Flightplan Opening Sequence

Opening sequence is the first 1:43 seconds

Flightplan begins with a passing yellow train; this enables the audience to decipher that the location of film is based in America, as this is the convention of the tube in America. The shot is rapidly cut by a blank screen which illustrates the opening credits. This is portrayed through a basic font in a white colour, and for a dramatic effect, high pitched sound is added which enhances the movement of the train. The previous shots fades into the next shot, and the camera steadily zooms into the back of the protagonist head. A match on action is used shortly, which presents the facial expression of the central character as the camera is in a front angle. The camera zooms into her face and we can see she is distressed as she has tears in her eyes. The title appears to the right in a similar white font text, which contrast heavily with the background. The purpose of this is to draw the audiences’ attention to the name of the film. This is followed by a rapid fade into the next shot, intertwined with a sound of a triggering gun; illustrating the genre of action in the film. An open casket is revealed, related to previous sound, through a wide shot. This highlights the genre of mystery as the viewers want to distinguish who has died. A man walks towards the protagonist and asks ‘Would you like a moment of privacy before the casket is sealed?’. The protagonist gently nods her head. The lady is dressed in black as a sign of respect for the corpse. The lighting is blue and dark. This creates a tragic and intense atmosphere, which emphasises the bereavement that has previously occurred. The opening sequence foreshadows what the film might be based upon.