Lighting Decisions

 

 

 

Unfortunately due to high demand we were unable to get hold of any lights from the college, however we may be able to be inventive with some household lights to attempt and create certain effects of which we will document after the half term week.

Roles

 

Samuel Nicholson - Responsible for making sure we have all equipment we needed for filming, such as cameras, tripods and lighting, unfortunately there was no lighting equipment left at the time so we were unable to get any.

Toby Yates - Responsible for props and costume, this was done by contacting the members of the group giving them an idea as to what they should wear, and the same goes for props, by contacting each member of the group and telling them what props they should bring if possible.

Daniel Awcock - Shooting dates, this was the role of making sure we had an organised time for when we would film, and a Facebook page was created as an easy way for all of us to give available times for filming.

Niall Murphy - Locations, this was the role of finding an easy and suitable location for us to film, this was important because it needed to be somewhere that every member of the group could get to without to much trouble and this was done successfully, as we ended up filming in Plumpton Green with no issues.



Plot Synopsis

Plot Synopsis

A plague has hit Britain; PARASITE V12. A cure consisting of dead PARASITE V12 and Swine Flu cells is being delievered to Britain's doctors by Artnal Benzies (Toby Yates). On the way, alongside his mysteriously named henchman, Dufrais (Niall Murphy), Antione Draynor (Daniel Awcock) plots to use the cure to create a weapon that infects and kills the recipient. He receives the serum, but a mad rush to win it back by Ukranian Cancer cure researcher Zinoviev Pernot-Vichevsky (Sam Nicholson) means the chase escalates. As lives are lost by the parasite, and in the fight for the cure, priorities are tested and the serum is leaked into a sealed room, containing Artnal, Dufrais, Antione and Zinoviev. Through their fight for what they believe is right, the only cure is lost and kills them all in the sealed room, leaving Britain, and the rest of the world to its inevitable fate. 

Script

For the opening of our film, we have decided to not incorporate any dialogue. We hope that this will increase the sense of mystery surrounding the briefcase. By not using any dialogue, it doesn't give away too much about the character's characteristics and their goals, leading to the audience feeling confused and more willing to want to watch more of the film.
As a substitute for not using any dialogue, diegetic sound such as birds tweeting and footsteps are used to highlight the realism of the scene. These effects are added in the editing process as these sounds were not easy to pick up naturally. As the tension of the scene builds, non diegetic soundtracks are used to reflect this, through the musical structure of the songs and the atmosphere it provides.

 



Music

https://soundcloud.com/#trundledub/althea-and-donna-uptown-top-ranking


https://soundcloud.com/#trundledub/all-about-the-weed-work-in-progress



https://soundcloud.com/#trundledub/radiate

                                                                                                                               Music is essential in our film due to the lack of dialogue a soundtrack will be played over the top of the film throughout to aid the fast paced action sequences. However as we do not wish to use copyrighted music, our group member Niall Murphy (Trundle Dub) has kindly given us permission to use his music. This is his page on soundcloud, he mainly specializes in drum and bass and reggae. This will suit our actors as they are teenagers and are stereotypically known for liking that genre of music.

Thriller Opening Idea

 

 

 

Our idea is to track the journey of a briefcase, with the contents unknown to the audience, and displaying the events of its journey. It includes different characters requiring the contents for their own desires. They fight and chase to gain retention of the briefcase. The opening ends with the main antagonist acquiring the briefcase, appearing settled down, only to be tracked by another character...

Initial Research - Samuel T Nicholson

Initial Research - By Samuel Nicholson

The Dark Knight Rises Analysis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17GxArqJpkM

Camera:

• An Enigma is created when the characters with bags over their heads are revealed, the question of who they are and why they are there is raised.

• In the above screen-grab, Bane has intentionally been made the main focus of the shot, as he is in the foreground and takes up the majority of the framing, this makes the viewer interested into who the man is and creates yet another Enigma.

• In the above screen-grab which is the shot revealing Bane for the first time, the use of the CU has been used to put emphasis on the mask he wears, and the dialogue in this scene goes onto talk about the mask, adding more questions and making the viewer interested in why he wears the mask.

• The camera-work in this shot purposely has used a high angle and an OTS shot, this has the effect of making Bane look more menacing and the shallow depth of field also adds a sense of mystery.

• Throughout the opening scene, there is a frequent number of ELS's of the plane, this conveys a sense of danger and intensity as it becomes more and more clear that there will be a disruption/disequilibrium .
• It is Objective camera-work also, so the event is not presented from just one perspective.

Mise En Scene:

• The mask that Bane wears is a very famous prop, and the reason being that it raises many qeustions, such as why he wears it and for how long etc...
• The setting of the plane adds a sense of danger as the first establishing shot of the plane creates a sense of mystery, i.e why are they in the plane in the first place?
• The exterior setting of the apparent uninhabited fields also makes you wonder why they are there.
• The other props used, such as the guns obviously make it clear that the current situation is dangerous.

Editing:

• The scene has a low frequency of cuts, this creates a sense of realism but also intensity.
• Continuity editing has also been employed here to add to the sense of realism and create a more intriguing scene raising a umber of questions.

Sound:

• Throughout the scene the vast majority of sound is diegetic, to add to the sense of realism.
• There is a quiet and slow soundtrack also, which intensifies the sense of mystery.
• When Bane first speaks, it instantly becomes clear he is the man they are looking for, and this makes the viewer more interested in the character, as he is surprisingly calm given the situation. 

The Taking Of Pelham 123 Analysis

Camera:

• There is a large amount of establishing shots at the beginning of this scene, making it clear the film takes place in New York.
• The Scene tracks a number of characters in the film, all of whom go onto be the antagonists in this film, this is helpful as it makes it easier to follow for the viewer.

• A lot of the shots seem distorted (not sure how to explain it) and have a shallow depth of field, making them seem more menacing.
• In almost every shot of Denzel Washington, it is a close up or MLS, which helps introduce his character.

Mise En Scene:

• The settings used almost all relate in some way to the subway service of New York, which establishes the fact that that is what the film takes place in.

• The costume of the main antagonist, visible in the screen-grab above, is the typical one of someone who is deemed the villain in many films.
• Denzel Washingtons costume makes him seem less threatening than the other characters in this scene.
• The setting of Denzel Washingtons workplace makes it clear that he is to be related to the antagonists of the film due to the link between the subway service.

Editing:

• Unlike other opening scenes, this one has a high frequency of cuts, which make the scene feel intense.
• It involves cross-cutting editing, which shows multiple story lines in short succession.
• Many different shots have been edited to playback at different speeds, creating disruption instantaneously. 

Sound:

• The scene contains a lot of sound bridges which help connect the separate stories of each character.
• There is a mix of Diegetic and Non-Diegetic sound, the Diegetic sound helping set the scene and a sense of realism, and the Non-Diegetic sound simply adding effect and tension.

Vertigo Analysis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7sznnL0NZ0

Camera:

• Immediately in the first opening shot the question is raised as to who the man running away is, creating mystery and Enigma.
• When the second character is revealed, the policeman, the viewer becomes interested into why he is running from a policeman.
• The same applies for the third man.

• The ELS adds a sense of distance between the viewer and the three characters and also creates tension as you see all sectors of the chase unfolding.

Mise En Scene:

• The setting adds a sense of danger as they are running across a series of rooftops.
• The city setting also adds to the sort of Noire feel of the film.
• The costume is fairly obvious, as the policeman's uniform is what presents his power and authority.
• The lighting again adds to the Noire feel and adds a sense of realism.

Editing:

• There are not that many cuts, but the shots used are often long as they have to tend for all three characters.
• The use of the vertigo effect when the third character is hanging from the guttering is very appropriate here, and is also subjective as it is coming from the characters perspective.

Sound:

• The Non-Diegetic sound creates tension.
• The Diegetic sound also creates realism.
• Apart from the soundtrack and a few sound effects, there is not much more sound in the scene, however this has the effect of involving the viewer with the scene and making it more immersive.

The Dark Knight Analysis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OYBEquZ_j0

Camera:

• Many tracking shots are used to create a fast flowing scene.
• Nearly every shot is either tracking, panning or moving in some way, rarely still and this also helps with the fast flow of the scene.
• A lot of close ups are used also to put emphasis on the masks, raising questions to their identities.
• A couple of ELS to establish the scene also.

• The framing is quite tight in places, to focus more on certain characters/ objects.

Mise En Scene:

• The costume of the bank robbers are all based on the Jokers appearance, making him more of an Enigma.
• The setting is very appropriate as the bank has very high ceilings and marble floors etc...
• The use of the school bus at the end of the scene creates a large disruption.
• The lighting reflects the feel of the scene, being quite bland for the majority.
• The tools tht the robbers use appear very professional and makes them seem like a more dangerous entity.

Editing:

• The frequency of cuts is quite high, reflecting the feel of the scene.
• Cross-cutting has also been used to tell the story of each robbers role and to show the robbery unfolding.

Sound:

• The lack of sound in the first establishing shots create suspense.
• The Diegetic sound is minimal creating the same suspense.
• Soundtrack gradually builds up until the main disequilibrium, adding even more suspense.

Initial Research- Toby Yates

Taken 2

Camera

• ELS to establish scene.
• Hand held camera creates shaking effect, creating effect of disorientation
• Low angle shot emphasizes size of truck
• Establishing shots exaggerate danger of location
• Big Close Up shows emotion in greater detail.
• Shallow depth of field distorts perspective.
• Tight framing used to conceal identity and create enigma.
• Low angle shot portrays superiority of character.

Mise En Scene

• Rural Scene, mountainous region suggests foreign country.
• Condition of truck suggests economically the type of characters.
• Red truck suggests danger.
• Long hair and facial hair suggests rough nature of character. Non-appealing appearance.
• Stray sheep suggest country and culture.
• Fill lighting gives impression of natural light.

Editing

• Cross cutting used to connect the truck and the funeral, suggests relationship.
• Fast, simultaneous cuts connote suspense.

Sound

• Diegetic sound of truck's engine gives sense of realism and suspense.
• Non diegetic underlying soundtrack adds to the feeling of suspense.
• Dialogue used sparingly to exaggerate importance.

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Camera

• ELS establishes location
• Pan shot gives good and clear representation of location.
• ELS to MS signifies importance of zoomed area.
• ECU shows importance of object.
• Even though a man is being chased at speed, the camera cutting is relaxed which gives the impression the man being chased is in control.
• Canted frame for disorientation.

Mise En Scene

• Guns connote that the characters using them are agents or dangerous.
• Black costumes signifies wanting to blend in with surroundings.
• Track suits and track suit jacket suggest practical ethic.
• Fill light used to give sense of natural light.
• Use of phone with lady creates an enigma.

Editing

• Cuts used to create pace, matching on screen action.
• Fade used to change setting and mood

Sound

• Up beat and expectant non diegetic soundtrack works with on screen action.
• Diegetic sound of grunting and gun shots gives sense of realism.
• Contrapuntal sound suggests an enigma or something the audience is yet to discover. Also creates eerie feeling.

Parker

Camera

• Low angle shots exaggerate height of fair-ground rides.
• Establishing shot used to show setting.
• MS puts character in perspective.
• Tracking shot gives sense of real movement.
• Restricted view doesn't allow full sight of character creating enigma.
• Low angle shot communicates being lower than character on stage.

Mise En Scene

• Animals are specific to rural American fair-ground.
• Wig and vicar costume act as disguise.
• Country folk costume is stereotypical (boots, checkered shirts...)
• Fill light used for natural light.
• Main character dressed as vicar is strange as the actor is known as a "hardman"- this raises eyebrows and builds tension.

Editing

• Cross cutting used for suspense.
• Cuts used to build pace.
• Discontinuity editing used to fragment the story and to confuse spectator.

Sound

• Non diegetic soundtrack makes spectator expect something.
• Diegetic sound of cars and children's play adds to realism.

Snatch

Camera

• OSS gives sense of familiarity.
• Big close up shows all emotion.
• Framing two characters together whilst being told they are "partners" reinforces it.

Mise En Scene

• Low Key lighting makes scene more mysterious.
• Top hat suggests friendliness. 
• Someone who is bald (and young) is stereotypically thought of as "hard" or tough.
• Dark interior setting suggests threat.
• Dark room with lack of detail doesn't allow characters to have perspective of location.

Editing

• Cuts used to efficiently switch between which characters are being talked about/ who is talking.

Sound

• Non diegetic sound of voiceover matches with on screen action; without the sound the on screen action would seem pointless.

By Toby Yates

Initial Research (Niall)

Initial Research

Limitless (2011)

Notes

Camerawork:

• ·         Lots of mid-shots, especially of the lead characters.
• ·         There is a brilliant rising shot of the building, to reach the main character.
• ·         Up until the 'infinite zoom' part, the camera shots are reasonably slow.

Editing:

• ·         Editing has a slow frequency. The pace isn't that high.
• ·         Straight cuts are used for the majority of the piece.
• ·         There is a fade in.
• ·         Very clever 'infinite zoom' editing effect, from jumping off a building to racing through the streets of what looks like New York.

Mise-en-Scene:

• ·         Everything featured in the film looks very 'modernised'.
• ·         The main character is dressed well: he is in a suit, and is well-lit.
• ·         There are many dead bodies lying around on the floor of what appears to be a hotel.

Sound:

• ·         Opens with a VO, and diegetic sound of someone trying to kick down a door.
• ·         The VO is somebody speaking as if the event has already happened, and they are looking back on it.
• ·         Volume rises.

Summary: Limitless opens without a single piece of diegetic dialogue. I believe the VO adds a sense of pastime to the scene, like what is on-screen has already happened. The opening scene uses extremely clever editing techniques, and a combination of simple but effective camerawork techniques.

Safe House (2012)

Notes

Camerawork:

• ·         Close-ups of male and female talking, also a close-up of the key in the door.
• ·         Extreme long shot of city, establishing shot.
• ·         Intentionally shaky camerawork during filming of character boxing.

Editing:

• ·         Fade in.
• ·         Reasonably 'average' pace: doesn't show any action, just establishes the pieces of the film.
• ·         Straight cuts throughout.

Mise-en-Scene:

• ·         Almost everybody featured is dressed casually.
• ·         Lighting is very natural throughout. Looks good.
• ·         Lots of scenery, due to establishing shots.

Sound:

• ·         Diegetic sound of motorbike.
• ·         Diegetic sound of punchbag being hit.
• ·         Diegetic sound of shower.
• ·         Relatively calm music, gets louder throughout.

Summary: The opening of this film gives the viewer an insight to the main character's life, and his emotions that he depicts. That said, towards the end of the scene, you see the main character on the phone to someone in a suit, worried about the fact that he is ringing from his mobile phone. Who is the guy?

Shutter Island (2012)

Notes

Camerawork:

• ·         Camera movement is often stationary, but sometimes moves along with the matches in shot.
• ·         Focus on the lit match, and the pile of matches on the floor.
• ·         The vast majority of shots are big close-ups, with the occasional medium shot.

Editing:

• ·         CGI fire towards the end of the clip.
• ·         Constant 'strobe' editing effect throughout title sequence - makes it unclear about what is happening: adds a sense of mystery, and creates suspense.
• ·         Fade out.

Mise-en-Scene:

• ·         Drops of ink are consistently added to the water, possibly suggesting blood?
• ·         Lots of liquid used, mostly water.
• ·         There is a strong focus on flames and matches.
• ·         We see a face at a certain point.

Sound:

• ·         Bang of bass-heavy drum again and again.
• ·         Horns used throughout.
• ·         Intentional off-key piano hits.
• ·         Music sounds 'minor', sadistic.
• ·      Non-diegetic sound effect of switch being flicked; something being turned on and off. Increases and decreases in pace throughout the scene to reflect pace.

Summary: I believe the opening to this film works well as it has a strong aspect of mystery and suspense. It is not too revealing, yet creates thoughts for the viewer as to what may happen later. The use of strobe adds to the effect of mystery, and also draws attention to the piece: it's hard to see what is going on, so the viewer is inclined to pay more attention.

Source Code (2011)

Notes

Camerawork:

• ·         A few shots of the train which the two characters are on. These are purely establishing shots.
• ·         Largely consists of mid-shots, generally of the main character.
• ·         There are a lot of OTS shots, and there is use of the 180-Degree Rule.

Editing:

• ·         The opening sequence consists mainly of straight cuts.
• ·         There is a high cut frequency in the opening scene, a reflection of the emotions displayed by the protagonist.
• ·         We are thrown straight into the action.

Mise-en-Scene:

• ·         The protagonist is clothed to look smart, and is well-lit in order to draw attention.
• ·         The protagonist's expressions are often muddled and confused, which translates well to the viewer.
• ·         There are lots of random pedestrians on the train, all casually clothed.

Sound:

• ·         Diegetic sound of ticketman punching tickets.
• ·         Diegetic sound of train passing.
• ·         There is rising music in the background.

Summary: The opening sequence allows the viewer to step into the dazed and confused mind of the protagonist via a combination of methods, including high cutting frequencies and first-person like camerawork. The music also contributes to the general mystery of what is going on.

Limitless (2011):

• http://www.1channel.ch/external.php?title=Limitless&url=aHR0cDovL3ZlZXZyLmNvbS92aWRlb3MvNmFETDhBMHh4&domain=dmVldnIuY29t&loggedin=0

Safe House (2012):

• http://www.putlocker.com/embed/EE3E82CA0C712570

Shutter Island (2012):

• http://youtu.be/OPzaxMnBDBE

Source Code (2011):

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fOkxVpvmq0

Research Task - Daniel Awcock

Initial Research

Film One – Disturbia (2007)

Disturbia is an American thriller based upon Alfred Hitchcock's ‘Rear Window’. Throughout the film many aspects of mise-en-scene work together to create a suspenseful atmosphere that grips the audience throughout the entire film.

The opening scene itself establishes the mood of the whole film and clearly displays to the audience the genre of the film. To start with everything appears normal, a father and son are fishing together in an attempt to try and bond with each other through a common hobby. The setting within the opening scene has significance due to the tranquil mood it creates along with the other parts of mise-en-scene. In the background we can see vast mountains as they fish in a peaceful river together, this combined with the high key lighting used to imitate the sun portrays the scene as almost a dream-like fantasy as everything is perfect and as it should be. I believe this is used to lure the audience into a false sense of security enabling what happens next, just a couple of minutes later, to be more shocking and unexpected. Whilst driving home, more techniques are used again this time to represent the protagonist and his family as a stereotypical traditional family. We have seen the father and son fishing and during the drive home we are introduced to the parallel narrative of the mother cooking at home conveying her as having a domestic role with the household. This is all building up the climatic crash of the car. Todorovs theory of narrative suggests an equilibrium to start which has clearly been established in the opening scene however this is shortly followed by the disruption which in this case happens to be the car crash that kills Kales father. This gives the opening scene of Kale and his father fishing much more importance as well as meaning. The high key lighting and beautiful scenery are designed to create the illusion of a dream, because after the fathers death it is the only memory the audience have of the father. Also due to the tranquil atmosphere conveyed a juxtaposed mood is created when we are introduced to the death of Kales father.

Editing is also used to evoke suspense during the intense crash scene. The mood of the scene is changed instantly which shocks the audience and is unexpected, one moment the father is talking to his wife who is preparing dinner which is a warming gesture however merely seconds later the car crashes and the pace of the scene increases immediately. As the car flips and skids, there are many cuts used frequently which increase the pace as well as creating a disorientating effect as all the shots are short and quick. This again is aided by the positioning of the camera as the protagonist is framed by the broken windscreen and is upside down in the frame. After this the audience are relieved to see, as the car finally stops that both characters are alive and conscious. However all of a sudden a red truck smashes into the upturned car killing Kale’s father.

Disturbia is one of my favourite thrillers and just within the opening it demonstrates how many aspects of mise-en-scene can work together to create the same effect of tension and suspense. In just the first scene an equilibrium is created as well as a disruption which immediately entices audiences and the fast pace action can be seen throughout the film.

Film Two – The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

The Dark Knight Rises is the final instalment of the batman trilogy directed by Christopher Nolan released in july of 2012. It managed to gross a total of over 1 billion dollars with a budget between 250-300 million dollars. Making it the second highest grossing film of 2012 and the 7^th highest of all time.

The opening scene in The Dark Knight Rises is extremely effective in the way it sets up the rest of the film as it conveys immediately to the audience the power and authority of the films main villain “Bane”. The scene begins with three masked individuals who are taken on board to be interrogated about the infamous “Bane”. However, it then becomes apparent that one of the masked people is in fact Bane. Bane as a character, is represented as a powerful villain with high authority even before we see or hear him. The masked characters are threatened one by one to give any information about bane and despite being held at gunpoint no one speaks suggesting their commitment towards bane.

When Bane's identity is finally revealed to the audience, we first hear his iconic voice which had been altered to represent him as more of a supreme being. The mask is symbolic and is referred to within the opening scene to add significance as it is a vital part of the narrative.

The camera work within the opening scene also foreshadows the appearance of bane,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=0sCSsfaMfdE#t=78s

this shot cleverly frames bane in the centre of the shot to suggest the character masked has significant importance. However with the presence of armed men surrounding him it suggests that he is submissive and at the mercy of the men on board the plane. This allows what happens later in the scene to shock the audience as bane is then rescued and the roles are reversed as bane then takes over control of the plane shortly after the climatic sequence showing the unveiling of bane. By portraying bane as submissive the audience are fooled into believing that he has no power or status which we know is a juxtaposed representation of the villain he truly is.

The non diagetic sound is triggered when bane says “crashing this plane, with no survivors”. The music itself is dramatic and intense to match the mood established within the scene and has chanting used to represent the rebellion and the ongoing theme of liberation in the film. Also the frequency of cuts increases to match the tempo of the action occurring within the scene, this creates an illusion of fast paced, intense action as it deliberately disorientates the audience by restricting the content they are able to see as there is little time between one frame and the next. As for narrative structure I believe this scene is important as its role is to alert the audience of bane. The film itself I believe contradicts Todorov's theory of narrative as the film starts with no equilibrium. The disruption occurred within the prequel (The Dark Knight) allowing this film to focus mainly on the restoration of batman who since has become a recluse and must be lured out of hiding to stop Bane.

Kill Bill Volume 1

there are various techniques within the opening scene of Kill Bill volume one that follow the appropriate conventions seen within many traditional thrillers.

• Whole scene is in black and white, deliberately challenging realism.
• High key lighting with little/no fill to exaggerate shadow and exploit the theme of black and white.
• Sound bridge used at the very beginning to immediately allow to deduce a character is in pain
• Costume – clearly wearing a wedding dress, helps establish setting.
• Much of the scene is one close up of the protagonist, forces attention on her injuries.
• Narrative is restricted, the audience are unaware of what is happening and why.
• Make up – blood and cuts to suggest violence, foreshadowing a common theme within the film.
• Establishes plot for the entire film, we see a handkerchief with the name “bill” written on it, the title of the film suggests that he is who will be killed.
• Facial expressions are one area of mise-en-scene that is exploited as we as an audience rely on the protagonist facial expressions to enable us to get a greater understanding of what is happening out of frame.
• Diagetic sound of the male “bill” however the character is masked adding an element of mystery to the scene and restricting the narrative as we as an audience still do not know what he looks like however the protagonist clearly does.
• Sinister theme created by “bill” talking to the protagonist calmly before then shooting her at the end of the scene
• irony created as “bill” cleans her face before shooting her, raises suspicions as to the relationship of the two characters
• intense twist as we find out the female protagonist is pregnant with Bill's baby evoking sympathy towards her and again generating more questions for the audience.

The Prestige

The opening to the 2006 British/ American thriller “The Prestige” by Christ Nolan is highly effective as an opening to a thriller and combines various techniques from mise-en-scene to create an gripping opening by playing with the narrative structure.

• Non diagetic sound of voice over throughout explains the title of the film giving it meaning and putting it into context
• Costume – important one protagonist is disguised adding mystery to the scene
• parallel narrative confuses the audience and shows two magic tricks being performed one is on a much larger scale.
• Restricted narrative, the audience are left with many unanswered questions and are unaware of what is happening.
• Todorovs theory of narrative is challenged as the sequence of the magic trick being performed on stage is also seen towards the end of the film enabling the audience to view it twice, the second time after being made aware fully of what is actually happening.
• Lighting, on stage the protagonist is illuminated by a spotlight, focusing the audience’s attention upon him.
• Non diagetic music is loud and together with the sound effects of the machine being used on the stage creates a chaotic atmosphere which builds up and eventually ends abruptly as the magic trick in the other parallel narrative is performed. Also frequency of cuts increases to add suspense before the trick is performed.
• Shallow depth of fields used to recuperate characters from the background to allow the audience to view the reactions of characters as the magic tricks are taking place.
• As the narrator explains the meaning of the prestige the camera cuts to a shot of a magician drowning shocking the audience as well as confusing them forcing them to continue to watch the film so they are able to find out the answers to many questions created within the opening sequence.