In the beginning of the scene, the take lengths are at a moderate speed so that we can take in all the actions and feelings in the scenes atmosphere. We are able to see the excitement, energised people ready to set sail. The reason for the speed of the takes here is so the viewers are able to grasp all these feelings and are able to relate to the situation more.
During the explosion on the boat, we see two completely different time lengths of shots. Just as the explosion happens, the takes are very quick and sharp, showing different angles of the boat in smithereens. This is to give the effect of an instant life changing event. The viewers feel sorrow and relate to the fact that at any moment their lives could end.
After the quick, sharp takes, the takes run longer as they show us the aftermath of the explosion. This is effective as the viewers feel somewhat silent. We also feel sorrow as we see innocent lives flying through the air on fire. It also gives us viewers time to think of what we would do if we were in that exact situation. What can you do? What could you have done to stop this? All these questions that run through the viewers minds draw them into the movie. As we see the long takes of the devastation, our hearts sink, us viewers seem powerless. We feel part of the film.
As the opening scene begins, we see crew members leap out of their buses and sprinting onto the boat. As the crew member's are sprinting, the camera is tracking their movements, emphasising their enthusiasm and excitement towards getting on the boat. The shot size is a mid-shot so that we can see more than one crew member racing towards the boat. This gives an even greater feeling of excitement as it shows many crew members as enthusiastic as each other to head on their journey.
During the boat explosion, we are able to see exactly what happens as their are numerous camera angles being shot. As soon as the explosion happens, we see it viewed from the crew members perspective who is outside the car, then it is quickly moved out to a close-up shot, then we see some panning from right to left circling the boat and then we see the explosion as a long-shot which starts to slowly pan up. After the explosion, we finally see the aftermath of the explosion from a birds-eye view. Using all these shots, angles and camera movements emphasise the devastation and strength of the explosion. It makes us viewers feel more sorrow for those who are aboard the ship.
The music plays an important job in the opening scene as it conflicts with the characters moods and expressions. As I mentioned earlier in the last post, the crew, families, children are all excited about there adventure. The music on the other hand is morbid and depressing. This feeling is being portrayed by the soft, slow but negative way the pianist is playing. This gives mixed messages to the viewers as what they see and what they hear are in this case two completely different feelings. This creates suspense as they do not know what is going to happen.
As the scene moves on from the gloomy music, a marching band starts to play classical, upbeat music to create a cheerful atmosphere on the boat. We know this as we see the people on board the ship reacting in a positive way. The music keeps playing, keeping that cheerful atmosphere in place. This music is effective as it leads up to the explosion of the boat. It gives the explosion of the boat a dramatic effect as the cheerful atmosphere is turned into a traumatic event. The music gives a a quick and vast change in the viewers mood, coming from a feeling of happiness to a feeling of sorrow in a matter of seconds.
