2. Mise-en-scène Initially the location is unknown as the viewer is presented with titles of production companies involved and a black screen in place of an establishing shot. There is then a cut to a cafe full of people staring at something off-camera. The accents suggest somewhere in the UK and an immediate question of location is created, this is something common to thrillers due to the lack of establishing shots, adding to the unknown. The protagonist isn’t initially introduced, much like the location, reflecting on the mystery. There is not one particular focus until Clive Owen’s character, Theo enters the centre of frame. This allows the viewer to study the expressions of those in the crowd before finding the main protagonist. There’s a very blue and undersaturated colour scheme in and out of the café, reflecting the overall mood of the scene, a sad, lost and dying population that have no hope. The film follows the Thriller concept of a real world, this is emphasised by the use of realistic British weather. Titles set the time period, telling the viewer it’s the near future may suggest a level of action.

3. The costumes used are very similar to most modern clothing: Long coats, jumpers, jackets, knit wear etc. Everything is fitting and as expected for the near future. However, the colour scheme is very dark, featuring lots of greys and blues possibly indicating to the depressed feel of the nation. Theo is fairly well dressed, on his way to work, long black coat. Despite dressing well he looks tired and worn out, as do many of the others in the café Theo says very little in the opening sequence, merely orders a coffee. This doesn’t provide a huge amount of information about his social status except that he looks like any other person who works in London. His body language differs from the majority inside the café. He doesn’t appear sad due to the apparent tragedy of the death of the youngest person in the world that can heard being reported, he comes off more annoyed at the people who are just standing there in shock whilst he continuous with his daily routine. Not necessarily pessimistic but realistic. This introduces the viewer to the protagonists personality. Theo has a bottle of spirits that he ours into his coffee, this is done in a very casual way implying it’s a regular occurrence and links to the narrative by hinting to the situation of the world. It also provides the viewer with information about Theo: he is drinking first thing in the morning. Why? To take the edge off? To help face the day? Alcohol is typical to the Thriller genre as it’s a depressant, indicating a troubled past or present and the possibility of something hidden.

4. Cinematography There are very few different types of shots used as there are very long takes in the opening, this is something seen throughout the film. A lengthy tracking shot is used that varies between wide and long shots and a small in comparison close- up of the screen in the cafe is shown. Excessively long takes were used throughout the film to create a realistic and documentary type feel, this is something the director, Alfonso Cuarón has said. The use in this sequence allows the viewer to see the state of London, this could be seen as a substitute for the lack of establishing shot. The single cut to a close up of the news report in the café is done to clearly show where and what the group are looking at, but also the implication of narrative as the memorial provides an insight into the history of this near future world without breaking the forth wall.Alfonso Cuarón The opening is filmed through a handheld camera which focusses on Theo and follows him on to the street, pausing to observe London and then catching up with him. Once Theo stops the camera moves around him to look down the street they have just walked up. The explosion goes off and keeps Theo in frame showing he’s ok, once assuring the viewer the protagonist is safe it moves quickly and shakily into the haze where a screaming woman with one arm in seen. The movements of the camera are very slow and fluid, fitting with the drab mise-en-scene and generates a familiar yet uncomfortable atmosphere common in Thrillers. The movements of the camera are as if it anticipates something, a feeling that may be reflected on to the viewer, shown when the camera moves around Theo to make sure the explosion is clearly shown and emphasises Theo was very recently there. This may create the impression for the viewer that near death experiences are a normal part of a daily routine. A very slow pace is set due to the long takes minimal amount of cuts. The tracking shot also moves slowly whilst following Theo emphasising reality. The opening sets the pace for the rest of the film, a slow build up to a total unexpected explosion.