Analysing an opening sequence: Sexy Beast

Sexy Beast

This opening sequence is entirely different to The Shinning, but is very effective in putting its mood and tone across. 

MISE EN SCENE:

We are introduced to three characters in this opening sequence. The main focus is on Ray Winstone, as it is his voice and opinions we hear. His East-End accent and his attire suggest a slightly dodgy character and the rough way he treats his pool boy also adds to his unkempt manner. The woman in the car is not fully established, as we don't see her face, so adds an ambiguous edge as the audience begins to question who she is. The villa looks expensive, as it has a pool and is quite secluded in the hills. This contrasts heavily with the character of Ray Winstone, so the audience begins to question where he got the money to buy the place. 

USE OF SOUND:

The voice over of Ray Winstone firstly establishes his character and allows the audience to get inside the characters head, making the face scene of him very intimate. The music in the background, creates a happy upbeat atmosphere and as it talks of summer, it relates to the scene. When the rock crashes into the pool there is a pause in the music, which heightens the comedy aspect. 

USE OF CAMERA:

At the beginning there is only a shot of the sun, which makes it hard to get any clues of the films setting, apart from that it is in a hot country. It then cuts to a high angled wide shot to establish Ray Winstone. The high angled shot allows the audience to get a full on look of him, and the props next to him. (beer, sun cream and cigarettes which sums up the character we have met so far. After this, it switches to a wide shot so that the audience can take in more of the surroundings, and establishes that he is in a villa. Close ups are used in the conversation between Ray and the pool boy to portray their emotions. A point of view shot is used to show the woman in the car, so creates an ambiguity around her as the audience don't see her face. A wide shot of the villa in the hills creates the idea of its seclusion, while again highlighting that it is in a very hot country. When the rock rolls down the slope the audience is meant to feel as if they are inside the rock as the camera goes round 360. A wide shot of the rock rolling then clarifies to the audience that it is going to land in the pool. Also it showcases that Ray is completely unaware of its looming approach, boosting the comedy aspect. 

USE OF EDITING:  

The bright pink credits are readable and easier to see, but are small enough so that they don't distract from the action. 

This freeze on the title creates humour while also showing what kind of humour the film is going to create. It also allows the audience to engage in the name of the film for longer.