Research into thriller openings - Stephen Potter 2

Research into thriller openings – Drive

As this is the second thriller opening I am looking at I have something to compare this with, the intro of Oldboy.

Within, the first scene, as the camera pans upwards, we see a map that says Los Angeles on it, this prop was put there by the director to give us an insight into the films location, this is the director’s attempt of giving us context, whereas, in Oldboy, we are given no context at all. This does also add to the enigma, as we would wonder why he would need a map of the area in plain view spread on his table, as that seems to be an irregular occurrence in everyday life.

Dialogue is also utilized as this protagonist explains he needs a “five minute widow for a getaway”, from this we can piece together this character is a getaway driver of sorts. This opening so far is  different from Oldboys as it seems context is handed to us, although enigma is created through us not knowing what the job is nor why it is he s doing it.

After the camera pan mentioned earlier we see the protagonist for the first time, his back is to the camera and a distorted reflection of his face is on the window, this may be the directors way of showing he is almost ghost like and can vanish easily, which sounds important to his role of getaway driver.







As the camera pans to the left, a television airing some sort of sports event is shown, this is foreboding as although it adds to the enigma at this point in the introduction as you wonder why it is important, it forebodes the end of the introduction as this protagonist escapes the police through the use of this sporting event. Later, as the character is driving, through the mise en scene technique of facial expression, it is hinted to us that the character is professional due to his calm and collected manor.  This intro doesn't create too much enigma and tension for the film however it does give us context.