Split (2016) Introduction

    It was suggested by our peer that we watch the introduction of M. Night Shyamalan's Split (2016) in order to have a better idea of how a story, its characters, and its setting are established - especially within a horror film or thriller film. By watching this clip I learned more about how to properly pace the story, how impactful elements of cinematography can be within the clip, and what makes a clip truly feel like an introduction.

    Rather than forcing appearances of, or interactions with the antagonist, the opening of Split focuses more on introducing the characters (and their connections), the setting, the story, etc. Almost the entire opening sequence is spent establishing the characters especially. Most of this character development is done via dialogue and actions. This is something I aim to emulate because we lacked adequate character development/establishment in our original plan.

The first minute and a half of the introduction is spent at Claire's birthday party. She explains to her dad that her classmate, Casey, was invited out of pity. This establishes clear relationships of characters, setting, etc.

    Most of what makes the introduction of Split actually feel like an introduction though is that we are left with questions, thus leaving room for a story. In comparison to our original plan which had nowhere to go – nearly all questions were already answered, the outcome of our main character is implied, etc. Like in La Llorona (2019), the antagonist was not introduced until the very end of the clip, so seeing it done in the same way here furthers my desire to do the same in our film.

    Additionally, it spends those first few minutes building suspense and unease within the audience – a characteristic of horror and thriller films. It then builds up to reveal the antagonist at the end. This is done primarily visually, via shot type and content. Long takes help build tension and unease within the audience by forcing them to focus on the emotions/expressions of the actors. This too is something I wish to emulate within my film as well.

Long take of Casey looking in horror after Kevin entered the car and used chemicals to knock out her
friends.

Long take of Kevin after Casey tries to open the door and escape before he puts his mask back on and sprays her as well.