Task 2.1: Thriller Film Analysis: Mission Impossible 2

Mission Impossible 2

The scene starts by an establishing shot being used showing the location of the film which is in the Grand Canyon.  There is incidental music playing in the background. The music reflects on the action as it was upbeat which compliments the fact the man was dangerously climbing on the rocks. The tempo of the music increased when the man slipped off the rock, creating tension. 


A crane shot is used quite frequently in the opening, as the camera follows the man around as he is climbing the rocks. Also an aerial shot is used giving us a view of the Grand Canyon and showing us how high the man is.  High angle shots are used in thrillers to show dominance. Various camera angles are used in this scene so the audience can watch the action from different points of view.

At the start of the scene there is a forward track from the establishing shot to a wide shot of the man climbing. This has been sped up because it isn't really an interesting highlight of the scene but it is important to have this shot because it will tell the audience the location.

There is cuts in this scene because the music is quite upbeat and the scene has a lot of action in so having cuts adds to the action because it is jumpy which may make the audience feel tension.

The fact the man is free climbing gives us an idea that he is a dare devil and is experienced, giving us an indication that the film will have lots of action. Ambient sound is used in this scene, the sounds used are wind, breath and an eagle. The sound of the wind blowing shows us that the man is very high up, giving the film a bit of fear factor. The breathing means that he is working hard, and is living on the edge. The fact an eagle is used reflects the mans personality. Eagles are predators and tough which shows us that this man will pursue to be a tough and predator sort of person. Both the eagle and the man are both also top of the food chain. The American eagle represents freedom which might show that this man is feeling free or is fighting for freedom. 

When the man falls from the rock but manages to save himself, he holds onto the rock in a crucified position. Jesus is seen as a savior and it displays that the man will save people from threats of mankind.

The titles are written in orange which may reflect on the fact he is in the grand canyon as the rocks are a sandy/orange sort of colour. This may show that the rest of the film is mostly set in the Grand Canyon.


The main title of the film is written in bold and in orange and red colours and it looks like the background is on fire. This may indicate that fire may be present in the rest of the film. Quick cuts are used when presenting the titles. Quick cuts are used in thrillers as it makes the film look like it has lots of action going on. This quick cut used on the title may reflect that lots of action will take place.