Saw

Opening Sequence Analysis

SAW 1

Camera Shot/Angle/Movement

Begins with title of the film, camera enters fr

om above, an blacks out after a few seconds, we only hear people talking we don’t see them, this sense of unease is enforced with a black scene for a good 30 seconds. Then, lights suddenly turn on, showing two characters, in a bathroom chain

ed separately, the camera cuts from one character

 to another. the camera is handheld, giving erratic shaky movements.

Sound

scrapping, creepy, people talking, shouting, screaming.

Editing

Many fast cuts are used and enhance the sense of tension and suspense. moving to different scenes, representing the film.

Mise en Scene

Bathroom creates an ugly background or where the victims are. 

Characters

the characters identity is not clearly identified, but because they’ve been assaulted and left in chains the audience can assume that they are the victims.

Locations

bathroom, maybe communal.

Narrative/Plot

people have been captured, and perhaps for a kidnap ransom.

Themes

revenge, sadism, death

Visual Style

the director deliberately doesn’t identify characters straight away, can only hear and guess what the characters will be.

Genre

thriller