Wallander - Opening sequence analysis

The opening sequence for Wallander creates strong emotions against the antagonists through the use of mise-en-scene, camera work, sound and editing which keeps the audience engaged and wanting justice. The clip draws the audience in through an early development of character and audience relationship leaving questions such as 'Did the girls really murder him?' and 'If not - who did?'.

 

Mise -En - Scene
The opening shows the audience a clear contrast in the characters by using costume. For example, the girls who are identified as the murders are seen wearing gothic style clothes of blacks and covered in piercings. This represents the girls as cold and unloving due to their lack of colour enhanced by the blunt expressions on their faces. The piercings also make them seem unapproachable and off putting meaning that the audience are less likely to feel sympathy for them as the potential murders as instead they are repelled by their image. This contrast to the detectives costume of a suit as he seems more approachable and respectful influencing how the audience see and feel towards him as the protagonist. Props are also used such as the blood dripping knife shown through a close up. The knife signifies how a violent crime has been committed and makes the audience feel tension and resentful towards the murders making it easier for the clip to play on the audiences emotions as they have a lot of detail.

Camera Work
An establishing shot is first used and features the countryside allowing the audience to see the location and set the scene. The camera then uses a zoom to focus on the vehicle where the murder took place. By using these techniques the audience can see how isolated the victim is from everyone and everything making the audience feel helpless as they know that nobody can save them. An extreme close up using shallow focus shows all of the victims possessions inside of the car allowing the audience focus to only be on what the director wants them to see such as the photo of the victims family. This makes the audience empathise and feel remorse for the character as they have been shown some of the victims life meaning they have formed an attachment to them.  Shallow focus in again used when the police car arrives drawing all the attention towards them showing its importance and authority.








Sound
Sound is used within the opening sequence for Wallander such as the productions title. The musical score used in the titles is slow in pace and builds emotion that relates to the scene the audience just witnessed by including lyrics like 'Knuckles bleed' helping to place the audience on edge and feel sympathy towards the victim. The end of the score also featured hyperbolic sound of the scores last word having an echo that stays with the audience and leaves a cold and unnerving feeling with them. A strong use of ambient sound is also used throughout the clip such as the girls walking and their death breathing. This all adds to the tension and atmosphere of the scene unfolding due to the silence making it all seem more real. Lastly, a sting is also used once a close up of the murder weapon is shown increasing in a high and uncomfortable pitch making the audience wince.