Opening sequence analysis of What Lies Beneath

The opening sequence of what lies beneath automatically creates tension and suspense by relating the opening sequence to the title of the film, as the film starts with an underwater shot with the titles that seem to flicker and fade away. This creates a feeling of suspense among the audience and will keep them on the edge of their seats, the music also creates tension as it is slow and solemn and whispers can be heard underneath the music. Also some members of the audience may have a fear of being held underwater so the opening sequence my strike them with fear before the film has began. After the underwater sequence there is a close up of a ghostly woman’s face, then the face turns to Michelle Pfeiffer and the camera pulls away from the water as she comes from under the water. There is a long zoom shot of her catching her breath, the camera eventually ends up on a close up of her. The camera then cuts to her when she is out of the bath and using a hairdryer to remove the condensation from the mirror. A close up of the hairdryer failing to work is shown and results in sparks of electricity after she tries the plug socket, this reveals to the audience the mystery genre of the film and that paranormal events may take place. Because the camera is on a close up of the hair dryer it is more likely to gain a reaction from the audience and throughout the film the audience would be on the edge of their seat.

       Overall I think that the opening sequence in What Lies beneath is used to create a paranormal effect and to set the tone for the entire film. The hairdryer randomly sparking creates the paranormal tone and the audience will expect more paranormal activity throughout the film, and they will be on the edge of their seat due to the anticipation of the that the film creates in the opening sequence.