'Now You See Me' Opening Sequence

'Now You See Me' is thriller, mystery and crime fiction film. It follows the story of four magicians who are brought together by an unknown benefactor. They perform in LA as 'The Four Horsemen', and for their final act they declare to rob a bank. I won't give away any more of the storyline for those who haven't watched the film, but it honestly is a movie worth seeing. 

 

Because 'Now You See Me' is a thriller, mystery and crime all combined together it is vital that the opening sequence captivates the audience and causes suspense. The soundtrack used in the background of the opening sequence is a very subtle aspect of the sequence which causes the viewer to feel anticipation and tension as the beat starts getting faster and gradually builds up in volume. On top of this background track, there is the general noise of people laughing and clapping; which overwhelms the audience as they are trying to focus on each of the magicians. There is lots of dialogue, which allows the audience to make a brief judgement on each of the magicians.

The camera angles used are another extremely important aspect as it can change how the audience perceives the film. The director, Louis Leterrier uses extreme close-ups of the first magician's (Daniel Atlas, played by Jesse Eisenberg) hand, deck of cards, and face. This draws the viewers attention to the magic trick he is performing, and his expression when doing it. Leterrier cleverly makes Atlas' face out of focus when he is performing the card trick, so the audience watch the deck of cards closely.

The magicians face is in focus when he isn't doing the trick.

The magicians face isn't focused when he plays with the cards.

Extreme close ups were also used to express the panicked emotions, such as on a mans face when the second magician, Merrit McKinney played by Woodey Harrelson, questions him about a business trip he took.

These extreme close up's to different parts of the face puts the viewer in the magicians shoes, as we can see what he sees. The quick movement of the camera from one shot to the other makes the viewer start to feel panic, just as the man is feeling on screen.

 Over-the-shoulder shots are used to make the audience feel as though they are a part of the scene, and are observing what's happening. It was used several times in the opening sequence.

Establishing shots were used several times, using camera movements such as tilt and pan. This allowed the audience to gain an understanding of where the film was set.

Some of the long shots were horizontal, and some vertical. This just makes the sequence more interesting.

Shaky camera was used when magician Jack Wilder, played by Dave Franco, is showing an audience on a tourist boat his spoon bending trick. Shaky cam is a hand-held camera and can be used to provide a sense of immersion, instability or nervousness. The director uses extreme close ups when a member of the audience spots another spoon in Wilder's pocket. This was done so that the viewer see's this man's perspective, and feel as though they are again, a part of the scene.

In the last few moments of the opening sequence, suspense and excitement is created when Isla Fisher, who plays Henley Reeves, gets stuck in the fish tank. The camera angle changes from extreme close up, to long shot, medium shot and birds eye view using movements such as pan, tilt and zoom. This creates a sense of panic, and causes the viewer to feel tense with nervousness. This was done brilliantly and is one of many reasons why the opening sequence of 'Now You See Me' succeeded.

Personally, I felt involved with the actors and was hooked to the film. The opening sequence was exciting and gripping, so kudos to the cast and crew for carrying out an amazing opening sequence to a very thrilling film.

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