"Blitz" Thriller Opening Sequence

Biltz

The thriller opening sequence I'm analyzing is called "Blitz" and I'm reviewing how the tension were created in the opening scene.

The first few seconds directly indicates that the setting was in WWII because of Churchill's radio broadcast in the background. The first character of a little girl writing on her diary on her small bed was introduced. This creates tension to the audience as who this girl is and why is she in an ancient room with all the war atmosphere going around her- makes her seem out of place and it also makes the audience curious about what is about to happen to her.  The camera then switches slowly to show all the war posters and antiques about the war which confirms with the radio that the setting was indeed during WWII.

Around the little girl were many old stuffed dolls. This indicates that she is still innocent and may have no idea about what is going on in the war- this gives the audience the protective feelings over this character already early on in the scene which creates even more tension to the audience as what will happen to her.

Suddenly the door swung open, revealing the shadow of a man as the little girl hid herself under the her blanket. This indicates that she was frightened and scared- creates tension and curiosity to the audience as what will happen to this little girl and who that man is. The fact that she was scared of him might mean that she doesn't know him and that he could be a dangerous/scary character that is about to do something to her.

The transition of "60 Years Later" indicates that the rest of the film might be set in the present after what happened to the girl during the war. The scene then shows a man (archaeologist) who discovered the room. The whole scene was dark and the only source of light for that man was his flashlight- this builds tension of mysteriousness and spookiness as it is really dark and darkness often refers to horror. The camera then focused on an ancient scary toy which fell down on the floor and faced directly into the camera- this creates a scary atmosphere as the toy looks really old and terrifying, it makes the audience feels like they are in the scene as it makes them feel involved.

The rest of the scene was in silence which creates even more horror atmosphere. Then there is suddenly a black shadow that flew passed the screen- this generates tension to the audience as they want to know what that shadow might be and it also creates tension because the audience doesn't know what is going to happen next.

The opening sequence ended with a jump-scare of a guy in a gasmask- staring directing into the camera as the archaeologist shined his flashlight into the gas mask's face. This creates tension to the audience as well as giving them the first impression of horror which sets the tone of how the film is going to continue for the rest of the movie.