The Dark Knight (Christopher Nolan, 2008)

I watched the opening for Christopher Nolan's 'The Dark Knight' because it is a film I really enjoy and think it uses many media techniques. It is a sequel to Chirstopher Nolan's 'Batman Begins'.

Sound

• Non Diegetic:
• The begining music is mysterious, daunting and scary. It gets louder as we get closer to the action starting.
• The sound of the window smashing is much louder than the music.
• All the 'smaller' things sound much louder, like when the men land on the roof and the car breaks.
• The background music mirrors the tension, as it builds the music gets louder.
• Diegetic
• The speech is minimal which adds to the intensity of the scene.
• The voices when they do speak are muffled which adds to the 'unknown identity'.

Mise-en-scene

• The robbers are wearing masks. This makes the audience think about what is going on and who they are. These mirror the jokers face which is important throughout the film.
• They are all wearing similar clothes - suits and jackets, with gloves.

Lighting

• The film is initially dark, but it is day time. This adds to the intensity of the scenes.
• The lighting is all quite natural

Camerawork

• Close ups show the emotion
• Establishing shot of Gotham city which leads into a high angled shot of the men in masks which makes the audience suspicious of them.

Editing

• Editing is fast paced and shots are quick which adds to the suspence and speed of the scene.
• Continous