Analysis of 2nd genre opening sequence (Unknown)

The film starts by introducing the audience the logo's of the companys that produced and worked on the film. We then see the camera pan left across clouds. At first we don't know that it has any relevance and soft, piano music starts playing creating a calm, tranquil mood. Then as the shot progresses we are revealed that we are inside an airplane as the camera tracks out making the audience feel as though they are literally on the plane. As the camera continues to track out we are slowly revealed to a male character asking "Who is he?" and "Where is he going on the plane?" We are then shown the main characters name of which we can link to the man that is in the close up. The camera cuts to a shot of him writing in his notebook then back to a mid shot of him and darkness around him making us think he's on his own. Then the camera cuts to a long shot that reveals that his is with a femal character. Who is she? What is their relatiobship? Do they know one another? The scene then comes to life as the lighting becomes brighter revealing more of the appearance of the characters.

As the scene progresses we are revealed more of the actors and actresses names that were involved in the film.

When the two characters go through passport control we see a close up of the males passport revealing information about who he is. The woman behind the desk says "Mr and Mrs Harris, welcome to Berlin." As she say's this questions are confirmed of what their relationship is and where they are. The camera then cuts to a big close up of him putting his passport into his briefcase, this gives it some importance and makes the audience identify that it could possibly be a key prop.

As the two characters get out of the airport we can then shown the time of year as it is snowing so it suggests that it is winter. The title of the film then appears and first we see the word "known" and then the "un" fades in after which then obviously makes up the name "Unknown". This adds mystery to the atmosphere as we just see this as being maybe a romance type film not a thriller but the atmosphere created by just this happening starts to put the audience on edge. This make the audience go into deep thought about why the "known" appeared first. When we get the mid shot of the car door closing and it driving away the camera tilts down to reveal that he left the briefcase behind. This reinforces the importance of it and makes us feel, once again, part of the piece.

The music then turns dramatic, dark and serious as we see extreme long shots of the locations setting the scene more as well as close ups of the couple in the car. In one shot the camera is focused on the males face which at first seems concerned and then the camera pulls focus to the woman, following what he is looking at, revealing her reaction and facial expression. The characters then have a conversation which lets the audience learn more about the two as a couple, their past. The shot, reverse shots that are used help to show eachothers reactions and expressions. The camera then reveals more extreme long shots of the car travelling and at the same time showing the job titles of whom were involved in the film.

The last shot we see is of the woman. The use of this mid close up of her creates a sense of uncertainty amongst the audience as she seems to be a different person when she is away from her husband, one of which doesn't seem right. This adds to the slight tension created and puts the audience on edge a little making them want to watch on to reveal what actually happens.