How effective is the opening of Mississippi Burning Essay Example

around racism.

If the audience is alerted, they will immediately associate the film with racism due to the presence of segregated drinking fountains for white and black people in one of the film's initial images. The soundtrack enhances the serious tone of the film by incorporating black gospel music, which reinforces the connection to racism. The combination of the burning house imagery and the music effectively elicits a sense of sadness and solemnity in the scene.

The director utilizes various techniques to create tension and suspense. Firstly, as the house crumbles, the camera zooms in, intensifying the experience for the audience. Additionally, the director cleverly combines these visuals with the soundtrack to build anticipation before the impending action. In the following scene, a car travels along a deserted road, emphasizing the isolation and vulnerability of potential targets. Through expansive camera angles, it becomes evident that there are no obstacles or potential rescuers nearby. Inside the car, the dim lighting contributes to an eerie atmosphere, yet the characters appear calm and relaxed.

In this scene, the director skillfully creates a sense of anticipation and tension. A drum beat initiates the feeling of unease, while a fleet of cars approaches the one carrying the Civil Rights workers on the horizon. Similar to the film "Reservoir Dogs," the music intensifies as the cars draw closer. Eventually, one car forcefully collides with the Civil Rights workers' car, causing a momentary halt in the music before it resumes once more.

Upon hearing a police siren, one typically assumes that the police have arrived to terminate a pursuit. Nonetheless, it crossed my mind that the police car might have been stolen, and the sounding

of the siren was merely a ruse to stop the vehicle. As the individuals stepped out of the police car, I became fascinated by their actual identities. Through clever use of lighting techniques, the director skillfully hides their faces, generating an atmosphere filled with intrigue and suspense within this scene.

Until the men approach the window of the car belonging to the Civil Rights workers, their identities remain concealed by the darkness. This intentional obscurity allows for speculation about the true nature of these men. However, as soon as one of them speaks, it becomes clear that they are racists with malevolent intentions towards the Civil Rights workers, either to harm or kill them. Their racist language gave me a clear indication of their sinister motives. Following the tragic shooting of the Civil Rights workers, all visuals fade away, leaving behind a black backdrop adorned with the words "Mississippi 1964."

Both the openings of "Reservoir Dogs" and "Mississippi Burning" play a crucial role in the success of the films. The opening scenes provide strong visual and auditory experiences, allowing the audience to reflect on the impactful events portrayed. The last scene's powerful imagery sets the tone for the rest of the movie, while the disturbing sound of racist killers laughing about their gruesome acts creates an unsettling atmosphere. Overall, the opening sequences in films hold significant significance for their overall impact and success.

Both "Reservoir Dogs" and "Mississippi Burning" have distinct opening scenes that evoke a feeling of surprise and intense drama, effectively captivating the audience's attention. The director of "Mississippi Burning" enhances this effect by utilizing camera angles, lighting, and music techniques. Therefore, it is essential

for films to engage viewers from the very beginning in order to achieve success.