Research On Film Openings

The Dark Knight (2008)

I chose to research the opening sequence to this film because although it is not a thriller, it has many of the conventions of a good opening.

Although the audience are not shown the title of the film until later, the familiar 'batman' logo is created out of an explosion at the beginning as an introduction. This follows usual the appropriate production and distribution labels.

One of the ways that  draws in the audience is that it opens with an establishing shot to immediately set the scene of New York and the the time of day. It slow zooms in after it does this, but meanwhile sound also plays an important factor because the noise of a clock ticking creates the intended sense of urgency within the audience.

The main supporting character of the joker is shown to the audience through a long shot of his backwhich slowly zooms in to his mask, but the mystery is kept when all of the bank robbers have masks on. It creates a sense of intrigue as they all discuss who they think "The Joker" is and keeps the audience on the tips of their toes.