Sixth Sense: Opening Sequence

In this essay, I'm going to explore the way Sixth Sense portrays their opening sequence by the use of; mise-en-scene, camerawork, sound and editing. An opening sequence should include continuity editing; giving the audience an idea about the setting, characters and key events that are going to occur. This will result in making the audience want to carry on watching the film as the opening sequence is so intriguing


Firstly, in mise-en-scene the credits are the first thing we see and the font makes it seem very isolated and the music gives a sense of seriousness. This could foreshadow events that are going to occur later on in the film.

Also, we witness a break in and there's a boy standing in the bathroom with no clothes on. The fact he has no clothes on can portray that he's mentally unstable and his well-being of looking after himself. As he was just standing there in his underwear, can show that there's something wrong with him, which is easily communicated to the audience.

The costume of Malcolm and Anna makes them look very wealthy as she's wearing a long dress and he is wearing a suit. This indicates to the audience that they are very successful. Their costume completely contrasts to Vincent's, as he isn't wearing anything except his underwear, he has greasy hair and is carrying again. All of his costume can communicate the fact that he's mentally unstable and a very dangerous character.

Lastly, the use of the gun (prop) also links back to him being mentally unstable and also, the fact he shoots himself may create a sense that his life was very hard and he just didn't want to live anymore. This creates a shocking sensation and could make the audience feel uncomfortable.

Editing makes the opening of Sixth Sense look very creepy by the use of the fade in and fade out of the credits. This can prepare the audience for upcoming events in the film.

There is the use of an eye line match when Malcolm looks at Vincent. This can portray that he's a very important character and that he introduces the whole beginning of the plot.

Additionally, there's the use of an dissolve which can show the movement of time and how quickly time can jump. This can prepare the audience for a new story, with a different character (the little boy).



Furthermore, camerawork uses the element of focus, when the camera is showing us the information of the little boy. It only focuses on the important parts, which can make the audience know the relevant information needed and so it's easy to understand.

Quick pan is used when Malcolm is following the little boy. This gives the audience a sense of feel from Malcolm's perspective and can allow us to communicate with that character a lot more; as well as allowing us to see the most important aspects from that scene.

There is the use of camerawork, that makes it look like its from our perspective when they are in the lounge. This can make the audience feel more involved in the scene and can  create a secretive effect.


Lastly, the use of sound when Anna is in the cellar creates a sense of fear and can create the audience to feel uncomfortable and 'on the edge of their seat'. The fact that she's by herself in the cellar makes the audience think that something bad is going to happen to her, however in contrast, nothing does and it actually happens when she's with her husband. This can make the audience feel relieved and maybe more shocked when they are broken into.

The sound track in the credits creates suspense and the sting noise that is used, creates a shocking sensation. This can make the audience feel more interested in what's going to happen. The sting noise, is used when the name of the film is introduced, this can portray that he's the main character and also the most important one.