Secret Window opening analysis

Secret Window is a psychological thriller. The main idea of this sub-genre is to reveal the psychology of the characters rather than the main plot go the film. The director's intention for the opening of the film was to create suspense. The range of techniques used all add to this tense and gloomy atmosphere and set up enigma codes to get the audience thinking for the rest of the film. 

The first shot that we see is a close up shot. In the shot, we can see the protagonist's very crucial facial expressions. The director would have used this shot to express the emotion of the character. He looks very stern and serious in this shot, setting up an enigma code as to why he is acting the way that he is. The isolation of this shot also helps to symbolise the mindset that the character has found himself in. 

The next shot we see is an establishing shot. Directors would use an establishing shot to help to set the scene for the piece. In this case, we see the outside of a shabby looking motel. As viewers, we are expecting to see an eerie location rather than a motel as the narration suggests that where he has come from is a place that he has associated with something very frightening. This makes us curious as to why he believes that he should not go back to the motel. We begin wondering what could have happened there to make him believe that he should not go back there. It draws us in and makes us want to continue watching.

The director uses a medium shot when the protagonist runs in to find his wife and another man in bed together. The use of this shot allows us to see his body language and his urgency in the scene. We see that he hurries to the door as if he cannot wait for the truth any longer. It makes us wonder how he knew they would be there together and for how long he has known about their secret.

One of the last shots we see used is a high angle shot. This shot almost shows the scene from the protagonist’s point of view. It shows us what he sees from his eyes creating an emotional bond with the character. It shows the vulnerability of the other two characters compared to our protagonist in the shot.

The first scene is set in the car of the protagonist of the film. The scene is very dark with very few bright colours. There is snow on the ground and the breath of the actor can be seen in the air showing us that it is a cold winter’s night. This creates a tense and gloomy atmosphere from the very first shot.

We are shown a view from outside of a shabby looking motel. The use of monochromatic colours continues the gloomy atmosphere that was felt from the start. There are no bright colours apart from the red motel sign. The use of the colour red here represents danger and foreshadows the idea of something bad happening to the lead character. It leaves the viewers feeling anxious and on-edge.

In the very first shot, we see a ring on the wedding finger of the protagonist. We are shown this as he purposefully moves his hand on to the top of the steering wheel. Showing us this ring helps to reveal a snippet of the storyline to the viewers. It explains the scene that they are due to witness soon and highlights the significance of the scene itself.

The use of the sound bridge in the beginning of the clip creates tension from the very first shot. We hear the sound of the wipers on the car as the production logo is displayed on the screen. Before the first shot can be seen, the sounds of these wiper blades resemble a heartbeat. This could hint at danger for the viewer.

The voiceover in the first scene acts as the protagonist’s conscience. The use of this non-diegetic sound reveals the character’s inner thoughts and feelings, showing the viewer an insight into the personality of the character. Doing this creates a sense of suspense as to what’s to happen throughout the film. It draws the viewer in to make them want to watch the rest of the film. 

When the character enters the motel for the first time, all voices and sound can be heard clearly and each word can be picked out. When he enters the room that his wife is in, all of the voices become muffled and disturbed. Adding this effect to the sound of the film represents the character’s mindset. He is almost dazed and confused which is mirrored through the use of this technique.

The use of diegetic sound used throughout this clip helps to add to the realism of the film. In the opening scene, we hear the screeching of the car tires on the road. The use of this diegetic sound suggests to us that this character is in a rush to get to where he is going. It tells us that he is not thinking straight, as he is reckless and not driving with caution.

The use of the non-diegetic orchestral sound at the end of the sequence adds to the mystery of the piece. The use of the lower strings section creates a dark and eerie sound; very fitting to the scene we have just witnessed. It helps to tie the sequence to a close and does not allow the tense atmosphere to die out. It carries this feeling through to the next scene.

Continuity editing is used throughout this opening sequence. The director has used slow cuts in the beginning so that each shot is long and they almost seem to linger. The director would have done this to create a sense of mystery for the viewers. The idea that the shots focus on one element for a long time allows viewers to really take in what is happening in front of them. It helps to intensify the enigma codes and causes the viewers to really have to think through what they are watching.

There has been a continuity error in this sequence. As the protagonist leaves the car to enter the motel for the second time, a shot through the mirror in the car shows that he purposefully slams the door of his car shut as he leaves. When he returns, we see that this door has been left wide open. This error could quite easily go unnoticed but when spotted, it sadly spoils the flow of the film. It hinders the realism and slightly takes away from the overall effect of the film.

The cross dissolve to water at the end of the opening sequence allows the focus of the piece to change. It separates what has just happened previously from what the viewer is going to witness next. It completely puts what has just been played to once side, making the viewer wonder why they were just shown what they were, drawing them in to the film further.

I believe that the opening sequence from the film ‘Secret window’ is very successful in its deliverance. It holds many of the typical characteristics of a thriller such as the use of enigma codes and the build up of tension through the use of sound and editing that we see featured throughout.