Movie Opening- Thriller: Mission Impossible 2.

An introduction to the film:
Mission Impossible 2 is an Action-Thriller, that was released in the year 2000. It was Directed by John Woo, and stars Tom Cruise, playing the main character Ethan Hunt, and also serving as one of the films producers alongside Paula Wagner (Cruise/Wagner productions) and Paramount Pictures.

Mission impossible 2 is about a secret agent (Ethan Hunt) who is sent on a mission to Sydney, in order to destroy a genetically modified disease called 'Chimera.'

Analysis:
Mission Impossible 2 starts with upbeat, non-diegetic funk music, this makes it seem as though it is going to be a happy, and relaxing start to the film. It is set in a desert, full of red rocks. This gives the impression that it is extremely dry, with a lack of water. The first scene starts with an establishing shot of the cliffs, this shows the height of the cliffs, this portrays danger, and gives the audience an insight of the tension to come. The birds eye view that is used within the establishing shot, along with the diegetic sounds of a bird squaking makes it seem as though there's an eagle watching over the rocks, like a predator. This creates a sense of danger lurking around the corner.

 The camera zooms into a full body shot showing a man, Ethan, climbing the rocks without a harness. The non-diegetic funk music is still playing in the background at this point. This portrays a lack of fear within the man. The camera then zooms out to a medium long shot, and pans across the scene showing the length of the rocks.The length and height of the rocks give the impression that the man is on a long journey.

 There is a high angle shot of Ethan looking down on an area of the cliff, this angle has been used to suggest he is powerful. It then zooms in to a medium long shot, and goes into slow motion showing Ethan jump from one ledge to another. This creates tension and give the impression that he is willing to take a risk.
 Once he has jumped over the gap, and landed safely, the film goes back to normal speed, and Ethan swings from the rocks, like a monkey. This implies that he is in touch with his wild side. He then hangs from the rocks, from his hands, the camera zooms into a face shot, showing his expression. His face gives the impression that he is relaxed, and relieved. It then zooms out to a full body shot. His body is positioned in a way that Jesus was positioned on the cross. This is a religious symbol and shows that he has Jesus-like qualities, making him seem like a hero, or a savior.

 The next scene shows starts with the diegetic sound of a helicopter, however the audience is as yet unable to see it. This creates a sense of tension because the audience are currently unaware whether or not it is a threat. The camera is still focused on Ethan climbing the cliff, up until he reaches the top. Once he has reached the top of the cliff, the volume of the non-diegetic funk music that has been playing all the way through the opening, increases. This portrays a sense of success. The camera then turns to an establishing shot looking down upon him. This gives the impression that it is a point of view shot, coming from the helicopter we can hear, increasing the sense of tension because the camera angle makes Ethan seem small, and vulnerable. When the helicopter appears in the scene, it is shown flying up above the rocks, this gives the impression of some kind of military operation. This impression is continued, and creates further tension when a man in the helicopter points a gun and fires a canister at Ethan. The camera then zooms into Ethan to full body shot, this shows him opening the canister, and the tension drops as we realise that he is not under threat. Once the canister is open there is a close up of the high-tech sunglasses. This creates a sense of mystery, making the audience wonder why Ethan has access to such high technology, in the center of a desert. The camera then focuses on a face shot of Ethan putting the glasses on. Within this scene, there is dialog, between Ethan, and the mysterious person behind the high-tech sunglasses. The conversation between them explains that Ethan is on holiday, giving the non-diegetic funk music a purpose. The males voice from the Sunglasses then gives Ethan a 'mission.' This answers all of the audiences questions about his strength, fearlessness, ability to take risk and reason behind his access to such high-tech equipment.