Black Swan- opening scene analysis

  Black Swan-opening scene 

The titles read: 

Fox searchlight Pictures Presents

In association with 

Cross Creek Pictures 

A Protozoa and phoenix pictures production

Black Swan

A Darren Aronofsky film

 

The opening of Black Swan is presented as having a dramatic and sinister theme.White, bold,serif font is portrayed and this could reflect the swan's image. In addition the added embellishments on the text could also reflect the elegance and sophistication of the ballet dancers. Futhermore the text is on a black background and therefore draws the audience's attention to the title. Another point to note is that the overall opening title is fairly simplistic and plain, however this creates suspense and engages the viewers due to them not knowing of the following events within the extract.

The image above presents the text from the title sequence and creates an overall dark and mysterious feel. The text' A DARREN ARONOFSKY FILM' is written in bold, sans-serif font and therefore draws in the reader's attention. The text is portrayed to be written in black and this colour has connotaions of danger, however it could also reflect the black swan. Dark/low lighting has also been used and this is very common within thrillers as again it creates a sinister and mysterious feel which engages the audience.

Again, the image above continues to use the same theme and presents the text 'IN ASSOCIATION WITH CROSS CREEK PICTURES' in dark, bold, sans-serif font. During the opening sequence non-diegetic, instrumental music is played and the use of pianos and violins helps create a dramatic and tense introduction and therefore puts the viewer on edge before the extract starts. The image above also shows a hand drawing with a black, pastel crayon in the background and this could suggest that somebody is drawing the black swan and again creates a dark overall feel.

The extract uses a long shot of the main character, Nina , who is shown to be dancing on stage. This shot is used to present the setting and introduce her character to the audience. In addition the long shot presents Nina's character as vulnerable and isolated on the stage and therefore implies that her role may be the protagonist and that the thriller is revolved around her charcter. Futhermore due to her character being portrayed as timid, the audience could assume that her character could possibly be attacked or she could experience a sinister situation later on in the film and therefore causes the audience to naturally warm towards her role. Whilst Nina is performing on the stage, the extract uses a mid-shot which could be used to place emphasis on her character and allows the audience to view her emotions and body language. The shot also informs the audience about her occupation, which is a ballet dancer, however ballet dancers usually have connotaions of grace and elegance and this particular role is fairly strange to appear in a thriller film and therefore creates confusion.

Whilst Nina takes part in her performance, her character is conveyed wearing a stereo-typical ballet leotard and tutu, therefore this implies that her character is gentle and fairly girly. Also her costume is the colour white and this colour has connotations of sophisication, purity and therefore represents Nina as angelic and vulnerable. Although, this representation implies that her character could have little authority and that later on in the extract she could be a victim. On the other hand, Nina is accompanied by a male character who is also dancing on the stage. However he is presented wearing a black, feather cloak and implies that he has great authority and dominance over Nina. Another point to note is that his character is presented as sinister and evil and automatically causes the audience to go against him, due to him being presented as the antagonist, also low key lighting is used during the ballet performance which again reflects the dramatic dance and the danger that Nina's character is in.

The movie uses a fade transition to introduce Nina on the stage. This particular technique is fairly slow and gentle, therefore it could reflect the calm and graceful mood of the dance and Nina's character. In addition this technique is used to make the audience relaxed and at ease, which is un-common for a thriller, however it could also suggest that something bad may happen in the following events and therefore builds up tension and engages the viewer. Another implied technique is a long take and this is used when Nina is being attacked by the male character. This particular edit is used to make the attack seem a longer duration and that Nina is in a vulnerable and weak position. Furthermore a long take is commonly used in a thriller, due to it building more tension and suspense and presents the victim as vulnerable.

During Nina's solo performance, the extract uses instrumental, diegetic music. The use of gently played violins and flutes creates a peaceful and relaxed environment and therefore represents Nina and the dance as sophisticated and calm. However, when the male character enters the stage, the music suddenly becomes more deeply prolonged and the instruments are played louder and more aggressively, which then causes the audience to feel tenser and slightly uncomfortable. Futhermore this particular build-up of the music is common in a thriller, again as it creates a more sinister theme and tension.

Clip analysed-