P for Psycho

What is happening in the opening sequence of the film?

In the opening sequence of the film, we are introduced to two characters, one who we presume to be the 'psycho' and the other who appears to be a young male. It begins by zooming into the the male toilet door, and then mixes to a low angle of the 'psycho's' legs which has a slow tilt up to the man rubbing his hands. The low angle already signifies superiorness. This is followed by a pan from left to right across various objects such as a belt, a picture frame and a purse/wallet. This cuts to a CU on a plughole with blood flowing down it and then to a CU of the psycho bandaging up his hand, then clenching his fist. This shot tilts up to a close up on his head turning as a boy enters the room. It blurs quickly from right to left and then cuts to a mid shot of the man tucking his gun into his belt. An extreme close up follows of the mans eyes, with underlit lighting. The man says the words "BAD MOVE, KID...", it fades to black, slight pause then 2 single gunshots.

How is the narrative flow established?

The narrative flow is established in the opening sequence through the detail within each of the shots on the storyboard, and the annotations that accompany each frame. The arrows, framing descriptions and descriptions all add up to a successful storyboard and narrative flow. It helps us visualise what we would see, and this helps us come up with our own personal narrative flow.

If you were directing this sequence, what aspects of the storyboard would you like to change?

If I were directing this sequence, I would of used more cuts rather than fades and mixes, especially in the transition between shot 11 and 12. A cut would of been more effective because it would make it more sudden and pacey, therefore adding to the overall effect of someone being shot. If a few more special effects were used, I feel it may of made the thriller genre more obvious, as it may be unclear as of yet what genre the film is.