The first shot in the lost highway opening scene is a close up of Fred Madison smoking a cigarette. Close up shots are a typical attribute of a thriller so it helps us to determine the genre of the film. This shot is effective because it gives us an initial representation of his character and could indicate what he will be like throughout the film. The fact that he is smoking could show that he is lonely and worried or stressed about something or someone. The close up allows us to see the anxious expression on his face which also backs up the idea that there is something going on that we don't yet know about. In contrast to this we later see mid and long shots of Fred walking around his apartment. This is effective because it allows us to see him hurrying around and shows his anxiety through his body language as well as his face. All of this adds to the representation of him as a mysterious character and leaves us wanting to know more, therefore making us watch on.
Sound
The deep toned none-diegetic music portrays a feeling of uncertainty and darkness. This builds tension and makes the audience question what is going on and want to find out. The lack of dialogue also adds to this tension as the only way you know what is happening is by paying attention to what you can see on screen, the sound only helps to set the mood. The only words spoken in the clip come from the man on the other end of the buzzer who speaks the words 'Dick Laurrante is dead'. This builds more tension as its the only verbal indicator you get as to what is happening. It makes the audience concentrate more thoroughly on the action and the suspense comes from the ambient sound in the extract such as the buzzer and the sound of the police car.
Mise En Scene
The extract is mainly filmed in a dimly lit room and the low key lighting inside creates shadows for effect. When Fred walks over to the buzzer we only see the dark outlined shape of him which represents him as dark and empty, without anything inside of him. It makes us think more about his personality and how the lighting reflects him and the mood of the situation. His dark clothing also reflects this and his general appearance, including untidy hair and squinted eyes makes us think that he is staying inside and fears something that is going on outside of his flat.
Editing
Lots of straight cut shots are used in this extract to represent the fast pace of the film to also signify it's genre as this is typical of a thriller. The fast transition allows tension to build as the viewpoint switches. In contrast to this long takes are used as he is walking around his flat to also build up tension and follow the action over a longer take.
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