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What narrative is given to us, and from this what do we expect the rest of the films narrative to be from the little information we have seen? In the opening scene of American pyscho, there a very long takes in the beginning which has non diegetic piano music over it creating a mellow and simple vibe to the opening. A wide shot is used, and we see the main characters apartment which is very clean and has the common color of white throughout it such as the white sofas, walls and bedsheets. The color white has connotations of clean-ness, freshness and simplicity. We know are told his name is Patrick Bateman and that he is 27 years old and believes in ‘taking care of himself.’ We discover his routine is very straight and simple which is shown through him doing 1000 crunches while having a ice pack on his face. From this we tell he's into working out and keeping a healthy diet which can be seen through his physique therefore giving the audience the idea that he works out often. Next, we see him in the shower narrating the audience through his routine further presenting the idea of him keeping a clean lifestyle which can be linked and seen through the tidiness of him bathroom. His voice while he is narrating is very calm and gentle which also compliments the same non diegetic piano background music.
Who is the target audience for this film, how do we know this from the opening scene The target audience for this film is a older audience such as older teenagers. It has a rating of 16+ and in the opening scene there is nothing bad for a younger audience to view, however due to it being a thriller we assume that later in the movie there will be gruesome scenes which wouldn’t be suitable for a younger audience. We can see this in the opening scene due to the cleanliness of the apartment which is peculiar because of the extent he goes to with all his routines. It almost makes the main character seem emotionless which the audience can see in the mid shot of his reflection in a picture where it looks like there is no emotion to him, therefore relating to him being psychotic as the movie is named American Pyscho.
How is the genre of the film set up in the opening scene? What key conventions have been used? The genre of the film isn’t clearly shown in the opening scene, however there are some elements which could portray it as a thriller. For example, his amount of neatness and routine in his life would make the audience question why, therefore making them want to watch on. The level of routine and tidiness portrayed through the mid shots and close up shots of his shower products, could portray him as being pyscho as it is counter typical of a man to have that level of neatness.
How many characters are introduced and what do we know about them? How do we know this about them from the use of technical aspects? we are only introduced to one character, who we assume is the main character. We know through his narration that he is an American man, living in the American Gardens on the 81st street on the 11th floor. His name is Patrick Bateman, and he is 27 years old, and he believes in ‘taking care of himself’ by having a ’balanced and rigorous exercise routine.’ He narrates us through his process of how he takes care of himself further presenting the idea of him being clean and neat.
What camera work has been used and why? There are close up shots of his products further presenting him as obsessive with his cleaning and routines. There are also mid shots of him applying face masks and other products onto his face further showing that he cares about hygiene
What sound effects are there, what does it have on the narrative and character? Throughout the whole opening scene there is non diegetic piano music playing in the background which relates to the actions in the clips. The main character, Patrick, is narrating all his actions throughout in a soft and calm voice which is played over the top of the background music which further shows how he is very pristine with his actions and care.
What editing techniques have been used and why? There are long takes in the beginning of the scene, which build tension and the audience get a insight to what his apartment looks like. There is also the use of a montage when he is in the shower narrating the audience on what products he uses and the steps he takes.
