The Usual Suspects- opening sequence analysis

Firstly..

This is my second analyzed opening sequence, once-more i hope to understand and gain vital inspiration, techniques and traits which will help me develop my plans for my opening sequence, to which pre-production is soon to begin.

Why The Usual Suspects?

The Usual Suspects is a classic thriller; career defining for director Bryan Singer. The confusion and enthrallment created by a seemingly simplistic opening sequence is something to be admired, and which ought to be analyzed. The use of orchestral music to develop tension before anything important had happened within the film is curious to me, and develops my interest in having an influential soundtrack.

The first shot is the introductory M.G.M logo animation/C.G.I. This prestigious institution has produced many iconic films over the decades therefore demonstrating to the viewer- the high quality production and pedigree of the film which they are about to watch. This therefore links to Casino Royale (the Bond franchise) spoken about in previous posts, where due to the pedigree, created through the film's history but also the indent's history- the film opening was able to be more adventurous, (using an black and white effect). Therefore through the use of an ident which reassures viewers over pedigree, it is more likely that i will be able to be more adventurous, but to still appeal to a wider audience with success.

This next shot shows a very simplistic and traditional title shot- giving partners within the film, the opportunity to majorly promote themselves, just before the film starts. This business oriented technique is used in order to promote the organization to the many viewers. This may be something I look to do in order to demonstrate the professional of the film, which would further reassure a wider audience, allowing the film opening to be more adventurous when still appealing to a wider audience.

This shot intelligently fades in from the black background to moonlight waters, which immediately suggests to the viewer what the setting of this opening scene may be, gradual revelations like this are key to atmosphere building and is therefore a technique i could look to replicate.
Gentle orchestral music begins to play to  further infer the gradual development in importance of the sequence, showing the importance of the soundtrack in inference as well as to build tension- a feature which i would love to replicate in the music in my film opening.

In this next shot, a larger font, and block capital letters are used to connote that this phrase is the title of the film. Very simplistic however, demonstrating that it does want to attract too much of the viewers attention.

After the title sequence has concluded, there is a cut to an extreme close up of matches being light. This is used to grab the viewers attention, suggesting that the first actions of relevance are about to be shown. This is very effective use of an extreme close up, and shows how it can develop the viewers attention and confusion in an instant, and therefore it is another technique which i will look to incorporate in my work. The red and orange of the glowing flames, could definitely be considered to connote imminent danger. The fact that the first close up/relevant shot of the scene is of the flames and the matches, could suggest that are going to be of importance/a theme within this scene.

The backing music by this point had abruptly stopped, allowing for the upcoming dialogue to have a greater effect on the audience, this is likely to be something i use in my opening sequence as it is easy to achieve and puts great emphasis on the dialogue. Gabriel Byrne as important character Dean Keaton is shown for the first time in a close up shot- using the match, immediately identifying its relevance.The fact that he is shown to be sitting or lying shows his lack of authority or power within this particular scene.

Keaton after lighting a cigarette with the match, drops the match on the oil filled deck- creating an increasing amount of fire, thus attempting to kill himself. The rotating close up of the fire moving and growing is very effective- as it enstills fear into viewer (knowing the possible consequences).
The complexity of the execution of this shot, demonstrates the high class camera work which will be found in this film. Ambitious camera work it something which i will certainly look to achieve, as it has very effective ramifications, and would certainly help me achieve a high level film opening. The use of the theme of fire is also a technique which i would consider; as it creates the danger needed in successful thriller/action film.

In this next shot, the mysterious 'Keyser Söze' is shown for the first time. The low angle shot of the dark figure, connotes his power and importance in this opening scene (in contrast to Keaton, who is sitting down on a lower deck). The effect of the position of characters in scene is something which i would consider as it alludes to the audience the power and prominence of each character, although in my film i may consider making a little less obvious as it creates more mystery, and the plot is unlikely to as intelligent as The Usual Suspects' plot. Soze is shown to be stopping the trail of fire from spreading using water- thus confusing the viewer of his intentions in this scene.



This next shot shows Soze using a cigarette lighter. The theme of fire is therefore added to, connoting the imminent explosive danger within this scene. The conversation between Keaton and Soze is the only sound at this point, signifying its importance (once again showing the convenience and positives to dropping the music when there is dialogue. 

This next close up shot refuses to show the face of Soze, suggesting to the viewer that his identity is of great importance within the context of the film. The tilted hand gun is focal point of the shot, with the rest of the shot blurred slighly, this suggest that the gun is going to fire- purely through its prominence in the shot. The blur effect could well be used in my film opening as it creates mystery and confusion, when relevant to identity or location.

This next shot shown in the intense motion which is crucial to the effectiveness of the entire film. Soze (after subduing
the torching the boat) in slow motion drops a match and then sprints to exit the boat. The flame spreads instantaneously, the visuals are intended in order to strike fear in the viewer, connoting to them- the imminent disaster within this scene. The amazing slow motion visuals are very unique and striking, showing the importance of fresh, different cinematography in order to excite audiences, and this is definitely something i will look to achieve.

The next shot is a close up of stacked equipment on the boat. This may seem meaningless at the time, but the continuety achieved through using this shot is very important to the overall effectiveness of the scene.









At the sight of the roaring flames, the tempo of the music increases, and the melody becomes louder and more urgent- this is effective because the scene and the music reach a crescendo simultaneously. This has a spectacular effect on the viewer, enabling them to know that the damage has been done in this scene- and furthermore this confuses and intrigues them to the outcome of this film. The combination of the striking visuals and powerful music is something very effective and inspiring, as i would like to use a similar combination in my film- as it is very striking.



The last shot of the opening scene is a graphic match (fading from one mass to another)- this is used for a specialised effect. In this case- to show to the viewer that the thrilling opening scene is over, and the story-line will commence. A different example of a graphic match would come from the film Psycho- where a plug hole fades to a women's eye. Graphic match is a very specialized effect, but if opportunity to use one occurred, then i would include it in my opening sequence as it is a very high level technique and it provides a stunning effect.