Deconstruction of Secret Window

We decided to de-construct the beginning of 'Secret Window' because it is within the genre 'Thriller', and these films are often very similar to 'Horror' so we need to be able to distinguish the differences between them.


The opening scene is similar to 'The Grudge' in that something happens before any names of the cast or producers are shown, but different because what happens isn't quite as drastic.


First Still
The first still is of the main character, it is a close up of his face, therefore allowing the audience to see his expression and react to his feelings. It is quite a dark shot, which adds to the intensity of the still, making us focus on his facial expression. During this shot we can hear the sound of the rain hitting the car, and the windscreen wipers, then the non-diegetic sound of the character's thoughts and the car as he drives away. The background noise you hear is quiet compared to the character's thoughts, this also adds intensity to the shot, and makes sure that we are all focused on the character and not the sound of the car or the rain. This adds tension as well because everything else is so quiet, therefore unnerving the audience.


Second Still
This still is the main part of the opening scene, it shows us the main character breaking into a motel room to find a man and woman in bed together. At the sight of the main character, the people in bed are startled and jump up, this is followed by what looks like arguing, then the main character turns away, obviously upset, and puts his hand on his head to conceal his face. This is a strong scene, because it includes a lot of emotions, and but barely any sound. In fact the only sounds we do hear in this shot are muffled. We hear loud wind, and then a muffled but still quite loud shout..and then deep music kicks in. This adds confusion to the list of feelings that the audience would be experiencing, as they are uncertain of what has just happened, and uncertainty often leads to nervousness and tension.


Third Still
In this still we are shown a distant view of the setting. This shot is much brighter than the previous ones. We also see Johnny Depp's name in the centre at the bottom of the screen, this is written in white, which adds to the brightness because white is a vibrant shade. As we see this we hear the same deep music playing throughout. This shot reassures the audience that nothing is going to happen for the time being, and that it is safe for them to become relaxed and comfortable, even though the deep music is quite unnerving.


Fourth Still
This shows a closer shot of the setting. It is still quite a bright shot, but compared to the previous one it is slightly duller. It also includes writing in the centre at the bottom of the screen, but it is the name of the film, 'Secret Window' and was written in white but then changed to red, which could indicate that something good turns bad, as white is seen as a good, pure colour whereas red is usually associated with danger and violence. This shot also has the deep music being played throughout it.


Fifth Still
This is a shot of an open cabin window. This is quite a dark shot and includes writing in the centre at the bottom of the screen, 'Production Designer Howard Cummings' written in white. As we see this we hear the same music playing through it, except it is not becoming quieter, preparing the audience for something to happen.

Sixth Still
In this shot we see the main character wearing a jumper that has a large hole in the shoulder, and with messy hair. Also there is writing in the centre at the bottom of the screen reading 'six months later'. This indicates that within those last six months the main character has let him self go, and doesn't pay much attention to life anymore, this is a very negative start to the film. It is also a dark shot, which could show that he is very upset or depressed and therefore doesn't want to be in a room full of light. During this shot we hear someone knocking at the door, and then the door unlocking. We can also hear birds chirping and a sigh from the main character. This creates questions such as 'who is at the door?'.