Action Film Opening Analysis: Batman The Dark Knight

   

The opening scene for Batman - The Dark Knight   begins with a robbery inside of a bank where gun shots/guns can be seen and heard. This indicates that the genre of this film is action as it contains weapons that are a common convention in all action films. In addition to this the robbery is taken place in a bank further confirms the genre. The atmosphere created, by the robbers, in the setting of the opening scene builds up tension and adds chose to the scene. This keeps the audience at the edge of their seats and makes us intrigued in the plot line of the movie.

Despite that Mise en scene is used to disguise the robber’s faces; close up shot is used to show their costumes. Masks are usually associated with criminals and villains, which implies that the robbers don’t want to be identified. this is because they are committing a crime and don’t want to be captured or punished for it. In the audience’s minds, this makes us curious because we are unable to recognize or establish the men in masks. However can only assume they are linked to the antagonist because of their actions are against the law.

The dark/dim lighting used throughout the opening scene creates a sense of mystery and hits an important event is going to take place. Editing, such as cross cutting is used to show the men in masks creating havoc inside of the bank and two other characters outside working on the silent alarm. The scene then focuses on the two men outside where the one behind soot’s the one in front. This makes the audience confused and asks questions to why the man betrayed and killed one of his own teammates. He then kills more of his teammates, which makes us think of conclusions to why the character is selfish and greedy for all the money. Throughout the opening, the character “Joker” is discussed by the robbers in clown masks. Judging by the conversation it appears that he is the main antagonist and an important character.

Furthermore, diegetic sounds are used in the opening for example gunshots, screaming and loud heavy quick paced running. These sound effects add drama to the scene because screaming suggests danger and gunshot connote death/injury. Also, non-diegetic low-key music is played in the background as the scene begins to become more intense slowly building up suspense and tension.

Many camera angles are used in the opening. The camera angle long shot is used to show a character standing in middle of a busy city. This is another generic convention of an action film it’s usually set in modern big cities.

There are numerous amount of close up shots of the masks the robbers are wearing, which highlights that the masks are a significant aspect of the film.

Shot reverse shot is used to show the conversation between the two characters before one gets ran over by the bus. The scene then ends with a close up shot of the masked man removing his disguise who appears to be the Joker. This tells the audience he is the main character and the plot is based around him as he is given prevalence. Likewise, the close up shot is also used to show the characters face in detail. The camera shot helps the audience imminently remember the characters face in upcoming scenes and what to aspect when he does appear.