Lost Highway- Opening scene analysis

Lost Highway- Opening scene 

The opening title is presented as having a overall sinsiter feel. The text 'Lost Highway' is written in sans serif-font and in the colour yellow which stands out against the black background and reflects the highway. Therefore this allows the audience to draw attention to the text and forms connotations of mystery and danger.

   In the beginning of the extract a close up shot of Fred Madison is portrayed to help introduce his character. He is depicted smoking a cigarette which could imply that  Fred as feeling isolated and bored. Furthermore after Fred is unnerved from the disturbing message received over the intercom he is presented looking out of his apartment window, searching for the mysterious man who informed him about a recent death. A point of view shot accompanied with a long shot conveys the local environment and shows that Fred is living in a modern, urban , Central area. This implies that he is possibly well known and has authority in the local area. 

During the clip low prolonged music is played which creates suspense and increases the tension. It therefore puts the audience on edge and implies that Fred is feeling confused. The Non-diegetic music suggests that something bad may happen at any moment and forms an uneasy atmosphere. A small amount of dialogue is used during the clip when the mysterious man speaks through the intercom. His tone is fairly deep and sinister and therefore suggests that he could be a antagonist and creates a threatening Ora. Furthermore this causes a narrative enigma and leaves audience to questioning the role of Fred and the unknown voice. 

Low Key lighting is used to introduce the character of Fred. This particular lighting is commonly used in thrillers due to it reflecting the characters mental state and emotions. Furthermore dark colours have connotations of confusion and disturbance which implies that Fred is vulnerable and isolated in this particular scene. His facial expression presents that he is feeling boredom and depression which is also shown in his slouched body language. 

A long take is used when Fred is venturing around his apartment. The relatively long period implies that tension is building, and therefore makes the scene last longer and puts the viewer on edge and feeling nervous about the upcoming events. Another point to note is that a eye line match is used for when Fred is peering out of his window and then the camera is shown to be looking back at him through the use of a low shot. Therefore this could imply that Fred is being watched and that he isn't alone, which again causes the audience to feel unnerved.

Clip analysed-