Generally, the extract contains seamless continuity editing which promotes the idea that the setting of the extract is calm and without fault. Dissolve transitions are used throughout the beginning of the extract until the change of tone at 0:59 when the gun on the TV screen is shown. The dissolve transitions create an almost dreamlike effect and the fact that these stop when the man and woman are introduced could suggest that these perfect American communities are tainted by individuals introducing crime to the society. After that, the effect of a match-on-action is created using a faster paced sequence of shots centred on the building pressure in the hosepipe. This quickened pace of shots gives the audience the immediate impression that all is not well and forebodes the man’s stroke. At 1:39 the footage of the dog is played in slow-motion which could show the man’s disorientation and vulnerability or emphasise the juxtaposition of a dog playing whilst the man has what turns out later, to be a near-fatal stroke, as well as introducing a new, sinister side to the setting. At the start of the opening sequence, the non-diegetic sound of the song “Blue Velvet,” fits the images shown and the idea of an ideal vintage American community. However, the relaxed and slow music soon becomes contrapuntal as the gun imagery and the man’s stroke are introduced. The first diegetic sound in the opening sequence is the hissing of the hose-pipe which clashes with the music. The hissing hose pipe could symbolise how the crime in these seemingly perfect American communities is increasingly under pressure and can no longer be covered up by the ideal stereotypes that the music suggests. At the end of the opening sequence when the worm-eye-shot of the undergrowth is introduced, a low frequency eerie rustling sound completely overrides the music, disorientating and confusing the audience, giving a complete contrast in tone from the beginning of the opening sequence. The mise-en-scene of the extract creates an idyllic and calm setting, giving the audience an almost false sense of security. In the opening scene, the combination of blue sky, white picket fence and red roses create an abstract American flag, which promotes the theme of a utopian 1950s America. The yellow tulips are iconic spring flowers and so could be a symbol for hope, as spring brings hope after winter. However, the fact that the flowers shown are roses and tulips, which bloom at different times of year, could imply a passage of time within the extract, showing that the serenity of the setting is continuous or otherwise suggests that something is amiss and the natural order of the situation is confused and corrupted. The smartly dressed children, all walking to school together, illustrate the idea of an ideal American community and the Lollipop lady adds the safety of the setting. A shot showing a fire engine with a waving fireman also helps to promote this idea of a healthy, safe and sheltered community. The houses shown in some shots fit the stereotype of porches and picket fences within such a safe and sheltered community. The white or pale colour of the houses suggests the initial innocence of the setting and community presented. All of this stereotypical imagery of a perfect American neighbourhood begins to unravel at the shot focusing on the gun in a crime drama being watched on the TV. The introduction of the theme of crime hints to the audience that the utopian setting is all but perfect and is potentially home to an undercover crime community. The first shot is a vertical tilt from a clear blue sky to red roses in a garden. The focus on beautiful weather immediately creates an inviting setting. Many medium shots are used throughout the opening sequence when showing scenes that suggest an idyllic community. The main close-up shots are on negative imagery like the gun on the TV, the pressurised hose-pipe and the dog going wild playing with the water. These close-up shots force the audience to notice the flaws in the once perfect seeming setting, showing them that beyond the surface there is a darker side. A high angled shot of the man illustrates his helplessness and vulnerable situation he is in. The dog and young toddler emphasise this innocence and lack of control over the unfortunate situation. At 1:28 there is an out of focus POV shot showing the water from the hose pipe which gives the audience an idea of the man’s disorientation and blinding pain. A vertical tilt similar to the one at the beginning of the extract is also used here, possibly to remind the audience of how quickly their impression of the setting and situation has changed since the introduction of crime imagery in the form of the gun. At the very end of the opening sequence a worm-eye-view shot of the undergrowth is used to contrast the opening shot of the sky and to imply that underneath the perfect facade, the setting is plagued by hidden dangers and crime.
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