Opening sequence of The Sixth Sense

 The Sixth Sense is an example of a psychological thriller, with a very effective opening sequence with conventions of a psychological thriller. The reason the opening sequence is so effective is because of the use of the micro elements such as cinematography, mise-en scene, editing and sound. 

The sixth sense opening sequence starts off with the use of editing such as typography. The titles in the opening credits of this film suggest that the film has a uncertain storyline, as the credits fade in very slowly. The colours used for the typography are black and white which are very notable colours and almost gives a 'ghostly' effect. As the credits appear on the screen a non-diagetic, slow, mysterious piece of music starts to play. The music gets higher pitched each time a new name appears in the credits but will get lower pitched each time a name fades out. The music represents a creepy nature foreshadowing creepy events yet to take place throughout the film. When the title "The Sixth Sense" shows, the music gets quicker and starts to sound much more sharp, the title is then repeated. this could suggest a double meaning throughout the film maybe.

At the beginning of the opening sequence it starts off with the use of cinematography. A close up of a light bulb. this close up shot shows hardly any background and focus only on the light bulb. the light bulb slowly lights up. This could foreshadow a specific characters qualities. the fact that there is only one light bulb could also suggest that one individual may be able to see things that no body else can see. the use of the low key lighting in the background could suggest mystery. the use of the slow pace movement of the light gradually getting lighter automatically tells us that this film is a thriller as it makes the audience feel uncomfortable and creates a tensed atmosphere.

As the opening sequence goes on it comes to a two shot of Bruce Willis and his wife. It is a shot with low key lighting which is a key convention is a thriller film as it creates a mysterious atmosphere.This shot also gives us some information on the characters costume and performance. for example the male is wearing a shirt with the buttons done up showing he has come home from work. the woman is wearing a casual dress. this gives us an insight into what kind of people they are by what they are wearing. The performance of  the couple show us that they are scared and something bad has or is about to happen. this kind of performance is a main convention of a thriller. While the woman stays back the man steps forward to see what is going on. this is stereotypical of a masculine male as he looks after the woman and feels more superior. When the woman looks out the window there is a close up of the trees outside showing us the area is isolated. this gives the audience a sense of being trapped in a house with no escape which conforms to a thriller film. Lastly the match on action of when the woman screams as she sees a shadow connotes a sense of fear.