Analysis of the Dark Knight

(The first two minutes)

Micro-elements:
- Camerawork (angles and movement):
We picked out a selection of what we thought were the most significant camera shots used in the opening to help reveal the genre of 'The Dark Knight' and create a meaning for the audience.

1) The first shot seen by the audience is an establishing shot revealing the location where this film is set. The first impressions given to the audience through this camera shot is that it is set in a wealthy, built-up city where ordinary people work and live. The setting indicates a realistic setting which enables the audience to relate to. This shot has allowed the audience to get an instant insight to the setting which allows them to have clear understanding before the narrative is introduced. The movement of the camera zooms closer into the buildings very slowly and steadily until the camera reaches a glass window where the action is revealed. This adds suspense as the audience are anticipating the movement of something yet to be revealed.

2) This is the first shot we see of the main character - The Joker. This long shot used has a very suspicious effect as we cannot see his face, so we have no awareness of the character's appearance, yet the audience fully establishes his significance. The camera zooms in slowly in the direction of the mask he is holding keeping the attention on him and the importance of his mask being held. 3) There is a pan shoot used when the characters fly across a tightrope from one building to another. This camerawork technique has added a dynamic and powerful expression to the action and motion. The fact that the camera is a high-angle shot makes the shot appear more frightnening as it adds vulnerability. However, the swift motion of the pan shoot makes the shot feel intense and strong.4) There is a medium shot used when we see the conversation between these two characters. This shot has enabled the audience to see both characters closely, as it is important to identify who is talking because the audience aren't able to see their lips moving. This shot symbolises the notion of teamwork and the planning of the character's actions. It also gives a suspicous feel as it questions the audience about the expressions of the masks because so far it has only been seen on a side view.
5) When the robbery takes place in the opening, the main camera shot used allows the audience to see a lot on the screen. This example is a long shot which has most importantly enabled the audience to see the characters movements and actions as well as the setting around them. This is the part where the normal conventions of a thriller has been used as represents what usually is included in this genre. During this part, there is a quick movement of camera shots which add fast impact.- Sound:
From the very beginning, the music begins when the audience can see the establishing shot, the use of non-diegetic sound is similar to the notion of a timer ticking. This gives the impression of a time limit, which builds up a sense of suspense. This indicates to the audience an idea of the characters being under pressure. When the audience sees the first shot of the joker, the music adds shock and tension to the atmosphere, this signifies this characters importance in the movie straightaway. As the scene persists the music intensifies when the Joker walks into the car, this reveals the significance of the scene going to happen.

The use of parallel editing is made clear through the vivid use non-diegetic music, this is because the music alternates between each scene showing the dissimilarity of the scenes which are in deep contrast to one another. Despite the fact that there are moments of intense and blaring music, there is a continuation of the music which was at the beginning throughout the opening, this shows the persistence of the scene and highlights the important parts.

- Editing/special effects:
Contiinutity editing is used consistent throughout the opening, there is a part where there are several shots of the burglars setting up the zip line and planning on landing on the roof, this demonstrates the complexity and fast pace of the plan. The editing as a whole indicates the efficiency and speed in which the burglary is set up and completed.

A creative part of the editing is when two characters are having a conversation about the main character and while their conversation persists, the scene in which is being displayed on the screen is changed while the conversation between the characters is still happening. The effect of this is that it indicates the importance of the conversation they're having by allowing it to persist. It also shows the relation of their conversation with the footage that is being shown.

A special-effect used in the opening scene is the use of wire work on the tightrope. As the target audience is likely to be males, they are steretypically interested in action, therefore this special-effect represents the genre as it includes adds 'thrill' to the atmosphere. As this is the opening scene it gives the audience an insight into the atmosphere and the feel of the movie as well as what's likely to be included later in the movie. The atmosphere created through this is a fast-paced, upbeat environment which reveals the genre.

Mise-en-scene

- Setting:
The first shot is an establishing shot revealing the location of the movie - a large, wealthy-looking cityscape. This indicates the genre by showing the realism and naturalistic appearance of the setting. This enables the audience to relate to the setting as it is a normal location, unlike the narrative. However, this location does not represent the genre as it gives no clues or indication for the audience to relate to.
- Costume:
The costume that appears in the opening is very dissimilar to the normal conventions of thriller costumes. The vivid use of the 'joke' masks worn by the majority of bugulars excites the curiosity of the audience as it very unusual and would intrigue the audience. The masks would be appear really odd and freaky to the audience, especially in comparison to the characters clothes. They are wearing ordinary, black work uniform which seems normal compared to the masks. The constant use of the masks closely resemble the make-up used on the main character - the joker. Despite the fact the audience haven't seen him yet it highlights his appearance and significance when they do see him.

The robbers portray a very creepy and eery image, the use of the facial masks add to the identity of the robbers, making the audience feel at unease as the robbers true expressions are hidden behind the unfitting emotions of the masks in comparison to the narrative. This costume is in deep contrast to the bankers suits in order to differientiate the the good and bad characters.
- Props:
The main prop included in the opening are guns which is a common prop used in a thriller, the fact that this prop is used helps represent its genre. In relation to identifying the characters, the audience can see that the characters carrying guns are criminals, therefore allowing th audience to recognise that fact because of the prop.

- Lighting:
The lighting that can be seen the opening is very dark and 'shadowy'. The main aim of this is to allow the lighting used resemble the theme of the storyline. In order to link in with the conversations and the setting, the lighting works well with the rest of the mise-en-scene in order to portray a dark and perhaps mysterious approach to the scene.