Opening sequence analysis

I will be analysing how the use of editing creates atmosphere in the opening sequence of Flight Plan.


The pace of the sequence starts off very fast as short duration shots are used, showing a train speed past. There are a series of shots like this, lasting about 2 seconds each. This creates atmosphere as it takes you by suprise as it flashes onto the screen. The pace then slows down when the train stops. There is a long duration shot showing a woman sitting at the train station. Atmosphere is created by long duration shots such as this one as it builds up a sense of curiosty as you begin to wonder why she is sitting there. The construction also creates an atmosphere here as a short duration shot and a long duration shot are placed immediately after one another which changes the pace dramatically.

There is no continuity editing in the opening sequence as it is visible to the viewer. There are a lot of jump cuts which switch between different locations, making the events look like they are in the wrong order. For example there is a jump cut between the woman sitting in the station, to her being in a morgue looking at a man in a coffin. It then jumps again to her being in the station with this man, almost like a flashback, however she is wearing the same clothes. This creates atmosphere because a lot of tension is built up; the viewer knows something isn't right.

The transitions in the opening sequence also create a bit of atmosphere. There is a fade transition to another location using silhouttes of aeroplanes. This makes the film seem creepy as the title of the film, Flight Plan, suggests that a plane is involved, and then one suddenly appears on the screen.

Overall, the editing seems to reflect the mood and pace of events in the film. The opening sequence seems quite sad as somebody has died, however the contrast of the editing in parts such as the construction of the sequence, suggests something isn't right, and adds a bit of tension to it.