Evaluation of a Film Opening

By Katie Jenkins

• The film I decided on watching was ‘The Call’. I watched the first 3:07 minutes of the film and analysed and evaluated the opening.

• ‘The Call’ is a thriller movie directed by Brad Anderson, starring Halle Berry and Abigail Breslin.

The first thing viewers see when starting the film is the production and distribution companies. In this movie there are 3 companies, ‘TriStar Pictures’ ‘WWE Studios’ and ‘Troika Pictures’ that all joined together. While they come on screen the companies personal music for their logo plays in the background, until about 30 seconds in when creepy music begins to play, setting a tense atmosphere.

For about the first minute it is all production companies and distributors. As the technical side continues, the creepy music stops and viewers hear the dialing of a phone, followed by the phrase “911 what is your emergency?”. This continues creating a tense atmosphere.

After the 911 question, there is the sound of a drum and an immediate jump cut to a city junction. There is no indication of where the film is set at the moment, possibly creating a sense of confusion for the viewer. During this time, there are people saying their problems to the police operators, as well as the sound of police sirens. The director is also presented here too, Brad Anderson.

Then, the two main actresses are shown, Halle Berry and Abigail Breslin. Halle Berry is shown first, maybe because she is more famous and well known.

While these names are being shown, calls are still going on between police and citizens. It becomes clear that this is a crime sort of thriller.

There is then another jump cut to the city lights, showing more of the setting.The title (1:53) is then shown over the backdrop of the city. It is shown in a sort of technical state, implying the police offers jobs are technical maybe?

There is then another jump cut to a close up of a person. 1:59 is the first time we are introduced to any characters. We see these characters taking calls from the 911 line. It is implied they are in

some sort of office. While this happens, other actors names are shown, like Morris Chestnut and Michael Eklund. Creepy music starts again (almost like drums) which creates a tense and quick atmosphere.

There is a close up on one of the operators screens. The word ‘CHILD’ is highlighted, implying the film may be something surrounding a child. During this whole time people are still taking calls (which relates to the title of the film) and multiple calls are being heard on top of one another, which creates and suggests a tense and busy atmosphere.

More close ups of the operators. Music starts to increase slightly, adding to the tense atmosphere. We also hear some of the calls the operators are taking and words like “blood”, “shot” and “overdose” are heard, which may make the viewer uncomfortable and tense. Crew members are also shown, like costume designers and musicians.

Jump cut and a panning shot of the operators office. There are people walking round, lots of loud talking, creating tense atmosphere again (key convention of a thriller move). First time viewers properly see the setting.

Jump cut and close up of character. By the close up and on going shot of this person it is clear they are one of the main characters in the film. Music has now paused and we hear the call between the main character and citizen.