Analysis of The secret window.

The Secret Window Opening Scene Analysis

The Secret Window is a psychological thriller, starring Johnny Depp. It was written and directed by David Koepp, and based on the novel Secret Window, Secret Garden by Stephen King. The opening sequence is used to build up suspense and tension.
Before the film starts windscreen wipers are heared, they sound very simular to a heart beat, which helps to build up this suspense and tension. The film starts with a still close up shot of Johnny Depps face. He is all alone in a car outside a motel. It is night time and its raining, this creates an eery atmosphere and also makes the actor become vulnerable. There is not a lot of colour here apart from a very bright red motel sign. This could be a connatation. The sign could be symbolising blood. This gives us a sense of danger which in turn creates tension. Johnny clenches the steering wheel again symbolising tension. He is also wearing his wedding ring which is strange as he’s about to find his wife with another man.
The titles are basic, they dissolve in and out. We begin to hear non-digestic sounds. Johnny defies his thoughts which gives the idea he will be fighting his conscience throughout the film. This factor supports a deep psychological theme to the film. The opening sequence is giving the audience clues and ideas of what the film will be about. This could, and should make us want to watch more.
His thoughts are whispered making the person watching uneasy and we begin to listen more carefully. As we are listening the car suddenly skids back creating a loud screech which is a big contrast from the whispering. This also makes us feel more tense and vulnerable.
There is then a close up shot of the car as he gets out. The camera follows him as he walks into the motel. The camera is then watching Johnny through a window. He then walks out of this shot as another man walks into it. He walks into a room to find his wife with another man. The shot now dissolves to look as though the camera is flying over water. This is when the music begins. The tune is introduced by a cello playing at a very low pitch, creating a dark, harsh sound. Stringed instruments are often used in thriller films to create a anxious feeling. The title turns to red, this could be symbolising blood, again creating a sense of danger and suspense. Watching this opening sequence has shown me how micro factors are very important in creating a tense atmosphere. The smallest details can have the biggest connotations. Camera shots are also important when creating an effect. The opening sequence can make a person want to either watch the rest of film or not. To conclude, I have learnt the opening is vital to creating an exciting film.