Analysis to an Opening sequence- The frozen ground

Frozen is a crime- thriller that was released in 2013 that is based on a true story, it's
about a young woman who escapes from a serial killer and Robert Hansen is
attempting to catch the killer. In the opening sequence we get a glimpse of the
woman who escaped the killer. We see how traumatised she was from the
experience. We also see the introduction of Robert Hansen the police officer in the
opening sequence which is seen to be a keep moment as it sets up the rest of the
film. The opening scene is seen to be dark and mysterious which is seen to be
affective as it connects with the audience in a number of ways.

Cinematography
In the opening sequences cinematography is used to set the tone of the film, we get
an establishing shot of the main location in Alaska. The first image we see is a
mountainous region this create an intense atmosphere as the audience start to think
what this image may symbolise. It tracks from the mountainous regions towards the
city pointing out to the audience this is where all the action is will be placed. This
creates excitement as it points out to the audiences that the main action is going to
begin. Another affect that is created in when we get an action shot of the police
officer banging on the door. This grabs the attention of the audiences making them
interested from the start of the film.
Sound
Sound is used to great effect from the start of the opening sequences, for example
non - digetic sound is used to create a tense atmosphere even before the sequences
starts. This grabs the audience's attention, creating a high expectation of the film.
This keeps them on the edge of their seats as they are anticipating twists and turns
throughout the film creating a higher concentration level. Sound is also used to
create excitement throughout the opening sequence: for example digetic sound of
the police officer kicking the door open creates excitement as the audience are have
just been introduced to the film and there already seeing action within the first few
minutes of the film. Also the audience feel more engaged as the main storyline starts
from the very beginning. Dialogue is used to make the audience empathises with the
main character. We see her screaming for help, pleading with the officer to free her,
this makes the audience wonder what happened and feel sorry for her wishing they
could help. These's feelings are further expressed when we hear her crying in his
arms.
Editing
As the scene opens we see the use of typography this form of editing creates a high
level of suspense grabbing the attention of the audience. Also the message in the
text starts to make the audience think about the meaning behind this. Making them
feel more engaged and more of a memorable film leading to a higher chance of
success in the film world. Another effective editing technique that was used to great
effect was the use of jump cut of the establishing shot to the police officer banging
on the door. This sudden change causes the audience to jump creating excitement.
This is added to by the number of short quick cuts surrounding this situation. The
quick cuts also show the chaos throughout the situation making the audience feel
intrigued in the situation. Match on action is used when the police officer is breaking
down on door, this emphasis the power that the officer holds making the audience
feel reassured about the situation.
Mise-en-scene
Mise-en-scene is used to set the tone of the film for example low key lighting is used
, this creates an intense atmosphere matching the situation of the film as dark and
mysterious. Mise-en-scene is used to great effect to tell the audience what the main
character has gone through by the use of props. For example when the police officer
entering the bathroom we glimpse of drugs, syringes, alcohol this again is used to
make the audiences empathise with the main character. Also another use of props
used to great effect was the handcuffs. Normally handcuff symbolise criminals but in
this case it we see it as if see has be harmed by another person this makes the
audience concerned about her well being and also wonder who and why did this to
her.