Analysis Of Opening Sequence

As we watched the opening sequences of 'Fargo' and were told to note down what made this film good and what conventions were used to identify this as a thriller.

'Fargo' Opening Sequence

The film Fargo was directed by the Coen Brothers and was released in 1996, it starred actors like Jerry Lundegaard and Steve Buscemi. The opening sequence is drawn out over a long period of time to establish the location and create the atmosphere. This creates an enigma as the audience question what is happening at the start. The credits are dark blue and are small on the screen it is uncomplicated to this shows that the film is also going to be like this as well.

There is no dialogue within this particular film until later on which creates tension. But the dialogue gives us ideas to what the film is going to entail, that there is going to be a kidnap set up and a ransom is needed but the audience do not know why the money is needed. It is obvious that their plans is going to have a hitch. The music is orchestral and creates a mysterious atmosphere.

The camera uses a establishing shot which is normally used to create the location and the characters that are involved. Within this shot it is foggy and a car appears to be driving somewhere which is deserted, the car parks at night time at a bar which is noisy which suggests aggression and violence this leads the audience to answer questions.

The editing which is used is simple use of straight cuts which makes the film uncomplicated and simple and yet again creates an atmosphere of tension. The credits dissolve in to the snow like it is melting. The mise en scene, the lighting is quite dark which tells the audience that it is late at night, the costume of the man that this film is set in the present and the issues may be typical of a thriller.