Black Swan- thriller opening analysis

Black Swan is an American psychological thriller horror film released in 2010.

This screenshot shows what company produced the film to the audience.

In this screenshot it immediately shows the audience what the film involves and what its about. It also shows the main character (Nina), under a spotlight. This reinforces the idea that she is the main character to the audience. The long shot shows the audience a key location of where the film is set (on stage). Any of the audience who may be aware that the black swan is a famous dance involving a main female dancer as the white swan and the black swan.

An establishing shot used to show the audience a key location to where the film is set. The long shot allows for many characters to be shown in the scene.

A medium shot is used to introduce one of the main characters. This suggests to the audience that he has an important role in the film as the shot allows them to take note of his key facial features to remember what he looks like. The shot also is over the shoulder and from a different characters point of view (a dancer). This shows that he is the teacher from the costume used. Furthermore the shot allows various other dancers to be captured in the scene, which shows the location thus reinforcing the idea that he is the teacher. 

The first medium close up used which introduces the audience to the main character (Nina). However it still allows for one dancer to be shown in the shot, showing that she is in the dance studio. Her expression is focused to what she is doing (dancing) which connotes that she is determined as a character.

Another medium close up to introduce another main character. Mila Kunis (Lily) who is shown as the competition/ love interest almost in the film. 

Medium shot is used to allow Nina's facial expressions to be captured. However her reflection is also shown turning to look at her in the mirror. This is where the trailer begins to take a turn, similarly in the film. Nina's facial expressions are showing signs of extreme stress, however the reflection is looking sinister. 

This shot shows that Nina goes insane (reinforced by her facial expressions and gestures). The pace quickens in the trailer and screen time between each shot becomes faster creating a sense of urgency to the audience. 

This extreme close up of Nina creates the theme of horror and thriller due to her facial expressions and her bloodshot eyes suggest insanity. She is focused on the feather which she just pulled out of her skin, which may be distressing for some of the audience. The feather is a significant prop and focus in the shot as in links in with the title (Black Swan) which literally suggests that what she becomes.