Panic Room Opening Analysis

Institutions: Directed by David Fincher and starring Jodie Foster, Kristen Stewart and Forrest Whittaker, Panic Room was  Columbian Pictures Corporation film which was released in the 3rd of May 2002. With a budget of $48,000,000 it gained $30,056,751 profit in America and £2,022,582 in the U.K.


Sound: The first sounds we hear are deep horns which usually are used in situations where tension is building and something is about to happen. For instance deep horns are used in Jaws for when the shark is about to attack. We can also hear what sounds like police sirens in the distance, the fact that they fade away could either signify that they are going away from you which of course in a bad situation is not good, but it also could signify just how lost you can get in the big city whether it's metaphorically when it comes to you being in trouble or just generally. The next prominent instrument featured are the violins (or cellos) which up the tempo of the music, this could be to signify that whatever tension was building up is now almost about to commence, the music also draws you into the otherwise almost 'bland' visuals. Lastly we hear the original horns but accompanied with cymbals which build up the energy of the introduction and exposes all of the tension thathas been previously built up.


Credits: The type face used in the credits is large and 3 dimensional, ithas a 'grand' feel to it which gives off the impression that this isn't just a quickly put together robbery film, it is a well crafted and almost important film. The credits are also floating above the city ground level almost making them seem more important than the rest of the world.


Mise-en-scene: With in the large building coming up all around you there is a sense of entrapment which is a classic thriller convention, they also make you feel small and insignificant in comparison to them. This is only highlighter by the large shadows which are thrown off by the buildings, which makes them look as if they are bearing down on you. The opening also introduces the location of the entire film. Which gets the audience more immediately involved in the film. 


Semiology: The buildings themselves are very straight-edged which when teamed with the shadows gives off the impression of bars, which again is another convention of a thriller. This is especially appropriate as obviously the film is called Panic Room. The level in which the camera is set makes sure that you are surrounded by huge building which all look the same give a feeling of anonymity within the skyscrapers. That you cold do anything if you were a criminal as you could just blend together. Even the title of he film gives off the impression of being enclosed in a small space and being closed off from the rest of the world.