Analysis of "Europa Report" Thriller opening by Harry McHale

        

Europa Report

The establishing shot creates a sense of emptiness.

The sci-fi thriller opens with a setting full of props but not characters giving it sense of emptiness. This emptiness could represent the loneliness of astronauts when in space since they can only communicate with earthlings through machines. The room is brightly lit; suggesting that there is nothing suspicious aboard the space craft therefore this leaves the spectator wondering where in the plot, the equilibrium will be disrupted. The diegetic sound of the character climbing the ladder is the only thing the spectator hears which gives a sense of isolation. We are left feeling emotionally attached to all the characters - even though we have only met one of them. There is a cut to the next shot where the only character we have seen has disappeared; this builds enigma because it will leave the spectator questioning what had just happened. This may foreshadow worse events to come later in the movie. The spectator is suddenly relieved when we hear a diegetic voice over of one the characters saying "hey buddy".

The living quarters.

We then cut to the next setting which appears to be the living quarters for the characters. There is clear use of setting and props; the character the spectator is most familiar with, is wrapped in a blanket: isolated from the other characters. This action may reveal the character's personality - he's gentle and kind plus the others respect that therefore they leave him alone. The blanket blocks our view of what he is holding (an example of restricted narration which is used in thrillers); but we can hear clearly his diegetic voice speaking into it. It is clear from the tone of his voice that he is speaking to a child which makes the spectator more emotionally attached to this character.
Furthermore on the décor of the setting, we can see photographs in a different bunk bed, making the characters relate-able for the spectator at missing their family. In a thriller this shows that the character will likely meet an unfortunate end in an attempt to play with the spectator's emotions. From the composition of the shot we can also see two more characters, whom seem to be happily involved in whatever they are doing. This gives the spectator a chance to imagine what the pair are looking at - this can be a powerful technique to use in a thriller.

The darkness emphasises how isolated the characters are.

We then transition to the outside of the spaceship where we can see a very dark setting with the sun which is very far away being the only source of light. The surroundings are completely empty which creates a feeling of isolation again. This plays with the spectator's emotion as they come to the realisation that the characters are completely alone in this deep dark space world where no-one can help them. This foreshadows that something catastrophic is going to happen - this draws the spectator in because this shot creates enigma. The voice over of the male character's voice brings light humour to the situation; "I think I sleep better up here away from her snoring." The humour adds an almost unwanted sense of safety and protection, which causes the spectator to be at ease with the situation - when the shock scenes arrive they will definitely stir the spectator's emotions.