Research : Analysing an Opening Sequence 3

 

The main camera shot in the airport-set opening sequence of the movie "Die Hard" is a close-up of an airplane landing.  The camera is positioned and the plane lands rapidly to give the impression that the aircraft has just passed just over the audience's head. A few seconds pass during this scene as the viewer watches the plane make a landing. The audience can obviously see how much pressure is placed on the breaks when the jet touches down. The sound also changes to a faint sound from the engine and a piercing screech from the wheels. The audience immediately questions where this plane comes from, who is aboard, and why they are being forced to see this. The pinkish-orange colour of the sky also gives the viewer a sense of warmth.

The hand of a man is seen squeezing the armrest tightly in the following shot as the airplane touches down. This tells the audience that he dislikes flying and also has a small fear of losing control. This character makes it clear from just one straightforward shot that he is a man who prefers to have both feet firmly planted and does not enjoy losing control or having it placed in the hands of others. 

The camera pans left and tilts upward to see a man in the window seat next to the slightly uneasy passenger. This person has a very arrogant expression and appears to be pleased by the other passenger. It may be implied by the character's grey waistcoat and red tie that his life is one continuous pattern and that everything goes according to plan. In the movie, this character speaks first. The next frame features a two-shot of the two strangers talking to each other. As the audience can see when they speak, the two personas conflict. The viewer gets a little uneasy because of this lack of collaboration. While one character is stubborn, overconfident, and dressed to impress, the other is in casual attire, including a dark green jacket, casual trousers, and a blue thick shirt. It is clear from the other man's comments that he is not really impressed. The man near the window seat does, however, give the other man some really good advise, which is important later in the movie.

- Image above showing the hidden gun in the man's coat

The second clip after this is a long shot which shows the passenger getting up to get their luggage as seen from the front of the aircraft.   It is announced that it is safe for everyone to get up from their chairs. The worried passenger can be seen grasping for his luggage in the medium-shot above. 

Then, with an incredibly quick transition to the cocky character's face looking incredibly surprised, the audience is left with the impression that he is suddenly a coward. The man's jacket and the chair are partially covering his face, giving the impression that he is confined and that whatever it is that has scared him could be quite dangerous for him. In the inside pocket of the man's green jacket, securely tucked, is the gun in the close up shot. As the gun is a denotation, the viewer recognises it instantly. Also, it is an iconic signifier and would become a signifier if fired.