R+P Post 7: Our opening sequence's planned mis-en-scene

The overall look that we hope to achieve in our opening sequence is something slightly bleak and desaturated to make it appear more naturalistic. It would also match the unsettling, creepy atmosphere we hope to create as well. 

The mirror shot in "Se7en"

Camera: We hope to have a variety of shots types in our opening sequence as well as shot lengths to create fast and slow pace moments which will help to build suspense and tension. We would also like to include a mirror shot. This would act as the introduction to our main character as it is the first time the audience will see her face properly. This is similar to what happens in "Se7en" (a crime thriller film). We are also planning have hand-held camera shots to create a shaky and unsettling feeling when filming from the stalker's point of view to reflect his character and make the audience both uncomfortable and engaged. 

Lighting: We plan to have bright lighting when shooting inside the house so that everything can be seen clearly. When shooting outside, we will use the natural light. Ideally, I would like it to be cloudy outside so that the colours are dull and made up of mainly greys. This is similar to the lighting in the opening of "Gone Girl", a psychological thriller film. 

"Gone Girl" screenshots to show lighting ideas

Settings: The settings inside the house we plan to shoot in are the bedroom, kitchen, dining area and hallway. Outside of the house we are going to shoot in the garden and driveway. Other locations include the street by the house and the forest. Hopefully the street will be quiet on the day, so that the main character can appear to be completely alone (apart from the runner) and therefore quite vulnerable as well. 

Examples of the settings we plan to shoot in

Props: There will be many props in our film opening including a mirror, kitchenware, stationary, files and official documents, a radio, a briefcase and an old-fashioned alarm clock. These props will be important as they help the storyline to flow as well as a method of representing and introducing the characters. The majority of the props will be quite understated and plain with the exception of the radio. We may have a brightly coloured radio to emphasise the significance of what is being announced. We also plan to have the Crown Court logo on the documents as well to highlight our main character's job.

Costume ideas

Costume: Our main character will be wearing sophisticated, formal business attire such as tights, a pencil skirt, a blouse, high heels and perhaps a blazer. The runner will be wearing trainers, running shorts and a t-shirt. Preferably the clothing will be dark in colour to match the bleak, desaturated colour scheme. The costumes should help to add to the realism of our opening sequence.