North by Northwest
The opening sequence here is engaging because it leaves room for some suspense to build in the movie due to there being no characters, plot or even much setting presented. Also the use of different titles coming from different directions all over the screen helps one to be amused by the use of surprise as the audience do not know what direction they are coming from and where they will be placed on the screen. The sound heard in the opening sequence is non-diegetic. It uses a varying level of dynamics that also brings along the feeling of suspense, however instead of it being quiet and eerie it is rather up beat which suggests the movie will be more about finding someone or something, rather than spooky and mysterious about some sort of area of the unknown. Since there isn't any characters introduced there isn't any make up or costumes to be analysed, however the limited look at people suggests the movie is set around the 60s. The setting also seems to look like it is somewhere in New York or another American city of the sorts. The way the editing is done is very interesting. Essentially for most of the opening sequence the only shot shown is that of the side of a building, however it is the editing that makes this interesting with the organisation of the opening titles on the side of the building making it look as if they are being shown to the whole city which suggests its importance.
Dark Knight Rises
The opening sequence's use of fast changing images, broken glass, fire and water ripples automatically has the audience engaged as it sets the tempo of the movie and suggests some form of past. It also sets up the genre as a action thriller. The use of black and white lighting in the opening sequence put together with the very little information given sets up an area of suspense and mystery that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats wanting to know more. There is not much of a setting established. The only small bit is right at the end when the batman mask is left half broken on the ground. This suggests some form of identity has been abandoned or forgotten about by Batman and/or Bruce Wayne. The only sound is non-diegetic and is a very menacing piece of music which engages the viewer as much as the footage. This being because as soon as the movie starts we are hit with drums and orchestrated music which commands the viewers attention. Towards the end of the sequence we see a character, but we don't yet know who it is. We only see gloved hands which additionally gives the impression of mystery, as the gloves are presumably worn to hide the wearer's identity. The person in disguise draws a ring around Bruce Wayne's picture, this suggests to the audience how the man circled is the protagonist of the film.
Shutter Island
The opening sequence of the movie engages with the audience because of the confusion it creates along with the creation of the unknown. It pulls the audience in to want to know more. The use of darkly lit settings along with sharp attacking music and bold red credits at the start and end creates a visual tension that makes the audience feel as if they themselves are in danger. Editing in some shots such as the spinning stair case adds an element of illusion and confusion which suggests the audience should not completely understand parts of the movie at first and will be caught guessing about what is actually happening. Mis en scene is established in shots such as the one seen with a door in dark lighting with some form of water dripping from above. This creates a morbid feeling in the atmosphere of the setting and produces some form of discomfort and anxiousness due to an eeriness connected to the setting which gives the audience 'goosebumps'. In one shot flames are used to add suspense and danger as well as a gun in another shot which adds to the danger and produces a sense of crime as well which may intrigue the audience. The use of gates and handcuffs in some shots shows a prison theme in the movie and along with the overall setting of a dark island, produces a theme of isolation as well.Limitless
Limitless' opening sequence intrigues the audience because of the way that it already pretty much straight away, introduces to us a character who is speaking some profound words that us as the audience do not fully understand at this point of time but expect to understand as the movie progresses. The first sound us as the audience hear even before picture is shown is the diegetic sound of loud bangs against some form of metal door. This indicates that there is a feeling of trapped and loneliness already found at the start of the movie. However another alternative interpretation of this shot would be that the feeling of being trapped is purposeful due to it also creating an atmosphere of threat. Long shots of empty rooms supports this feeling but also indicates some form of danger. The first character we are introduced to is a man in high class clothing standing over a ledge on a high building. This makes the audience wonder what happened to get this man here and often leads us to think about suicide. The use of editing after this point includes using a high speed zoom down to the ground and then an almost focused zoom through different cars to make the audience feel as if they too are part of this journey.
