Analysis of sound in thriller opening sequences.

1) Refere to your notes, discuss the different types of sound used in the three opening sequences.

• Diagetic/ non-diagetic
• Does the sound/music work with the visuals
• What makes it work with it sub-genre?

Catch me if you can.
In Catch me if you can the sound used is non diagetic which matches the visuals of the animation used for the opening titles. There is repetition of the main tune used which is split by new sections introduced to the music score. The instruments used were orchestral which helped create the mood of mystery and the sense of being chased or running as the tempo was slow but the rate of the notes when played made it seem fast. The new sections fitted into the different locations portrayed in the animation so that the audience gained a sense of recognition.

Face off.
The main tune in the opening sequence for face off is played softly by strings in a non threatening way to make the audience feel relaxed, to lull the audience into a false sense of security. Under the main tune there was a repetitive sound of a 'ting' noise. This is almost child like as it's one of the most used sounds by children and children are repetitive. A child's laughter is introduced to the sound and the picture of a 'merry go round' is shown to the audience. On this there is a father and son playing, the child's laughter is match on action to the visuals. The music changes the same time as the visuals where the audience is faced with the barrel of a gun and is able to see inside. The music turns slightly more threatening but the innocence is still there to remind the audience of the innocence of the father and son. The sound reflects the visuals to help create suspense for the audience. We then see and hear a gun shot.

Panic room.
The sound is introduced by a gust of wind. The sound for this opening sequence is immediately setting the mood to gloomy for the audience which tells them what mood the rest of the film will be like. The music is played by strings which is the most common instrument for thriller films. A harsh cello sound of short sharp notes is introduced when the tune changes slightly. Ambient sounds of traffic and wind is now introduced to the sound layering the music score. The main tune comes back towards the end of the opening sequence but the cello is still being repeated.