Thriller Opening 5- The Bourne Ultimatum

Film Title: The Bourne Ultimatum
Director: Paul Greengrass

Technique Effect (Analysis)
Camera – distance, angle, movement…
Low angle shot of feet moving- screen shaky. Long shot of character walking and at what he is looking at. Long shot as he walks down the stairs. Camera tracks as he looks around the train then attempts to get off. Follows police cars. POV shot at a pharmacy sign- needs medical help. Mid shot of character- appears to be hurt; blood on his neck and hands. Close up of a bloody door handle. Close up of characters face. Mid shot of him holding a gun to the police officer. Camera zooms into him holding the gun- can see his hand shaking.

The low angle shot of the feet moving and the screen shaking, creates a slight confusion to the audience but leaves unclear messages. Then the main character is introduced, from the previous ‘Bourne’ films the audience will be aware of the ending to the previous film in the sequel, thus this is the beginning of the end. The long shots enable the audience to see what is surrounding him and why he is behaving and moving in the way that he is. The POV shot shows the audience what he is looking at, and as it is a pharmacy sign, also shows that he is in pain, which connects him emotionally with the audience. The mid shot of the character gives a full view of his injuries and the extent of what he has been through. The close up shows us his expression and links in with what he is thinking about- the straight cuts to a vivid memory. The mid shot of him holding a gun to a police officer creates a different side to his character and personality, but the zoom in shows his hand shaking and then him walking away, this shows his refusal to kill the innocent.

Editing – speed, style…
Police are fast paced, character slow paced- through his physicality. Pace quickens as character sees the police. Fast paced. Straight cuts from the police to character. Pace of editing fast as he tries to find the correct medicine. Shot changes very quickly to something unknown. Fast pace as he attacks police officer. Black screen after he doesn’t kill the police officer.

The pace of editing, at the beginning, contrasts between the speed of the character and of the police. This emphasises his injury and highlights that he has done something bad. However, when the police see him, his pace quickens, showing his desperation to get away. The pace is also fast with the straight cuts to the memory and the attack on the police officer.

Sound – effects, musical score…
Non-diegetic theme tune appears- fast paced. Technology sound of title being typed. Diegetic sound of feet on the snow and heavy breathing. Diegetic sound of police sirens. Police speaking in a different accent- establishes that he is not somewhere known yet. Music keeps the audience tense. Music changes but still tense. Sound of police sirens and dialogue from the police.

The non diegetic music is fast paced, which links in with the panic in the scene. There is also a lot of diegetic sound, such as feet on the snow and heavy breathing, this shows the characters pain and anxiety. The diegetic sound of the police sirens reinforce why he is trying to get away quickly. The police also speak in a different language, which highlights that he is in another country and is somewhere he wouldn’t usually be, and possibly doesn’t know anyone or where to go.

Mise-en-scene – props, costume, setting, lighting, colour…
Snow and quite dark. Character introduced limping and wearing dark clothing- long, black coat. Appears panicked and looks over- possibly trying to escape. Character jumps off the train and is seen by the police- anxious facial expression. Facial expression- in severe pain- reinforced through his speech and breathing. Calms down. Again panicked expression- linked in with the shot just seen- possibly remembering something. Unknown characters and places seen. Police appear anxious when approaching other character. Police officer scared and begs not to be killed. Main character contemplates what to do.

The lighting is natural, along with street lamps. Overall, the lighting is quite dark, comparing with what is going on in the scene. Facial expression stays the same throughout- anxious, panic, and in pain. These all connect him with the audience and reinforce his need to escape. Furthermore, when the police officers approach him, they appear scared, which shows his power and force upon others.

Special Effects – CGI, animation…

Universal.

No special effects used.

Titles – font, colour, placement, over black / over clip…
White font centred on plain black background. White/ blue font centred on a black background of ‘The Bourne Ultimatum’. Title then fades out.

The way in which the titles are presented leave the audience with no distractions and highlights what is on the screen.