Sub Genre Opening Sequence Analysis.

Psychological Thriller: The Talented Mr Ripley

Total Running Time: 2 minutes 12 seconds

Introduction to the character type: Black screen with slits through it so we only see part of the characters face (Matt Damon). His whole face is slowly revealed.

Introduction to theme tune: Slow classical music playing with a close up of the main characters face. Directed by Anthony Minghella.

Indication of place or location: a dim room, sat alone. Tracking shot of the main characters face to show the scenery around him.

Film Title: the Talented Mr Ripley

Details of cast and crew: Matt Damon, Gwenyth Paltrow, Jude Law, Cate Blanchett, Philip Seymor Hoffman, Jack Davenport, James Rebhorn, Sergio Rubini.

Enigma:  Why is his face hidden? What does the classical music represent? Why is he playing a piano at a wedding? What makes him so ‘talented’?

Information on genre:  At the very beginning, there is a dark dim room with little light which gives a mysterious atmosphere. The character looks as though he is in deep thought.

Sub genre conventions

Mise en scene:  The dim room creates a mysterious and questionable beginning. It makes the character look guilty of something.

Camera Techniques: The close up of the character makes the scene very personal and exposed.

Editing Techniques: The long shot duration gives us time to ask questions about the character that we are seeing. The slow revealing of the characters face adds to the curiosity and mystery of the man.

Sound and music: Non diagetic classical music adds to the atmosphere. It contrasts with the dark dim room with the shady looking man. The classical music continues as we go into the next scene, at a wedding.