Analysing Action Genre Opening Sequences - 'Mission: Impossible - Fallout'

The first opening scene I will be identifying the genre conventions in is from 'Mission: Impossible - Fallout'.

The opening scene of 'Mission: Impossible - Fallout' uses several genre conventions which allows the audience to understand that the film belongs to the action genre. 

Enigma (a key component of action films) is created right from the start, as the protagonist wakes up from a scary dream (one which begins positively, in an exotic location typical of films from the genre); this instantly creates suspense and intrigue and engages the audience immediately (raising many questions for them) as they want to find out what is going on, why the character is suffering nightmares, and how these may be related to the plot of the film. 

The iconography in the scene is typical of an action film, for example the lighting used is low-key which creates a tense mood and a sense of mystery and impending danger, but is also used to suggest to the audience that the protagonist is hiding in a secret bunker to stay undercover or to keep a low profile (this kind of lighting is typical of the action-spy sub-genre). 

A mysterious man delivers the protagonist a parcel which we find out to be a book with a recording device inside, this reinforces the film's genre to the audience as high-tech gadgets are common props found in action films. The extreme close up of the protagonist pricking his finger on the reader highlights how advanced the technology is and how the contents are top secret. Additionally, the protagonist is holding a gun for the majority of the scene which suggests to the audience that he is never safe and needs to be alert at all times.

The cinematography of the scene is typical of action films, for example the close ups of the protagonist's facial expressions draws the audience into his perspective, positioning us with the hero (a typical character type found in the genre) and the close ups of the gun he holds to answer the door creates tension and suspense as the viewer is unaware whether he will have to use it. Non-diegetic music is also used here to add to the unsettling and mysterious atmosphere of the scene. The slow camera movement keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, creating suspense, as it feels as if he is being watched by someone; therefore it gives the scene a sinister and creepy feeling. The editing in this opening scene is slow, we see long takes, especially when the protagonist is watching a mission briefing. This may be used to make the audience focus as important information (crucial to the narrative) is delivered to them and the protagonist. As the audience focus on the debrief, they start to think what the protagonist will have to do in the rest of the film to ‘save the day’ as he is presented in this scene as the ‘hero’. In conclusion, all these elements combined together immerse the audience and align with the expectations they have of the action genre (which is reinforced throughout the film's title sequence).