Twister - Opening Sequence Analysis

Cinematography:
During the opening sequence of ‘Twister’, establishing shots are used to show various locations to create an eerie atmosphere and to set what the movie is possibly about. Also, the first part of the opening sequence shows what happened to one of the main characters as a child, and within this part of the movie close ups are used of her, and her families face. This is done to see their worry, and to show how scared they really are, due to the fact that the ‘twister’ is there. The fear of being sucked up by it is used within this shot used. The scene is set using these shots, and you want to know what is going to happen next, therefore the audience is drawn in and they are engaged. When watching this, I want to watch on and know what is going to happen next.

Mise-en-scene:
There isn’t much of a setting in the opening sequence, only various locations that don’t necessarily link to the characters, however they link to the plot of the tornados, and where they could possibly hit, just to create suspense. The opening sequence also shows the characters in the present time, and ‘Jo’ is dressed quite informally which shows quite a bit about her personality, whereas ‘Bill’s new wife ‘Melissa’ is seen as wearing quite formal cloths. Therefore, the opening sequence shows vaguely the personality of the characters, just by the way they dress. Also, the wreckage of the house in the opening sequence just shows the damage that tornados can do, and this then makes the audience want to know more about the family’s life, and what is going to happen to them after the tragic incident.

Editing:
During the opening sequence of ‘Twister’, there are what appear to be clouds, along with the titles over them. But also gusts of wind, and then the title ‘Twister’ get destroyed by a tornado. The editing in this part of the opening sequence is very clever, and I feel it really engages the audience. I want to know more, and I believe that it is a very unique opening sequence.

Sound:
The soundtrack is quite slow paced, along with the beginning clips, and this creates the eerie atmosphere that I believe was intended. The tone is helped set with the use of this soundtrack, but also after the catastrophe the music is ‘happy’ quick paced music, which I believe suits the shots because it shows that the characters have got on with their lives. This could make the viewer happy, but also they will want to know more about what is going to happen in the movie.