Sixth Sense Opening Analysis

The opening sequence of Sixth Sense is effective as through the mise-en-scene, editing, camerawork and sound, the genre of the film is established and the audience are made to want to watch the rest of the film along with questions being posed, and the characters being introduced and the audience learning about the plot.

Editing:

At the start of the opening sequence, we are shown the credits. The white text colour on a black background makes the credits clear and easy to read. It may suggest that the film is quite serious along with the spaced out lettering which may suggest isolation. The credits fade in and out slowly which creates a sense of mystery and intrigue and shows the thriller genre along with the use of dark colours.

There is a fade to black in the previous scene, which then leads to the shot in the different location, with text reading 'The Next Fall'. This shows the passing of time and  that this is taking place a year after Vincent shooting Malcolm. It also shows the location, to aid the plot and understanding of the setting.

Shot/ reverse shot is used which allows close up to see the expressions of the characters faces, when Malcom is talking to the man in his bathroom for instance.

Mise-en-scene:

This scene right at the beginning of the opening sequence shows Malcom's wife in a dusty dark, damp cellar alone. This is a contrasting setting compared to when she goes upstairs to the warm, cozy house with her husband. The house itself indicates wealth and success, and the props of the cards shown reveals that Malcom works with children and helps introduce us to the plot and characters.

The use of light and shadows when  the man is in the bathroom creates a sense of mystery and complexity to the plot and characters as they do not have simple lives.

Sound:

In the opening credits, a 'sting' sound effect is used at the title 'Sixth Sense' emphasizes importance as this is the title of the film and is the key idea throughout the film as well as adding mystery. The music used in the titles hints at the genre and themes that are going to occur throughout the film along with building tension and suspense on what is going to happen in the film. After the couple have discovered that someone has broken into their house, there is silence. This emphasizes that something is wrong and creates a sense of realism and importance and hints at the possible danger. It also emphasizes the sound of the phone and the gunshot which makes it more shocking.

Camerawork:

In the opening sequence from Sixth Sense, camerawork is used in various aspects in order to convey meanings. For instance, at the start of the sequence, a close up of Malcom and his wife allows for the audience to see their happy, content faces and expressions. This allows for there to be a clear contrast to later on in the sequence where tragic events occur. Additionally, a two shot allows for both characters to be on screen at the same time, and their loving relationship can be identified. A whip pan is used when Malcom is looking for the boy. This suggests that the audience should empathize with the character of Malcom and be on his side. Furthermore, shallow and deep focus is used on the writing in Malcom's journal. This allows for the audience to read what is desired for them to read and reveals the nature of Malcom's visit and the problems of the child.