Thriller Old and New Comparison

Jaws (1975) & Black Swan Comparison 

The opening sequence of Steven Spielberg's Jaws (1975) commences with low key lighting, as does the opening sequence of the Black Swan (2010). Low key lighting is a very stereotypical and appears in majority of Thriller openings. The opening to Black Swan illustrates very dark tones, consistently illustrating the colour black. White is also used within the opening, creating a contrast between the two colours. The idea of contrast represents opposition and conflict. This insinuate the common theme and atmosphere within the film. Low key lighting  conveys atmosphere and mood. But where a high-key image feels airy and light, a low-key is usually dramatic and full of mystery. Low key lighting also helps to minimize distractions in the frame, guiding the audience's eyes where you want them to be, keeping them interesting and getting them hooked into the film. This is one of the main aims of a film opening.

Sound also plays a significant role when grasping the audiences attention. Jaws withholds a crescendo / staccato which is very iconographic of the Thriller genre. Stereotypical aspects of a genre of film automatically signify and imply the theme and the genre to the audience. There is a classical soundtrack playing during the opening of Black Swan. Classical instruments such as the violin, flute and piano are commonly associated with horror and mystery. This fits in well with the genre, acting as an effective connotation. A sound track or sounds are alarming and can be ominous, thereupon introducing the audience with sound makes them alert and intrigued, meaning that their full attention has been achieved.

The characters demonstrated within the opening scene appear negligent and irresponsible, drinking alcohol, smoking and skinny dipping. The pair look young,possibly teenagers, illustrating their social class and social appearance. The two abide by stereotypical beliefs and views on teenagers, acting in a care free way. In contrast, the two illustrated within the opening of Black Swan appear elegant and sophisticated., Ballet is a style of dance that is generally associated with the upper class. The style withholds the reputation of being a product and activity of high class. Ballet is seen by some as an elitist. The pairs graceful movements and pirouettes imply their social status and class. The types of character differ within the two film openings.

Jaws opens with a black scene, suggesting negativity and a dark atmosphere.The typography of the Jaws title is red. The colour red generally connotes danger and blood, which foreshadows the tragic occurrences within the film. 

The title of Black Swan is given at the end of the opening sequence. This is to make it more memorable. This mirrors Jaws, as the Jaws title is also presented towards the end. The font appears slim and delicate, possibly representing the physique of the ballet dancers and the style of dance. The font is white which contrasts with the dark texturised background. The texture of the background has the similar appearance to feathers, which reflects the 'swan' in the title.
The two films have many similarities, more than they do differences. Jaws represents more cheesy and stereotypical aspects of the Thriller genre, whereas Black swan is slightly different. I argue that this is the only recognizable product of the contrast of era.