LB: Technical Analysis

Zombieland (Fleishcer, 2009):

The opening sequence of Zombieland uses a few techniques which I found where very relevant towards or intended genre. These included the uses of non-verbal language to benefit the audiences' idea generation. Along with this the sound track which it was coupled with allowed the clip to seem very immediate.

Kill Bill (Tarantino, 2003)

Kill Bill has a very simplistic opening in that is used very few camera techniques, but in the areas it kept shallow, it increased in the depth of editing, sound and most visibly mise-en-scene. To begin with Kill Bill only used to forms for camera shots, these where a birds eye and CU. But what was key to creating enigma was the use of a black and white colour wash which was very common in the film-noir period. And lastly I found that mise-en-scene played a key part in the enigma for instance as you only see the boots of 'Bill' his identity remains hidden but this connotes that he is a cowboy like figure. Whereas the main character known as 'Black Mamba' is costumed in a bridal gown. Finally, what made this sequence intriguing was non-verbal language which allows the audince to see the distressful nature of the situation.

Memento (Nolan, 2000):


Memento was another opening sequence that used very few camera shots to develop enigma. However focus remained on the photo for the majority of the clip. Memento also used high angle and low angle shots to connote the distribution of power as well as non-verbal language in order to create a connection for the audience emotionally where they are shown our main character has been crying. However what I found useful was the set design. The use of low key lighting where all light is coming from the thin window on the right hand side is the only light and the character blocking further reinforces who this story will follow as it shines onto him.

Techniques that I would like to include in our opening:

• Black and White Colour wash to help representation.
• Non-verbal language is essential.
• Diagetic sound to create verisimilitude.
• ECUs/CUs to create emotion.

Shot by Shot Technical Analysis of Kill Bill:

Shot	Time Elapsed	Mise-en-scene	Additional information
CU - Static	0:15	B/W	Heavy breathing
CU - Tracking	0:19	B/W, ‘Cowboy Boots’	Footsteps
CU - Static	1:26	B/W, napkin with Bill on it, Bill wiping ‘Black Mamba’s face with napkin.	Dialogue from ‘Bill’ but know face. Gun shot.
Opening credits	1:28