Opening Sequence - Double Indemnity

Double Indemnity – Opening Sequence
The title of the film:
The title of the film is called ‘Double indemnity’, and at first we see that the film is in black and white but we see a silhouette of a man on crutches, maybe this is linking to the title suggesting that someone has tried to harm this person so they can get their money, but the man has survived. As usual the title is in the centre of the screen and stands out to the viewer.

How the setting/location is revealed:
The audience gets to see an establishing shot of a main road, and they see a sign within the shot telling them that the film is set in Los Angeles. Also, the viewer is shown that it is set during the night-time as the scene looks dark and also we see men working on the road.

Costumes/props:
Firstly, there is a use of a car in the opening sequence and this makes the reader question at who is driving and why are they driving out of control, furthermore the car driving crazy may suggest that the driver is in a bit of trouble and needs to sort something out, like a story is unfolding. Also, when the man is in the office on his clothing by his shoulders is a gun wound, also making the viewer wonder at what has happened and why he has got shot.

Camera work/editing:
During the opening sequence of when the titles are appearing of producers and actors, the silhouette of the man is being zoomed on maybe making the viewer wonder who this man is and why he is on crutches. Also, the long shot of the office works really well as it shows that the insurance company is big by the amount of desks, but is shown as being empty with only cleaners there cleaning.

Title and font style:
Like in other thriller opening sequences we see the traditional usage of bold, simple texts that are central within the screen. Also, as before I feel that the usage of this simple lettering doesn’t give that much away for the audience forcing them to watch on and see what the film is all about.

How the opening sets the story:
Well we see a main road with a crazy driver in a car, and then we see this car pull up by a work building with a lobby. We then see the man go up in a lift to the place where he works and then we see him sit back in his own office, and it’s like he is about to confess what has happened and this sets the story for the viewer making them watch on to find out.

How does it suggest that it’s a thriller:
The opening sequence could suggest that the film is a thriller, by all the shadowing used throughout the opening sequence making it a lot more creepy for the viewer, almost forcing them to watch on. Also, the music in the opening sequence makes out the film is going to be a thriller as it’s very sinister and builds a lot of tension for the viewer.

The characters introduced:
In the opening sequence we meet the driver of the car, and we learn that his name is Mr Nef, and we learn that he is an important person in his business as he has his own office showing that he has power. Also, we meet another male but not as powerful as Mr Nef, almost like he works for Mr Nef.

Special effects:
In ‘Double Indemnity’ opening sequence I believe that there are no real special effects, but it is kept simple and basic making it easier for the viewer to understand the plot of the film, also there seems to be a lot of fades between each clips maybe making it flow more.