Film Opening analysis

Eden Lake

Eden Lake is a 2008 British horror film written and directed by James Watkins. The stars of this film are Kelly Riley and Michael Fassbender. 
 

The opening scene is called The State of Our Nation and combines both the opening titles as well as introducing the main characters, Jenny and Steve. The film starts at their departure to Eden Lake for a romantic weekend. It also establishes tension between them and the teenagers. Once they finally get to the lake at first it is lovely, but their weekend is soon spoilt by a group of teenagers who also hang out on the beach. Steve tries to make peace with them and share the beach to both of their liking but the teenagers are less than understanding and once Steve accidentely kills  Brett's dog, Brett wants revenge on Steve and Jenny. He is out to kill them. 
 

What I like about the title sequence is that it foreshadows the events that are going to happen later in the film. It also gives us a sense of place and what genre the film is. 

1) 

This is the first shot in the sequence which tells us the name of the film company "Roller Coaster Films." But for me the main thing to notice here is the colour of the lettering which is bright red. This is really significant as right from the beginning you are warned that there will be blood. Red also symbolises danger so it could also  reflects the main characters fate. 

2)

This can be treated as an establishing shot. Right away, we are aware of the main location. Also, although usually we would find this kind of scenery rather relaxing, the music in the background is very unsettling and you just know that this place is going to be where the main violence takes place. 

3)

The way the lighting moves on the font is like waves. This again, emphasises that the setting is by a lake.

4)

This is the second time we see the main character Jenny. Although the first shot is very quick and if it weren't for the scream that emphasised her presence, most would probably miss it. This shot lasts a little bit longer, but not that longer. Here, there is a close up on her face focussing on the blood. It could also be classified as a reaction shot as their is a very powerful expression on her face. 

5)

This is the last shot of the title sequence and finally tells us the name of the film "Eden Lake." This again is a very dark shot with blood red font but there is soon a contrast of colour which changes the mood in the next shot. I think the contrast is a form of light relief before things start to get really gritty. 

6)

As you can see there is a major contrast of colour with both the children and Jenny wearing pinks, blues, yellows ect. This is also where we start to get to know Jenny. Here we are told what her job is (nursery/primary school teacher)

7)

This is the first time we see Steve (Jenny's boyfriend). The shot tells us many things about his character. His car, designer sun classes and the expensive looking engagement ring tells us that he is well off. The way he is dressed suggests that he has a classy job. Also the fact that he has an engagement ring tells us that he is in a serious, romantic relationship with Jenny. 

8)

As they are driving the radio is playing in the background and there is a discussion about parents failing to look after their children thus leading them to have bad behaviour. This foreshadows the conflict between Jenny and Steve and the teenagers. 

9)

After a group of teenagers rudely cycled past Steve just as he was about to go, he was put in a bad mood and the shot establishes the tension that will soon be risen later. This is where the opening scene ends.