Throughout the entire film, very little attire change
occurs, and this is no different in the opening sequence, due to the fact the
entire film’s events occur over the course of one day. In the opening, all the
characters physically participating in the heist wear identical clothing in
order to allow the viewer to immediately distinguish the different roles of
each character in the sequence. No discussion on the heist occurs in the
opening, meaning the viewer is intentionally supposed to rely on mise-en-scene
to piece together the events of the film. Executive style suits denote
formality and professionalism, inferring to the viewer the ability and
seriousness of the character’s intentions, as well as a potential gang or
organised crime connection. A rather plain outfit also successfully portrays
the hidden and secret nature of the act about to be committed. This attire
clearly matches the movie’s genre of crime, and effectively conveys the
intentions of the characters. The camera pans slowly sidewards to the left,
using a long shot to establish position and to fit in all of the key figures
into the shot. This shot is continuous and lasts a number of seconds in order to
denote the slow, relaxed pace and the lack of action occurring, which as
displayed later in the film requires short rapid close-up shots.
Actors
Many now well known actors familiar with the thriller and crime genre take part in the film, including Steve Buscemi, Quentin Tarantino (also writer) and Harvey Keitel. Viewers watching this film today will likely feel assured and confident of the
characters’ success due to their powering and intimidating nature that comes with experienced actors in the thriller genre. These specific actors also stave off the thuggish cliché that is sometimes applied to gang members and criminals. Actors such as Buscemi and Keitel are commonly known for more formal and subtle roles in the crime and thriller genre, which matches the smooth undertones of the film’s opening, as well as the relatively low-key attire worn by these actors throughout.
Lighting
The bright lighting during
the opening title sequence is bright and in no way foreboding about the outcome
of the attempted heist. There is little artificial lighting, due to the
conditions being naturally bright and sunny during the scene. This lighting,
paired with the happy facial expressions and relaxed demeanour of the
characters may infer the overconfidence of both the characters and the viewers
about how successful the attempted robbery will be. This idea of lighting
reflecting mood is further supported by the darkened lighting in the warehouse
after the heist has failed. This clear and decisive way of presenting mood
effectively gives the viewer a more coherent understanding of the character’s
feeling and a greater overall understanding of the events in the film. There is
at no point any use of dark lighting or shading, so as to portray no feelings
other than optimism , acting as a way of effectively shocking the reader as
they make the startling realisation in the next scene that the heist attempt
failed.
Props
Little is used In terms of
physical props throughout the movie and the opening, with the only object
constantly in view being sunglasses, further denoting secrecy and a lack of
identity in public, supported by the choice for each character to use an
individual alias rather than to be known by name. Other than sunglasses, the only
other prop available is a gun, albeit non-visible during the opening. This
simplicity and lack of equipment other than what is necessary to kill likens
these characters to true criminals whose sole intent is to escape successfully
no matter the potential human cost. Through this, the audience learns, of the
cold-blooded nature of the characters involved, and are reminded of the serious
nature of their intentions despite their rather innocuous attitude towards it.
Setting
A significant amount of the film is set in one
building, a typical ‘hideout’ or position for criminals to use if in need of
urgent communication. The necessity for such a location immediately infers to the viewer that
these characters cannot be seen or negotiate in a public place. The only time
remaining in the public eye is possible is when the characters’ identities are
concealed, as in the opening when leaving a café. Through this the viewer can
identify the character’s attitude and approach to their crime commitments and
how different settings are used to portray different moods and situations.
Makeup
Very little makeup is
applied or clearly visible at all in the opening, with the purpose being to try
and make the characters as normal and realistic as possible, similar to why the
characters undertake regular activities such as frequenting a café. This means
little attention is drawn to the purpose or possible movement of the characters
thus shrouding the opening in mystery, creating suspense and tension. It is
clear that by having little in terms of SFX and any visual aesthetics that the
viewer can relate to film on a human level, with there being no factual or
impossible abnormalities such as in thrillers such as Inception.
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