“Film Opening Research #1 - Touch of Evil (1958)”

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?


There is one title displayed prior to the opening sequence of the film, but during the opening sequence there are no titles present.


What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?


The images prioritized in the opening sequence are the makeshift bomb, a sports car, a couple walking together, and a crowded bustling city.


What connotations do the images carry?


The connotations that the images carry are one of tension, worry, and destruction. By placing a bomb near a crowded city streets the audiences fears for the worst.


How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?


Genre is reinforced through the outset of the bomb. Noir usually features themes of despair and paranoia, and by having an unmarked bomb wonder through a crowded city street it immediately transplants those associated themes to the audience. Technically, by keeping everything on one long continuous shot it builds tension for the audience on when the bomb will finally explode and furthers paranoia.


How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?


It establishes an enigma from the outset by keeping the audience invested on when the bomb will explode, who placed the bomb there, and why a bomb would be placed in that character’s car.


What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?


To appear to the usual Noir, crime audience, the film immediately starts with a crime being committed and then holds on that crime to create tension, and after that tension passes immediately presents a mystery to the audience. Within the opening shot it appeals to all aspects of the genre and the minds of the audience.


How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions and editing techniques.


Technology is used very effectively within this opening shot, be keeping in one still unbroken take and moving between following, establishing, and panning shots it creates a great sense of tension within the audience on the advent of the bomb. By refusing to using opening titles it also welcomes a great sense of uncertainty on when the bomb will explode, by removing the familiar anchor of those titles it furthers the uncertainty and tension that the audience feels.