Inception Opening Analysis (2mins) Rosie

The opening of inception begins with an extreme close up of the characters face that appears to look exhausted. This shot creates several questions to the audience as to who he is and why he is there. It also begins with non-diegetic sound which is very heavily bass, which creates tension as it is very much one long note and also includes piano which suggests a sadness to the scene. Cut transitions are used throughout the sequence to show the continuity of the location and time.

A focus pull is then used to show two small children playing on the shore. The effect of the focus pull could imply that the protagonist is hallucinating. Also the two concepts don’t really fit well together which creates confusion for the viewer which is a good aspect for the thriller genre. 

The protagonist is shown wearing rather dull/old clothes suggesting he may have been lost for a long period of time. He then blacks out on the beach and a cut is used to then see an unknown character dressed in military uniform standing above him. His costume portrays a high status e.g. buttons done all the way up, smart hat - and the use of a low angle/ant angle implies that he has a lot of control over the man lying on the beach.
The medium close up shot allows us to gain a sense of location, but still does not give much away and perhaps are in the middle of nowhere, creating more suspicion. 

The prop of the gun further creates suspense because we fear what it may be used for and why he has it. The military man appears to be quite hostile to the other man (shown by the prodding to him with the gun instead of touching him). The shot distance of the gun (belonging to the washed up man) suggests to us the importance of it and can lead to a denotation of mystery.

The next extreme long shot of the building conveys that the location is very marooned which creates more suspense as it appears to be very deserted and anxiety could be crossed to the viewer.

A crescendo followed by a beat introduces the next shot which connotes a build-up of some sort. At this point the audience are still unaware of the protagonists purpose which creates stress, questions could also be asked as the location remains a mystery still.

The long shot of the interior of the building signifies that the people are wealthy as the ceiling is decorated with many lights and the room is very orderly. The low key lighting of the room also contributes to the theme of thriller as it appears quire daunting, almost like a lair.

The following medium close up of the man from behind, gives an understanding of mystery, and creates enigma;

• who is he? 
• why is he there? 

The glass of wine and the pristine clean table expresses a formality about the character and that he is in charge based on his position in the composition of the shot: central to the shot and also sitting at the head of the table. The body guard places the objects down very carefully suggesting the old man is his master and must obey him. The focus pull on the small item connotes that it probably has a lot of significance in the film.

The character is hunched over the bowl when he is eating which leads to more enigma as we presume that he has not eaten food for a while and we want to know why.

A medium shot is then used to show the older man picking up the small object which further confirms its significance in the film because it important to more than just one character; continuing to entice and make the audience wonder.

One of the final shots to the opening is of the old man continuing to watch the trinket spin; we are not told why it is important but we know it is due to the shot distances on both the man’s face and the trinket being close ups. 

The music still remains to use very low tones to create suspense and terror.

Cuts are again used to show the flow of conversation -  in this case not conversation but allowing the audience to see who the man is addressing in his speech. 

The final shot tilts up to the protagonists face, however still allowing us to see him stop and put down his spoon, implying he has heard unwanted information. The shot distance (close up) additionally lets the viewer interpret the characters expression which looks scared and slightly angry.