Film Opening Research #1 - Murder on the Orient Express

1.) How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

One title is shown in the film opening, and it is blue, ambient letters that say "Murder on the Orient Express" amid a black screen. The bright lettering amid such a dark and blank screen may help to show how, later on, there will be an isolated and mysterious attack.

2.) What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

The first image prioritized in the opening scene is the "Wailing Wall" in Jerusalem. Specifically, there is a little boy running through the Jerusalem town into a kitchen. In the kitchen, viewers see eggs, a timer, and a warm interaction between the egg-carrying boy and a man with a curly mustache.

3.) What connotations do the images carry?

The timer gives a feeling of a time limit and rush, where similarly, the eggs give a feeling of fragility. Viewers feel nervous and rushed, but yet with a sense of protection over the eggs.

4.) How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

The symbolic code of location is important in this as the mysterious yet bustling land helps to develop a sense of urgency and mystery. In terms of sound, the bells at the beginning of the film make viewers feel rushed and conscious of time which too, makes viewers wonder where this mysterious film is going. Mystery films have smaller parts that come together, where in this case, the mysterious aspects of the film are meant to later come together to tell a more complete story. Similarly, the quick paced music following the little boy helps to further the mysterious rush. Also, the use of darker colors in the strange, picky man's office creates a sense of wonder around him that is typical of characters found in a mystery film.

5.) How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

An enigma is a mystery, and the film creates a sense of mystery in the beginning through a variety of factors. For example, viewers do not know much about the setting, who the characters are, much about the little boy nor why he is exactly rushing, what the importance of the eggs are, or why there is such a time rush.

6.) What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

Given that this film is a mystery film, the various random objects, strange setting, and undefined characters set viewers up immediately for confusion and an inquiry of what could possibly come next.

7.) How has technology been used effectively? 

Technology has been used effectively through the camera shots that made these scenes stronger. For example, the establishing shot was used to show the mysterious setting and a close up introduced viewers to the sand timer that also leads to a great amount of wonder. Also, the use of long shot helps to show the quick little boy among a multitude of adults in this strange land that creates even more question. For example, why is he running, where is he running to, and who is he?