WHIPSLASH - STARTING SHOT ANALYSIS

Whiplash is a 2014 American independent psychological drama film written and directed by Damien Chazelle.

In my personal opinion Whiplash has beautiful cinematography, as it is a psychological drama the cinematography is very important. The visual aspect of a film, alongside the other aspects of the movie, can create and enhance emotions in the audience, which is the main goal in this genre of film (as well as portraying a narrative).

The openings shot is very effective at setting out the key theme and mood of the movie. Which is a slightly on edge, depressed mood represented by the colours and angles of the shot (which I will talk more about shortly). This tone reflect the main characters mental state throughout the movie as he obsesses over his work.

Firstly, we are greeted by a black screen which is often seen as a mysterious, dangerous environment, "covered in darkness", this pared with the rhythmic, drumming creates a dynamic, nerve-racking scene which enhances the audiences emotions. This tension continues to grow as the drum rhythm gets ever faster and more hectic. Then finally just as the final beat drops on the drum the picture snaps into view, throwing the audience directly into the movie, again adding to the hectic, unknowing feel of the movie.

A long shot of a dimly lit corridor with a singular door as the end in presented. This represents to the audience a school/ collage environment, giving them a direct indication of the person age/ living setting. But at the same time creates a since of unease as this long shot is often seen in many horror movies, The Shining is the first one to come to mind. The long shot is also a way of directing the viewers eye to the main subject of the movie, which is the drum kit and its user. This also foreshadows the main subject of the movie and highlights the importance of drumming as it is the first thing we see on screen (and hear beforehand).

The lighting and colours of the opening shot also set the tone of the movie. The corridor is dimly lit this therefore indicating to the audience that the movie may be dealing with some dark themes. This can be linked back to the genre as more often then not dark themes are explored within phycological thrillers. Despite the shot being dimly lit there is still a prevalent amount of the colour green. The colour green is often seen as a colour representing poison or a deadly situation. Slightly later with in the opening sequence it is revelled the the camera is following the main antagonist of the movie. Green may have been used to represent the antagonist of the movie, suggesting there is something dangerous about him.