The Talented Mr Ripley opening analysis Chloe and

The Talented Mr Ripley opening analysis Chloe and Olivia

The sub-titles are presented in a fashion that is not very clear. The type of text used, is slightly broken up. This already expresses the psychological subgenre involved as it conveys the idea of a split personality. This makes the audience question what role the man presented is going to play. It also makes them feel slightly on edge. -The subtitles are in white and the background is incomplete darkness behind them. This creates a suspenseful atmosphere, as it is not clear what exactly is going on. The fact that the text is also shaking, creates a foreboding feeling within the audience. The actor’s name is presented at the moment we see a front view of the character’s face. This is a very effective moment in the opening as half of his face is in darkness and the other half is in light. This further strengthens the idea of his split personality and it implies he has an uncontrollable nature. It also emphasises the psychological subgenre. It creates the feeling of the unknown as we do not know who he is.

This shot used is a medium close-up side profile, of the character’s face. This is effective, as the camera is filming from the darkness, making the audience feel slightly threatened. The non-diegetic music is a lady singing in a peaceful manner. This is contradictory, as what the audience visualize on the screen is a sinister atmosphere, due to the dark lighting surrounding one side of the character. However, the non-diegetic music does create an uncomfortable and easy feel, as it builds up tension through the slow pace of it. Furthermore, it is combined with a pan shot, going around the character. This makes the audience assume that there is something not right with him, as he is so still and focused. He appears to be wearing dark clothing. The constant use of dark colours creates mystery. There is only a very small source of natural light. This expresses aspects of isolation. The dark lighting surrounding him, is split in a form of sharp lines. This emphasises his split personality. It also makes him come across as creepy and unknown.

Before the main title is shown to the viewers, the adjective between ‘The’ and ‘Mr Ripley’ is continuously changing. Various words are used such as; mysterious, secretive and confused. This is shown in the photo’s to the side. The effect of this is that it expresses the idea that his personality is made up of many different criminal and negative aspects. It is a very effective way of portraying the psychological subgenre, as it shows his complex and obsessive side. Furthermore, the different adjectives are shown are in different colours. This creates a lack of coordination, and builds up the idea of him not being one person, but instead being many. The non-diegetic music combined with this effect of the text, makes the audience feel very on edge. It also creates theme of the unexpected, and hidden messages.

The main title is then shown. The letters appear at different times and in a random order. This dislocates the action and creates suspense. The fact that the word ‘talented’ is in red, gives off the feel of danger and alert. Red is known to be a colour of warning and threat. This is combined with the camera staying still, however the word ‘talented’ being edited in such a way, that it gets bigger and closer towards the camera. This creates an aspect of confusion, as the previous words were negative, however talented is usually perceived as a positive trait. Although the word can also be interpreted to be talented at being all the previous negative traits, for example he is very good and talented at being secretive. -At this moment, the shot is a medium close-up side profile of the man. He is in darkness, further strengthening the thriller genre, as it creates suspense as heal most looks like a shadow figure.

Through the use of editing, a slicing transition is used to go to the next scene. This is effective as it strengthens the idea of the character having a split and disjointed personality. The shot used is a close-up of the characters hands playing the piano. This creates a sense of confusion as by him taking part in this activity, it presents him as a nice and calm natured person. The duration of this shot is slow paced. This creates an uneasy atmosphere. A voice-over is then used of the character saying ‘If I could just go back’. This makes the audience question whether he has done something wrong or not. It makes them suspicious of his character. The dialogue portrays the idea that he feels he has done something in which he regrets doing. This builds up a criminal and threatening atmosphere.

The character then tilts upwards to show the side profile of the character’s face. The constant use of side-profile shots creates a feel of enigma as we do not know a lot about this person. It builds up theme of the unknown. The use of mise-en-scene is effective, as he is wearing a suit and glasses. This presents him as an innocent and kind-hearted person. This makes the audience question whether they were inexact on their judgement on him. It also however, makes them intrigued to investigate his true personality. It strengthens the psychological sub-genre, as the audience are guessing what is going on. It is also a mindgame for them, as it is playing with their mind as to if he is a victim or villain for example.

Diegetic sounds of the woman singing are then heard. This is combined with a long shot of numerous guests all dressed up. This makes the audience question what the event is. There is a green tint at the bottom of the camera. This builds up feelings of confusion, as it makes the audience feel as if something bad is about to happen. This is combined with a long shot. These aspects strengthen the idea of a psychological sub-genre as it expresses the sense of ambiguity, as different viewers might think something is wrong, but then others might feel that the character we’ve been following is in fact, a victim. Itis constantly tricking and playing with the audience’s mind.

The use of black clothing, within the mise-en-scene makes the audience question whether it is a funeral. This idea strengthens the thriller genre, as death is something that is typically used in a thriller film. The duration of the two shot is very long, and the camera is discretely zooming in on the characters being shown. This builds up the feeling of the unknown, as the audience are in the darkness as to what is going on. This makes the opening very effective as already the audience have so many unanswered questions. This makes it exciting for them.

The combined effect of the synchronous sounds of the audience clapping and the aerial tilt shot creates an apprehensive feel within the audience. It also makes them unsure as to what to think, as at first the character was shown as dark and mysterious, and now he is being shown as helpful and talented. -The blue tint on the far left of the screen, highlights a cold and unwanted feel.