The Purge opening sequence

Instantly, the action accentuated (violence) parallels the non-

diegetic score music. This creates and enigmatic atmosphere,
because it poses the question as to why the serene music is
apparent at a time of ferocity. Contrapuntal music is therefore
established to highlight the night as being morally incorrect which
juxtaposes the governments belief on their intentions being morally
correct (to cleanse the populations souls through killing. Throughout
the opening sequence of The Purge, a range of cinemagraphic
elements are exemplified to establish the sinister concepts of death
and violence. The set-up of every frame is footage of a CCTV
camera. This is to reinstate the idea of what purge night is like and
makes the audience feel on edge, because it aids the realism. High
angle shots are used to highlight the insignificance of the lives that
are being taken, as well as the superiority of the government. The
implementation of tracking shots are used to present a shaky
camera shot, whilst acting as the point of view pf the audience. This
further aids the realism and makes the audience feel as if they are
involved. This puts them ono edge and reinstates the ideals of a
horror. The rule of thirds is implemented, which highlights a
brutalised girl at the side of the frame. This produces connotations
of her insignificance as a victimised individual of purge night. The
remaining space in the frame epitomizes a white background, which
juxtaposes the blood on the individual. These two elements
juxtapose one another which symbolises innocence vs evil. This also
demonstrates Strauss theory of binary opposition and further
emphasises the barbarity of the concept.
This creates a distressful picture for the audience, as the mise en
scene exemplifies a woman in a ripped dress with no shoes, covered
with blood. Mise en scene is also incorporated throughout the
opening sequence to emphasise the brutality of purge night, whilst
creating an ambiguous and eerie atmosphere for the audience. The
use of props is also effective mise en scene. Many of the individuals
in the opening sequence carry weaponry, such as guns and axes.
This reiterates the savagery of the film content, whilst connoting
severe natures of danger and ruthlessness. As well as this depth of
field is further exemplified which is aided by the editing technique of
a jump cut. A victimised man is seen being attacked by a group of
malicious individuals, which is followed by a cut to the next episodic
scene. The scene is then returned to where we see depth of field
being used, epitomizing the man out of focus in the background,
struggling to walk, and a metal pole in the fore ground. This
symbolises how the citizens of America are portrayed as trivial. This
jump cut editing is fast paced which symbolises the erratic nature of
the action, whilst suiting the elements of a thriller. The use of frames
being evident for a short amount of time demonstrates the mass of
murders that have occurred. This adds to the theme of a horror, due
to the almost gothic elements of death and violence.
The opening sequence further presents an enigmatic vibe, through
the establishment of purge feed in the top right hand corner. This
leaves the audience wondering what purge is and its relevance to
the film.