Film Opening Research #1 - Knives Out

 

Opening Research: Knives Out 

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

This film seems to have a cold opening scene, jumping straight into the story’s narrative before the title is show. Here we see a perfect example of this as someone has been found and most likely murdered, positioning the audience to be thrusted into a puzzling story.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

The images prioritized in the opening sequence reflect an eerie tone to further accentuate the still and unwavering images. The camera captures shots that loudly hint at an ominous atmosphere surrounding the manor of Mr. Thrombey. The audience is propelled into a world where things have just taken a turn for the worse, highlighting Mr. Thrombey's murder. The audience is able to witness finding the body along with the maid on screen, we are just as in the dark as the maid. The images further cast and evoke a mood of darknesses. Focusing on images that resemble the conventions found in mysteries. 

What connotations do the images carry?

This film clearly portrays a mystery genre, incorporating elements of moody atmospheres like a dark mansion decorated with a vintage maroon and strong arched tips that pierce the sky. The audience sees this mansion first placed out in a field of fall leaves. Positioned under a naked tree that has lost its leaves due to the changing season; this display of fall also hints at the notion of death as the decaying leaves resemble the decaying body soon to be found in the house. 

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

The genre is reinforced through symbolic and technical codes that refer to camera movements and character’s executions when it comes to the portrayal of feelings. The maid seen goes to complete her visit to Mr.Thrombey to see he lays dead on his couch in the attic. The maid’s reaction is that of genuine fear and confusion, clearly this was an unexpected and terrifying outcome. Now that the body has been seen murdered, a new question arises, who killed Mr. Thrombey.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? 

The film directly targets its audience by introducing the common genre conventions seen in mysteries and dramas, such as evoking a chilling overall mood through the inclusion of winter/fall themes that aid in common mystery films. Incorporating fall leaves, decaying tree branches, and an old decorative manor carrying secrets and flaws hint at a notion of the suspense that is yet to come.  These accents all point to the main purpose of the film, death. Dark and obscure elements are the main foundation of this film. The opening scene immediately catches its target audience by introducing that there has already been a death in the house, a scene made to look like a murder. The maid of the manor performs her daily routine of checking on her client, only to find him upstairs in his attic laying in a pool of his own blood with a slit throat. The instant riddle leaves fans of suspense, thrill, or mystery grasping to figure out the puzzle.

How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques. 

Effective technology that this film uses specifically are static shots, these act against the background helping to emphasize the character’s movements or when there is no character in frame the audience has a chance to observe the scene before them.