Analysis of Saw Opening Sequence

Analysis of Saw Opening Sequence

We looked at the opening scene to the movie Saw as part of looking at key opening sequences. The scene begins with the titles being shown. The title ‘Twisted Productions’ is presented in the middle of the screen in blue over a black screen. This immediately gives the audience a picture of what to expect from the upcoming movie. The production titles are repeated again in silence, with no score being used. Next, the titles of the production team of Saw are presented, again with no score but instead with the asynchronous sound of water dripping. This contributes to the opening scene as it adds tension and suspense as the sound of water dripping is conventionally linked to a dark, damp place. Once the titles finish the viewers are presented with the actual opening sequence which begins with a tracking shot of a key prop which helps to create the first enigma. This brings the question ‘What will that key be used for?’. The first character is revealed as male character who wakes up, gasping to regain his breath. In fear, he screams out for help and is answered by another person, who is yet to be shown to the viewer. This creates an enigma as the questions of who the other character is and why they are both in that setting arise. A medium shot shows the two characters with faces filled with worry and genuine fear. A long shot then takes place to reveal the whole setting and the situation the duo find themselves in, chained up in an unfamiliar surrounding. This creates another enigma which increases suspense. This is because the audience can now see the characters are chained up and are clearly being held against their will, but why? Another enigma is then created as the viewer is introduced to a 3^rd character who is dead along with two key props in a cassette player and a gun. The enigma created brings the question ‘why is the person dead, how did he die ?’ and ‘what importance do the cassette player and the gun have?’

What is the purpose of an opening sequence?

The purpose of an opening sequence in any movie is to establish a mood and introduce the audience to what genre the upcoming movie will be part of. An opening sequence does not have to be in a linear order as shown by the opening sequence to ‘London to Brighton’ where the opening sequence begins in the middle of the plot. This helps to create enigmas as due to the plot having already moved on, confusion is created and the audience begin to ask questions which also creates tension and suspense. Main characters are also introduced via the opening sequence. Disequilibrium’s are also set up in terms of narrative. The plot and theme of the film are also set up for the audience as part of an opening sequence.

What are the common techniques and conventions to an opening sequence?

Opening sequences involve many different techniques which introduce key aspects to the movie as well as assisting to build a narrative structure. The main cast and production team are introduced via titles which are conventionally are over a black background. The title of the film is shown at the start of the sequence which creates tension and suspense as well as giving the audience of what they are about to watch and what to expect. More enigmas as created via the use of non-linear order die to the characters not being introduced but instead, just being placed in front of the viewer. Red Herrings may be used in the opening sequence to create enigmas as well as creating a suspenseful atmosphere. The color of which the titles are presented in also plays a significant role in the audience’s perception of the upcoming film. An example of this is the use of darker colors which shows the intensity of the film as well as adding a more serious atmosphere. Another key aspect of an opening sequence is sound. Conventionally, thriller movies do not contain dialogue in order to create suspense. A score can instantly influence the atmosphere or mood surrounding a particular character and how the audience feels towards him/her.

Peter Christopher Boguszewicz