Figure 1: opening sequence, rough cut version
Figure 2: opening sequence, final version
These 10 second sequences displays the rough cut version and the final version of the opening sequence to Anxious Art. A theme throughout the film is a repetitive shot of the poster that states ‘ESCAPE FROM HELL’ that we found on one of the artists’ wall. The intention with the opening sequence, and the rest of the film, is to make the audience understand this film is about both mental health issues and artists, while also making the audience feel a sense of anxiety and unease in order to portray mental health issues through imagery, sound and feelings. It is predominately through the editing process of the audio we have aimed to achieve this feeling among the audience, allowing them to relate and/or empathise on a deeper level.
The first edit (figure 1) does not exhibit the ‘ESCAPE FROM HELL’ poster, nor does it include as much of an intricate soundscape as the final version. The first is more clean cut with the shots, and technically flows a little better. Although, this is not a classic piece, and the intent it to create tension and anxiousness, therefore this flow does not enhance these feelings and does not work in setting the tone for the opening sequence to Anxious Art.
The final version (figure 2) is clearly much more fitting to the general tone of the film. The main difference is that there is a fade from a calming shot of cherubs on the wall to a darker and more intimidating shot of the ‘ESCAPE FROM HELL’ poster. This also includes a daunting sound that I had added that sets the tone for the film, creating a sense of unease comparatively to the first version. The colour grading in the final version also enhances this overall feeling of the exaggeration of emotions that is being displayed. In saying this, the final version is not perfect as there is a clear overuse of the ‘ESCAPE TO HELL’ shot in the film. Therefore, by using this shot so early on it could take away from the meaningfulness and importance of that poster.