Film Opening Research #2 - Fractured

 

1. How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film? There 3 credits of the production in the introduction then the 1 title scene is presented after from the images of the x-ray of the brain.
2. What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? The opening sequence includes a warped brain scan, zooming in and distorting as the eerie music plays. The x-ray of a face is another key visual, which transforms into the title “Fractured” as the image distorts and loses shape. Additionally, there’s an establishing shot of land and a single road, with a slow-moving car and honking cars, adding to the tension.
3. What connotations do the images carry? The warped brain shows mental instability, confusion, and disorientation, setting the psychological tone. The x-ray of the face suggests vulnerability and personal identity. The single road and honking cars can show isolation and frustration, while the slow-to-frantic piano music creates tension and chaos. The distorted images emphasize the theme of a fractured mind or reality.
4. How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset? The brain scan connects to the psychological thriller genre, focusing on the mind and confusion. The distorted visuals and camera zooms make the audience feel uneasy showcasing the thriller theme. The piano music, starting slow and building up, adds to the tension, all of which are typical techniques in thrillers to create a sense of unease. 
5. How does the film establish an enigma [mystery] from the outset? The image editing is slightly greyish and dark tone to the picture itself which highlights a layer of suspense. The warped brain scan and distorted visuals also bring the audience to confusion and can also create a sense of illusions with the disorienting effects on in the character’s mind. The transition into the title can make the viewer wonder what’s real and what isn’t. The road scene and honking cars also hint at something unsettling or off, drawing the audience in to figure out the mystery.
6. What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience? The film uses visual tension, creepy music, and disorienting effects to grab the audience’s attention. These elements are all part of the psychological thriller/horror genre, which keeps the viewers on edge. The distortion of the images and frantic yet suspenseful music, draws the audience into this unsettling scene.
7. How has technology been used effectively? Technology is used in the brain scan and x-ray effects, which distort as the scene progresses, visually showing the mental confusion of the character. The camera zooms and image distortion make the audience feel disoriented. The sound design, including the ringing noise and building piano, also adds to the suspense and helps bring the audience into the unsettling mood of the film.