Opening of Inception

In the first two minutes of inception camera shots is used to create a certain atmosphere. In the opening scene there is a mid-shot that shows the setting and the characters. This creates mystery as we can’t identify where the film is based as it is an unknown setting. This can suggest that anything can happen in the film as the audience has no way of identifying where the setting is.

Another way the beginning creates an atmosphere in the opening scene of Inception is by using editing. In this scene they use a quick cut which is used to show the action in the scene and creates the atmosphere that a lot is happening therefore it needs to be quick so that the audience is able to see everything that is going on. The quick cutting means that the audience doesn’t know what can happen next as it is happening so fast. Also this can link to how the quick cutting can show the conflict this is by using quick cutting to show how all the characters are feeling throughout the action. Also it shows that there is a contrast in how each of the characters are feeling and it is shown by the editing due to showing a lot of things at once.

Also another way the Inception creates an atmosphere is by using sound. In the opening scene this is done by using non-diegetic sound which is a strong heartbeat sound. This can mean that they are trying to create a sense that there is panic. This would mean that the audience would get the feeling that they are involved in the scene and that they should be as well. This can involve the audience and give them a better understanding on what is happening in the scene and put in into reality. The non-diegetic is used so that the audience can get a better understanding what is happening within the film. The heartbeat would help them do this as it creates an atmosphere of chaos which is what the action in the scene represents. This raises the questions such as why is he rushing? This would be answered later on in the film which is why it is used in the beginning.

The Mise en scene is used in the opening of Inception to show what is happening throughout the scene. By the shots that are shown this scene might be shown in a temple which can mean exotic therefore isn’t a ‘normal’ setting. Also stereotypically temples are associated with Chinese people therefore it shows that the scene might be associated with money. Also in the Mise en scene it is shown that there is a letter. Which also links to the atmosphere of mystery this is because the audience will want to know what money has to do with the film? And what is so important about it?

Also other questions could be what is so important about the letter? And also why are they in a dream? As at the end of the scene it shows the character waking up.