Collateral Opening Title
Sequence Analysis
RYAN EVANS
Mise-En-Scene
In the first shot, we are presented with
Vincent, the antagonist, who is the
only character in focus. This makes
him stand out as an important
character in the film.
The lighting is bright in
the airport, which shows
that no character is hidden
from public view, yet the
two characters are
deliberately shown in
focus to show their
significance in the scene.
Their actions help them to
blend in to the crowd,
supporting their
professionalism and
mystery in the film.
He is dressed wearing a grey suit
and tie with black sunglasses. The
colours he wears are solid,
connoting his machine imagery –
Vincent is a killing machine.
The two characters in focus now meet and
transfer their cases from one to the other.
Their black cases are mysterious; we are left
with many questions as to what’s inside
those cases: Weapons? Secret Files? A bomb?
We realise that these questions will become
clear as the film proceeds.
After the airport scene, there are a selection of
jump shots that present the atmosphere of the
taxi cab garage. The use of jump shots show the
garage’s busy schedule and stressful
responsibilities. Once Max shuts the cab door,
the sound is muffled to almost a silence, and we
see him set up his ‘office’ in the car. This implies
that Max is happiest in his cab car, and not the
garage itself. The close-up shots give detail as
to who he is and how important he is in the film.
We now understand that this man is the
protagonist.
The repetition of close-ups gives the impression
that this film wants the audience to stay focused
on the details of the narrative. This reflects on the
character’s feelings because Max has to stay
focused on his job and what mysterious people he
may pick up on his journey…
This extreme close-up shows Max’s hopes
and dreams. Perhaps he is looking for a
better life elsewhere? Maybe he needs a
goal to keep him motivated in his
occupation? These ideas support Max’s
hatred for his job and reflects on his
character’s ordinary life.
Cinematography
There aren’t many long cuts in the sequence, it mainly consists of jump shots
and close-ups. This suggests that the motion of the film is fast paced and
explosive, helping to keep the audience on the edge of their seats at all
times.
There are many obscure angles that the camera focuses on in the Taxi
garage. For example, an over the shoulder-type shot looks at the
window of a taxi which seems odd to look at on its own, but when it is
added to the other jump cuts, it gives the impression that extraordinary
things can happen in ordinary places to ordinary people. This is typical
of a Thriller film as spectacular consequences can happen at any time.
Focusing in and out with the lens is used to vary the camera shots and
to employ more detail into the mise-en-scene. These variations create
questions within the audience and help to build more anticipation as
more objects come into focus without any real action being recorded.
Sound
There is no soundtrack in the first 30 seconds of the film, only sounds
of footsteps. This creates an eerie notion which is slightly disturbing to
listen to because it is so quiet.
 The silence is then broken when the two characters bump into each
other, forcing the audience to stay focused on them both. This is a very
important technique because the audience need to see their switching
of cases between them to understand the beginning of the film.
 Once Vincent picks up the suitcase, the soundtrack begins with a solid
rhythm playing while he walks off and the Taxi garage scene begins.
This soundtrack combined with the jump cuts that are put in place
create a fast paced motion and keep the audience entertained.
 The soundtrack builds up before cutting dramatically once Max shuts
his cab door. There is still a constant rhythm playing while he is sat in
his car, but it is stripped down to one synth which sets a calming yet
apprehensive mood. This undisturbed atmosphere helps the audience
to focus on Max, supporting his important role in the film. The rhythm
still plays as he slowly exits the garage, ending the start with a good
level of anticipation.
