Analysing the opening sequence of Bourne Identity

Analysing the opening sequence of Bourne Identity

Bourne Identity (2002)

The extract begins with a straight cut edit from black to a storm. The flashes within the storm along with the diegetic thunder sounds create a shocking effect and allow the audience to know that something thrilling is happening and perhaps something dangerous has occurred.

A long shot of a boat in the distance is shown however, the low key lighting makes this difficult to see which creates an ominous effect.

A straight cut edit is then used to show a group of fisherman whilst mysterious string and trumpet music beings to play. The camera is handheld so the shot appears to be "rocking" indicating that they are on the boat. The lighting in the boat is very bright compared to the gloomy darkness outside, this contrast in light adds to the mystery. In the shot the diegetic dialogue of the men indicates that they are foreign speakers which could add to the curiosity of an english speaking audience . 

The next shot shows a body in the sea using a low angle under water shot. The image is dark which adds to the mysterious atmosphere. The shot will also have audiences questioning why there is a body in the water and how it has got there. 

A long shot then shows one of the men leaving the highly lit area of inside the boat and entering the storm. A mid shot then displays the confused and worried expression on the sailors face. This creates tension for the audience and adds to the already present suspense. This shot is shortly followed by a point of view shot which is used to show what the sailor sees. The suspense for the audience lowers slightly as they can see that he has discovered the body however, the tension remains high as they are still unsure of what is happening and what will happen next.

There is then another flash of lighting and the screen turns black. The music, that has been playing quietly in the background, becomes louder and quicker as the title appears. 

The shot then cuts to the sailors on the boat pulling the body out of the water and taking him into the boat where they lay him out onto a table. The transition from the outside to the inside is important to the sequence because the outside is displayed as dark, cold and open compared to the inside which is brightly lit and cramped reflecting warmth and safety. The non-diegetic music is still fast paced and the diegetic dialogue of the men is also louder and quicker. This creates a panic within the scene which is reflected by the hand held camera making the shots unsteady. The music then begins to fade out as the initial panic of trying to rescue the man has settled down. However, the mystery continues as the audience still have questions about who the man is.