Opening Sequence - 'Sixth Sense'

 The opening sequence for 'Sixth Sense' is effective as the genre is instantly recognisable. Through the use of Mise-en-scene, Camerawork, Editing and Sound we are introduced to the characters and the films plot.

Mise-en-scene
At the start of the clip we first see the credits which are all in one font, this makes us believe that the film is a thriller because the font is what we would usually associate with danger or horror. 
Then we can see a row of candles and cards made by children, even though we have yet to meet the characters we are told to believe that they are successful and well loved by a lot of people, they hold some degree of importance. The candles suggest that they are having a relaxing evening. The importance of the characters is also represented through the setting as the house that they are in is a big and wealthy looking, from this we can tell the characters have high authority.
The clothes that the couple are wearing make them seem rich and wealthy but when we see the little boy we can see that he is a lot poorer. We can tell from the little boys clothing that he isn't like a lot of other little boys and might be shy. This makes us feel sympathy towards the boy as he looks cold and sad.




Camerawork
At the start of the scene we see a long shot is used from outside in the hallway, this gives us a look at the couple from another perspective and makes us seem them differently then to what we did before.

When the couple are upstairs a quick pan is used from Malcolm to Vincent, this draws our attention away from Malcolm to Vincent. This make us see how bad the situation is and causes a sense of mystery as we want to why Vincent has broken in to their house. The use of steadicam at this moment shows how out of control the situation. It also shows how someone from such a high authority hasn't gained power over what is happening.
The close up of Vincent makes us feel sympathetic towards him because we see how scared and distraught he is. Soft Focus is also used to shows irrelevant information which builds up the suspense atmosphere.

Editing
The opening sequence starts of with the credits which are all slowly edited together which tells is who the actors are but also emphasis the genre, we can ell that it is a thriller because its slow and creates suspense.
When the couple are talking a shot reverse shot is used to show their conversation. This gives us an insight to what the couple are like, we can tell that they are in love and wanting a romantic evening. When the camera switches to the man it stays there for longer than when on the women, this suggests that the man has the power in the relationship instead of the women.
After Vincent shoots Malcolm and himself a fade into black is used. This shows that some time has passed before we see the next scene. This makes the audience asks questions such as what has happened to Malcolm and Vincent? and What is about to happen next?
Before Vincent shoots Malcolm another shot reverse shot is used between the two but instead of the camera staying longer of Malcolm its stays longer on Vincent and slowly starts to zoom into his face. This creates tension beteen the two men but also makes the audience see how much emotional pain Vincent is in.

Sound
When the credits appear on screen slow 'sting' like music is played which tells us that the genre is thriller. When we see the couple downstairs together the diegetic sound tells us how classy they are, as the music seems like slow dancing music.
When the couple are upstairs facing Vincent the music stops every few seconds. This constant stopping creates mystery and suspense as we have yet to find what is about to happen the three people.
When Vincent shoots his gun the sound effects are louder then what it normally would be. This puts emphasis on the fact that the main character has already been shot, it also creates a sense of danger because we think that Malcolm is dead and we want to find out if he's alive or not. While Vincent is picking up his gun the non-diegetic music is misleading as it sounds happy and joyful where as in reality Malcolm has been severely injured.