The credits appear on a black screen before we actually view any
of the action itself. However we can hear the background noise of
whatever is happening within the clip, a merge of footsteps, cluttering people,
trollies being pushed, general chatter, and bustle. 'Channel four' 'Canal and Arte France' and 'Daybreak pictures' are given before any introduction to cast names, these titles appear one after another, with representative graphological features, the white, then change to blue and fading effect, presenting innocence and vulnerability, and the other masculinity or alternatively sadness, fear and pain. The dark screen flips to show two women, (who appear moody and upset) walking down a hospital corridor, towards the camera as it reverses back and then flips onto the credit sequence once more. (credits convention one applies here) This creates an increased sense of enigma throughout, only viewing small snips of the action we automatically want to know more, see the whole picture, and
the withheld information. we're left asking, who are these women? where are these women? and what are they doing here? When the action is playing once again the camera jumps to a reverse angle shot and we see them walking from behind, only at this point do we here somebody speak for the first time. A question is posed, again creating even more suspense and enigma, but also establishing
that the building they are in is intact a hospital, which is then supported by some hospital staff walking past, and features of this location become more easily connectable. The costume here, and the interior help to suggest that it is set in a modern day, 21st century context. The action is all seamless, and the continuity editing creates a smooth effect, and naturalistic feel. Relationships are additionally established during the opening, we find out, (through dialogue, proximity, and interaction) that the two women are mother and daughter and they are visiting the mothers, father who is ill in hospital. We also find out they are not very close with one another, which is also reflected in the grey, dull lighting which creates a cold and uncomfortable environment. The camerawork reveals a lot as well, the extreme close ups of the old mans face, the establishing shots of certain objects, and the reaction shots, which all help to build up an indication at possible themes that could be explored, in the rest of the footage. The continuous bridging of sound throughout gives it a realistic feel, however this is broken by diegetic orchestral music, which runs parallel to the content of the action. When the action fades at the end of the sequence, this effect creates a sense that he has either passed or alternatively that we will be transported elsewhere, shifted in time, or that we are entering his mind or memories.
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