Analysing Opening Sequences and Enigma - Conclusion

Opening sequences that create enigma or mystery focus on withholding narrative elements from the audience, creating intrigue for the spectator, only revealing the causes for the things we see in the opening scenes much later in the film.

Creating enigma is generally a key convention of the opening scenes of the crime, thriller and horror genres, and is an incredibly effective tool directors can use to maintain the audience's interest. One of the main ways of creating enigma is withholding important information from the viewer through the manipulation of causality, another way is through the use of low key lighting and very close shots that either hide a character's identity or disorientate the spectator by not fully revealing location. This hides significant detail from the audience, creating mystery and confusion.