Jaws Opening sequence Analysis

Narrative Structure:
The narrative structure of the opening sequence of Jaws has a linear narrative, this is because it is all in the present and in order of time.

Thriller Codes and conventions:
The opening also contains several codes and conventions of the thriller genre, like concealment because the audience does not know what creature or thing is in the water. Protraction is also used as there is a delaying of a suspected event, like the death of the girl in the water. The very opening of the film begins with a point of view shot, this is partial vision as it can not see who or what is in the water, this creates suspense and tension. Another convention of the thriller genre is Transform City, where a safe place is transformed into an unsafe environment. In Jaws, the beach which begins seeming quite safe and friendly turns into a very dangerous place.

Camerawork:
The point of view shot that the opening sequence begins with creates suspense as it is unknown who or what is in the water. The shot following this is a tracking shot of the teen gathering on the beach, it shows a friendly environment, then there is an establishing shot of the party. After the shot reverse shot which portrays the growing relationship of the male and female several camera angles track them running to the beach. After the girl begins to swim there is another establishing shot, it is a wide angled long take of the ocean, this shows how alone she is, emphasizing her vulnerability.

Mise-En-Scene:
The lighting in this opening sequence shows the level of danger, at the party the lighting is bright and the colours are warm, however underwater the lighting is dark and the colours are cold and daunting.
The theme tune gets faster and faster, this gains tension from the very start.

Editing:
The editing is fairly slow, this emphasises the speed that the shark is going.

Graphics:
The graphics are white on black and are super imposed.