Mise-en-scene, editing, sound and camera work are used in The Sixth Sense in order to portray to the audience information that every opening sequence should answer such as 'Who are the main characters' and 'What is the main plot'.
Mise-En-Scene
The opening to The Sixth Sense contains mise-en-scene. For example in the scene when Dr Crow finds one of his former patients in the bathroom, no costume is used to show the characters unstable mental healthy placing the audience on edge as his movements are shaky as he is trying to cover himself making us feel on edge and nervous to. The mental character also has make-up to represent scares and bruises again portraying his ill health as he is harmful to himself suggesting that he may also be harmful to Dr
Crow making the audience empathise with Crow who is the protagonist. Mise-en-scene is also used in the form of lighting such as when Dr Crow enters the bedroom lighting in the bedroom is low key creating gloom and suspense although the bathroom light is on foreshadowing what is about to happen. This is unusual in a thriller/mystery film as the director is hinting at the plot however it is extremely effective as it misleads the audience.
Sound
Sound is important within the opening sequence to The Sixth Sense as it creates the mood and atmosphere through out the scenes communicating to the audience how they should feel. For instance, the low tone and use of strings in the musical score create intense tension that magnifies as the score increase in tempo and pitch until it reaches a climax when Dr Crow finds the patient. This is complimented by the use of ambient sound within the clip such as the disconnected phone lying on the ground beeping continuously which gives the audience their first clue that something is not right and builds tension onwards. Ambient sound is again then used when the mental patient slams his hand against the bathroom door sending shocks of hyperbolic sound signifying that the character is violent and dangerous making us empathise with Dr Crow. Finally, silence also plays a part in the sequence creating tension with it misleading the audience into a false sense of security then shocking them suddenly
. Camera Work
Camera work in the sequence is used in order for the audience to feel nervous from an outsiders point of view rather then as the character themselves. For example, in the first scene Crow's wife is in the wine cellar where a longshot is used, followed by a camera movement of tracking, from behind suggesting that she is being watched and then followed. The long shot also shows her empty
surroundings communicating that she is alone and vulnerable causing the audience to feel on edge.
Another camera movement used is panning such as in the one of the opening shots when an array of thank you cards are shown. This establishes to the audience that Dr Crow is good at his job and also sets the location as we see his house and possessions leading us to understand his wealth through his success. 
Editing
Finally, editing is used in the opening sequence in order to set the scene and show the passing of time for the audience. 'South Philadelphia' is written central on the screen in bold black letters displaying how the plot has moved on answering our previous question of "Did Dr Crow survive?"
The ending of The Sixth Sense opening sequence has helped to identify the main characters, plot and location of the film which has captured the audiences attention and pulled them in to continue watching through us wanting to know questions like "Is Dr Crow getting a second chance at life?"
No comments:
Post a Comment