Analysis of the thriller film Sherlock Holmes. (opening sequence)

Camera shot, movement and composition:

The opening scene is started with a continuous shot which is zoomed on to the Warner Brothers symbol and then moved across, hand held as its not coordinated and is moving free as if help by hand this creates a interesting start to the film as normally films are set to do one thing and they are normally the same at the beginning however in this film the use of camera helps create a different technique which catches the audience’s attention due to its originality. The camera angle is looking straight down onto the ground which creates a mysterious start because the audience haven’t entirely established any fact details about the film and are forced to guess. However as the film starts the first shot is the camera moving upwards as a crane shot from the ground towards the street in which horses and buggies pass enter the shot and pass the camera this establishes the time and the era which is the 19^th century. This shot allows the audience to establish the time and setting of the film. As the horses pass the camera there is a pause and then the camera pans towards the buggies and slowly catches up with them focusing on the back of the buggy.

In this scene the first two characters are established through a close up two shot and then an instant close up of their guns being triggered this creates a thrilling start to the film as the audience are not in the know and are constantly forced to guess the plot of the film right from the beginning. There are 4 important close ups which are put in ordered for emphasis, there is a close up of a big gun being triggered and then a close up of the first character which allows the audience to create an idea about the character, then a close up of the second gun and a close up on the second character which again gives the audience an idea about the characters personality and style.

Use of Soundtrack and Diegetic sounds:

The sound track is started with a very slow and quite old music which establishing time but also it doesn’t create thrilling mood however does raise suspicions. The music is then phased out and the sound of horses running, whinnying and screaming catches the audience’s attention and causes a havoc. The sound is continued by the loud noise of the footsteps the horses make when they run, this allows the audience to be dragged into film and hear everything as if they are there.

The soundtrack starts again and this time it’s very upbeat and mysterious as if counting down to something, the music gets louder and there are more beats added for emphasis. Suddenly the instant sound of a gun being loaded and then a mellow soundtrack, then again the rattling of the second gun followed by a smooth soundtrack, this creates excitement and is used to make the film a thriller.

Mise-en-scene:

The opening sequence is introducing the Warner Brothers symbol and 2 others but the mise en scene is linked with the film as they are carved into a cobbled street which suggest the film is set in late nineteenth century. This allows the audience to get an idea about the setting and time of the film, the use of colours and scenery also suggests it very rainy and it’s dark which creates a gloomy setting. These are all light effects to create a gloomy lighting The mise en scene is also darkened on the edges which focuses on the centre of the camera and also adds to the dark and thriller mood.

The film is then started and the setting is finally established through the use of horses and buggies entering right at the beginning of the film in a harsh and ruthless manner. This suggests the story has already begun and the audience are missing some bits of the plot which creates the film thriller because audiences want to watch on to see what happens.

The two characters are established and seem very different; one is holding a long big gun and is dressed very smart in dark colours and a hat which relates to the time of the film. The second character is wearing a long coat and has a smaller gun and seems to have more authority as the first character looks to him for confirmation, this establishes their relationship as friends and also important characters in the film.

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The film establishes the two characters at the start of the film however the opening doesn’t establish the whole story as its unravelled step by step and doesn’t reveal anything right till the end which engages the audience in the film and forced them to watch and find out what happens which shows the film is thrilling.

The enigma of the film is revealed when the two guns are loaded and there is a mysterious look exchanged between the two characters, which suggest that they are about to carry out an important business.