behind the female denotes the female to be the main character, a she is in front. The numerous over-the-shoulder shots used as the pair are talking allows the audience to directly see the characters reaction to the dialogue, and the closeness between the two characters; this closeness is reinforced through the passionate eye-contact the characters have. The CU of the cigarette slowly being taken from the males hand denotes the females strong-minded attitude. The LS as the male holds the female emphasises his love towards her, and despair at the death.

Editing -

The pace of the scene is fairly slow, creating a relaxed atmosphere, but perplexing as the audience are used to expecting high energy openings. The cuts to cartoon images after certain events in the sequence emphasise the characters facial expressions, allowing the audience to understand the characters emotions and feelings.

Sound -

Non-diegetic sound of a calming saxophone introduces the sequence, connoting passion, love and romance between the characters, however it also keeps the audience intrigued as to why a thriller film is beginning with such calm music. The diegetic dialogue establishes the characters feelings, and affection for each other. The males ardor is established through his non-diegetic voiceover denoting his understanding of the female, allowing the audience to see the narrative from his perspective.

Mise-en-scene -

The main female character is wearing a red dress with red lipstick, although the rest of the scene is in black and white; this connotes danger, blood and love. The bold colouring is used to suggest to the audience that something fatal, or possibly good will happen to the character, as the male is in black and white, it's evident that he will not be experiencing the events to come. The black and white scene denotes that the characters are both sophisticated which is evident through their clothing as well, and also that danger is to come. The females facial expression as the male approaches her from behind connotes sadness and loneliness, which is further reinforced through the way she's holding her arms. The cigarette is iconic of the characters jobs, suggesting that their jobs are challenging. The lighting behind the characters makes the characters stand out in the black and white scene, and establishes the American setting. The downfall of rain as the characters become closer often signifies romance, however in this case, it signifies the merciless events to come.