Modern Thriller Openings

A history of violence

The opening of A history of violence starts of with a slow pace and silent background. From the opening scene we know who the killer is which fits this film in the thriller genre. There is a bit of suspense because once the man walks in the shop you do not know what is going to happen or what he will see, which leaves the audience wondering. After he has shot the little girl i would say there is a cliffhanger because it ends there and you do not know what happens next.

No country for old men

The mise-en-scene is shown to be in a desert. The fact that it's set in the desert contributes the stranded feel the opening has, barely anyone is around creating an creepy atmosphere. The pace picks up with quick editing of an action sequence. Moreover, there is a gradual build up of sinister music being played in the background. Suggesting suspense is increasing and the main character becomes more and more suspicious to the audience. During this scene there's various camera shots, to give the viewer an idea of the setting. Additionally, the use of camera shots is used to the advantage of the killing scene as it makes the scene more fast paced, increasing the adrenaline of the audience.

Zodiac

The opening of this film fits into the criteria of a thriller because it starts off normally, where the characters don't seem to be in any danger. The music is lighthearted and does not signify a crisis, which leaves the audience wondering what could go wrong - this can also gain suspense. The pace is prolonged as we are waiting for something bad to happen. As the killer shows up the editing pace slows down as there are quick shots from one person getting shot to the next. The music in the background progressively increasing and becomes louder, as the killer shots the young people. heightening the pace.                                   

Brick 

Brick starts in a culvert with a close up of a girl's arm lying presumably dead, with a teenage boy hovering around her. The atmosphere created makes the audience unclear of what is going on - generating suspense, this is shown in the beginning. When showing a series of close ups we are uncertain about what is taking place. Furthermore, the music of this opening is creepy and unsettling for viewers suggesting that the movie will create this tone throughout, or often. The blue tint of the scene shows a melancholy environment and a cold one too.