The Chronicles of Narnia- Opening Sequence

At the beginning of the opening sequence we have a soundtrack where we see a pitch black screen and then a low key non-diegetic sound appears which adds increasing suspense but also introuduce us to the mystery of the beginning. We are then introduced to a thick fog which moves slowly into the clouds (filmed from an air view) which is parralel to the spooky, slow non-diegetic sound we hear; effectively gripping us in as we do not know what to expect. The music does then increase as we get a sense of the action which appears quite hectic, adding fear as the situation appears dangerous and complex. The dominant use of dark colours such as grey at the beginning obscures our view which adds increasing tension and the mis-en -scene demonstrated by the character's dark clothes also contemplates well to and the tension is pitched high.
The credits are actually introduced to us about 5 minutes in the opening sequence which is effective as we get a sense of what has happened to the character's and makes us curious as to what they might do to escape this difficult situation. The title credits iself of the word 'Narnia' is in bold red letters where the 'r' appears to be swirly and different, demonstarting the enchanting world of Narnia. There are many air view shots of a beautiful greenland place which contrast from the darkness we saw at the very beginning and so can demonstarte a sense of hope for the character's- the soft, melodic music is also parrallel to what we see.

Mise En Scene of 'Phantom of the Opera'

Write a technical analysis of the mise en scene at the beginning of Phantom of the Opera

At the beginning of the first seen we are introduced to a black and white scene which paints a much industrialised setting and brings us back to the olden days.  The detailed close-up shot of the men wearing gloves and boots illustrate that it’s set on a cold winter, but perhaps adds mystery as we have not been introduced to any of the characters faces, creating a tense atmosphere.  As they enter the building, the first shot we are introduced to is dirty, ruined and bats seem to be flying. This creates the feeling that the place is isolated and the black and white colours further reinforce an eerie atmosphere which brings apprehension or suspicion to the audience watching. We can also see the bright light coming in through the windows which illustrates a sense of hope and that there might be something positive wanting to break through the damaged surrounding. The props which are left lying around the building such as ladders for costume designing and the lights may hint that they may be something glamorous about the place, or that’s about to happen, creating mystery.
Furthermore, the costumes which the characters are wearing seem quite formal as one of the men is wearing a tall black hat with a cloak and the women, who also wearing a hat with veil and long dress.  This could be use to illustrate prosperity and the grandiose building is further showing this but because it appears really damaged this is creating confusion and suspicion to audience.   Moreover, the shot of the monkey statue appears like a close-up shot which the camera lens slowly zooms in to create significance that it has, and the voice over builds up the tension on wanting to find out more. The tone of music because eerie as it focuses on the object, adding curiosity and suspicion to those watching. At around 4.47, when the camera is on the man speaking and about to reveal what’s underneath the cloth, the light is focusing on him but his surrounding is dark and it seems to be flickering quite a lot, building tension.
As soon as the cloth is revealed there is a rapid shot of lights which are almost blinding, foreshadowing that what’s about to be shown would contrast the previous scene of dismal, moody atmosphere.  The dominance of white along with eccentric music creates the feeling that the whole place is washing out and turning into something magnificent. Just as the wind is blowing on all the possessions and pieces of furniture they become garnished in dazzling gold and red colours. This symbolises royalty and the alluring glamour of the scene which completely contrast from the last scene and draws the audience in.  All the statues that were full of cobwebs before transformed into these gold pieces of architecture which now look very expensive.  In the final moments of the opening, the sky appears pink and baby blue and the building looks a lot more bright than before, demonstrating a change which feels exciting, and the dramatic music helps us to feel that. The characters are all wearing extraordinary costume and very dramatized stage make up which create an energetic and budding atmosphere and makes audience livened up, contrasting from before where it was all moody and dark with no emotions. The opening is effective as it makes audience excited for what’s to come by all the fascinating props, building, make-up, etc.  The parallel sound at the end is upbeat and has a lively orchestral feel to it which creates an exciting atmosphere, contrasting from the dullness before.