Analysis of an opening sequence

In this analysis of an Opening sequence for saw II I will be going into

depth using all four technical aspects, mise-en-scene, cinematography,
sound and editing. I will be looking into how these four aspects are
linked in to create various themes that follow the codes and
conventions for the horror genre such as fear, suspense, death, torture.
I will also be talking about how they gained the audience attention thus
making gain interest leading them to watch the next film. Saw II
opening sequence opens with the main character, Michael who is
trapped in a room by the antagonist, the Jigsaw Killer. Michael wakes
up and looks in a mirror to find his eye has been stitch together
The scene begins with POV shot throughout until he looks into the
mirror and medium close up shot of the light bulb at the beginning of
the scene. Showing the audience the small amount of light in the room,
it is then accompanied by panning of Michael looking into the mirror.
This gave the audience an insight into Michaels what sees. This shot
was very effective as it makes the audience feel a sense of realism and
connection with Michael. From the speed of the camera alone the
audience can a tell Michael is just waking up and is fully aware of his
surroundings. The quickness of the movement connoted fear showing

to the audience that he was scared to death. After this we finally see a
wide shot of room which Michael is trapped in. The room is small giving
the feel of being claustrophobic and isolated, low key lighting is also
used in the scene thus making the colour of the room look dull due to
the low key lighting thus connoting evil and darkness , which fits the
theme of horror film. This allows the audience to see the situation that
he is currently in and sympathise for him. Whilst this was going on the
diegetic sound of Michael heavily breathing since the beginning of the
sequence give the audience a sense of realism and makes them feel as
if they are experiencing the situation alongside him. In the background
the ambient sound of a ticking clock brings more tension and
anxiousness to the scene as the audience wonder whether he will
complete the challenge in time. Throughout the opening sequence,
many editing techniques were used. The one that was used the most
was fast paced editing as this makes the scene more dramatic and
makes the audience more aware and adds to the sense of thrill whilst
watching it.