#10: Opening scene (part 2)

Symbolic and technical codes from the outset.

In overall, the outset has some conventions typically found in psychological drama such as elements of mystery, indications of mental illness, and abuse.

Technical codes:

    The outset's colour palette will be cold and desaturated to establish a dramatic, suspenseful tone.
  Low-key lighting, shadow is used to set a sad mood. Some can be ambient lighting to add a sense of realism, immerse the audience into the scene.

    The use of silence in some significant scenes creates tension.

Diegetic sound is used throughout the outset to add realism.
Sound perspective is used when certain sounds can be emphasised by volume to bring a discomfort feeling to the audience.

    Quick cuts are used to convey chaoticness in the character's mind. On the other hand, the static shot is used in some significant scenes to emphasize the action or the mental state of the character. The use of flashbacks takes a glimpse of a special life event of the character's past.

    Most shots are handheld to make the characters look more intimidating.  Some shots can be closed up or extreme close up to create an intense feeling.

Symbolics codes:

  Special colours are used such as white or blue to connote sadness and trauma.
The river. According to many religions and beliefs, the river can wash away sins. As it is where the establishing scene, which introduces the protagonist, takes place, it signifies a complex emotion of the character - his guilt.

The enigma within the outset

    Throughout the film's opening, the audience is given extremely little information about the characters. The majority of the opening hints at something haunting the main character. The climax at the end of the film opening gives the audience a glimpse of the main character's past, where another enigma code is given with the death of one of the characters - by suicide - announced with no explanation of what led him to that decision. 

Strategies used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience

    The two characters are both minors,  this can somehow interest a number of teen audiences as we always attract to see the portrayal of ourselves onscreen, how we are represented and reflecting it in our own lives. The fact that they have a complicated past story is linked to the current situation of teenagers having more and more issues regarding mental health. This depiction of teenagers may be a new taste for people who have tired seeing the age of adolescents to be shown as ignorant and foolish creatures as well as those who wish to be exposed to a more serious side of youth, beyond the clichés of high school romance.