Skills Development: Analysis

 In developing our skills in media analysis - we have been tasked with analysing the opening scene of the Netflix original series - 'Mindhunter'. In doing this we have to use analytical techniques to describe how the audience can infer information from the opening sequence. 

0:01 - the sequence opens with the text - "A Netflix Original Series". The text for the term "Netflix" is in the typical font in which is it displayed across all Netflix media - this is iconographic of the Netflix brand as it is easily recognisable across many pieces of media.

Initially we can see a close-up shot of a film reel. In seeing this opening shot - an audience can infer that this series may be set in the past, as a film reel is not typically used in the modern day. Their usage is associated with the past as there are more efficient ways of watching film.

Applying genre theory - we can infer that Mindhunter is a horror - psychological thriller. This can be inferred through the fast cuts of dead bodies throughout the sequence juxtaposed with someone setting up a film reel. Due to the innate nature of horror movies - they deal with death and dead bodies. This is a convention of horror movies that audiences typically associate with the genre - seeing this type of iconography the viewer can discern the type of media they are consuming. 

There are several instances of shot types within this sequence - mostly using close-ups of the bodies and the film-reel. Close-ups infer a level of intimacy - putting the subject matter in the audiences face. Close-ups also allow the audience to see minute details that they wouldn't have seen using a wider angle. The effect this has on the audience is that they are slowly given details - this creates a level of intrigue in the viewer. Using close-ups is a typical convention of mystery/thriller media - as due to the nature of the close-up - there is limited information about what the viewer can infer from the scene. 

In terms of editing - there are several instances of fast cuts within the sequence. The speed of the cuts comes across a rather jarring - the effect this has on the viewer is one of shock as they are not given enough time to properly process what is on the screen.

In terms of sound - the clip uses diegetic and non-diegetic sound. the clip uses music to create a mood of suspense. The sequence uses diegetic sound to create