Analysing Opening Scenes and Characters 2 - 'Collateral'

The second opening scene I am going to analyse in terms of introducing characters is Michael Mann's 'Collateral'.

The scene creates enigma with the introduction of Tom Cruise's hitman as he arrives at LAX airport. He is wearing a suit, so the audience may assume that he is a businessman. He looks well-dressed and immaculate, suggesting that he is a professional (a trait that is important throughout the narrative).

The use of slow-motion and shallow focus as he walks through arrivals, again reinforces mystery. The sunglasses he wears suggests that he needs to hide his identity, that he doesn't want anyone to look into his eyes to identify him (this ties in with his profession as a hitman).

The diegetic sounds of his footsteps, further compound this mystery, but also imply to the audience that he is dangerous. The movements are slow and cautious, as if he is always on the lookout. This contrasts with the footsteps of another man, which are much quicker. When the second man bumps into Cruise's character, the director cuts to a shot of a briefcase being dropped on the floor. This is a switch, hinting to the audience that there is something sinister about both men, and hinting that Cruise's character may be a criminal and receiving items that he would have been unable to get into the country past airport security.

As Cruise's character picks up the other bag, the non-diegetic music that begins is sinister in tone, reinforcing the expectations that this character is a criminal. His figure behaviour is confident, as he tucks his tickets into the inside pocket of his jacket and strolls off through the airport.