Group: Brick (2005, Johnson) opening Sequence

YH: What techniques might be used in an opening sequence?

The opening sequence of Brick (2005, Johnson) uses multiple techniques of editing, mise en scene, sound and camera to create enigma among audiences. The sequence firstly makes use of the handy cam technique which puts audiences in line with the action taking place in the scene thus, creating verisimilitude. The sequence shows a pull focus which leads to an extreme close up of the protagonist, introducing him to the audiences. The sequence has also made use of a static shot in which the camera does not move from it's position as the boy bends to pick up the note, this therefore creates a further suspense among audiences regarding the film's text. The sequence has also made use of a Point of view shot which is used to reveal the contents of the note to the audiences again creating suspense for them. The sequence has also made use of different editing techniques such as Shot/reverse shot to show the dead girl's hair falling over her face, the bangles in her hands which give audiences the connotation of a teenage girl and her feet. This creates an enigmatic feeling among audiences as despite the shots of different parts of her body her identity is not revealed. The sequence also makes use of inter cutting as the shot fades into a flashback and reveals to the audiences the events that led to the situation shown in the beginning. The sequence also makes elaborate use of the rule of thirds which again creates enigma for the audiences yet again as the boy is shown to be a small part of the whole scene which gives the connotations of the protagonist being a lonely individual. However, the cutting rate in the film is slow which works with the film's text to create suspense for the audiences.

The use of sound in the sequence also plays a key role in establishing enigma among audiences. The music used in the beginning gives connotations of a wild west theme however, the use of the high pitched bell like instrument leads audiences to think that it has an emotional feel to it. The dialogues used in this sequence are also ones which help in establishing the characters. The protagonist is shown to talk in an unusual way which adds to the suspense for audiences, and the dialogues of the female character connote that she is distressed and worried about something. The drowning, of the female characters', dialogue by the cars' engine leads to create further enigma for the audiences. Mise en scene has also done a great deal of work to represent multiple aspects in the sequence. The costumes of the characters such as the leather shoes being worn by the male protagonist connote a sense of class or the fact that he is someone who is not in line with latest trends. Thus, further establishing the character for the audiences. The set design also helps in creating enigma as shown in the establishing shot are two separate environments the first one being the dark storm drain where the protagonist is shown sitting opposite to a girl's body and one which shows the greenery and beauty of a lush garden which connotes happiness and comfort whereas the storm drain environment connotes sadness and distress. These are a few of the techniques used in the opening sequence of the film Brick.


EW: What generic conventions are there in this clip?


The opening sequence of Brick (2005, Johnson) has a very strong film noir 'feel' to it. Film noir is a Hollywood style used primarily in crime dramas, the noir period was for the early 1940's to the late 1950's. Film noir, black film, translated from French, was originally applied to film by Nino Frank in 1946. Film noir is normally used to emphasize cynical attitudes and sexual motivations and does this through effects like low-key and black and white. Modern film produced in this way are not called noir films, rather neo-noirs.


Brick (2005, Johnson) used these noir effects in the opening sequence to connote that the genre of the film would be Mystery/horror/thriller/neo-noir, examples of this used in Brick (2005, Johnson) are the lighting effects used when the main character is crouching next to the tunnel, the lighting used is low key when the camera is used as a close up of his face, reinforcing the film noir effect and creating enigma in the audience. Another effect that increases the tension of the opening sequence is the shot of the females hair and hand when she is next to the flowing water this also create enigma as the hair is in front of the females face so we don't know who she is also the colors around her are all grey except her wristbands which further reinforce the film noir effect.

 LB :What are the conventions of an opening sequence?

In film, opening sequences are commonly presented to introduce the audience into the film, and the main story on which the film is based. Opening sequences can range from just a title and opening credits which include snap shots of the setting, or it can begin by placing the audience in the clip from the start by various methods. One that seems to be popular is the use of varying focus, as this method distorts the idea but allows the director to build on the story. 

Generally, character exposition will be the main focus of the opening sequence displaying for example a morning routine, or daily activity, thus putting the audience with that character and showing them who they are and will include subtle hints as to the personality of the character. Some films however, such as BRICK (Johnson, 2005), create enigma. It begins by representing various shots of an incident which the audience has no information of how, where, when, why or who. In result, we find that this is the end section of the film, which is common with either thrillers or dramas. One last feature that keeps the audience attention, and is important is the soundtrack,which more often than not, runs with the action, and critically can set the mood for the film which can entice the audience to watch the film until then end, or leave from boredom.