Indications Of Genre In A Thriller Opening 

Film= The Da Vinci Code (2006)

 
 In the opening of the Da Vinci Code is very much so religion based as many of the shots horizontally move across ancient sculptures and paintings, this gives an indication that the film is based or revolves around religion in some way or another. The shots are rather vague and are not stable, as if the scene was filmed on a handheld camera to simulate a person’s perspective of the painting if they were walking by it. The camera then spins 90 degrees clockwise to show a man running away from an unseen force; this could imply that there is some sort of supernatural twist in the films plot. 

After the man is seen running, quick shots and straight cuts are used frequently with about 2 seconds between each other, this emphasizes that the man is trying to get away from something, and makes the viewer think that the clock is ticking down on how long he has to live.  A second after the man passes by a illuminated wall, an unseen figure approaches but only its shadow is seen, it also appears to be clocked, adding a more sinister and evil feel to whatever is chasing him. After this, a birds-eye-view shot shows the man trying to make his getaway.  

After this, the figure, which is revealed to be a strange looking man, approaches the other man with a Handgun drawn,  Telling us that the film will involve murder at some stage, now or later.  

After this, the man’s pursuer reveals himself to be a strange, almost satanic looking monk.  This creates a disturbing feeling when the audience looks at him, indicating that evil and satanic themes will be involved in the film at some stage.  

Finally at the end, the killer pulls a gun on the victim then kills him with it and then the screen fades to black.  

An Interesting thing about The Da Vinci Code’s opening is that no typography is used whatsoever, thrusting viewers straight into the action.  The soundtracks dark use of music almost speaks for itself as it emphasises upon religion and builds tension until when the man is caught, the music suddenly freezes to tell that the man is about to die, then the gunshot is heard.   

I this opening sequence, the mise-en-scene is typical of the thriller genre because it is a dark, almost sinister place with a touch of affluence and religion. In addition, the sound if typical of the thriller genre due to it being dramatic and to emphasize upon the old man being hunted down by the unseen figure. This films audience is typical of the thriller genre due to it being a dark, adult film with a deep story and numerous plot twists. Also, the camerawork is used to a great extend and is typical of the thriller genre due to high and low angle shots to show dominance of the killer over his victim. There are also numerous close-up shots and long-shots to show characters emotions and the feeling of incoming danger. Finally, the editing is in league with the thriller genre due to shadows and lighting being heavily tampered with to make the mise-en-scene far more dark and sinister.