With use of quick cuts, camera shots and angles and lighting effects the director and editor of “Rome” have created a sense of tension throughout this sequence.
In the short opening scene a man who is being target for assassination is introduced. The writers also bring into the scene two middle class characters; we can see this by the clothes they are wearing. These men then draw out their swords in a medium two shot. This makes the audience acquire a sense of intimidation. The diagetic sounds also play a part in building the tension in this sequence. The sounds of the swords, running feet and heavy breathing play a huge role.
However the non-diagetic sounds are equally important for creating excitement and tension. The heavy percussion beats punctuating throughout the scene and the low orchestral drone that plays throughout in a low minor key. All of this puts a huge quantity of tension in the shots.
Families are a key factor in the opening sequence as we (the audience) have been introduced to three separate families or loved one in just the first four minutes. Specifically we are familiarized with a man who has committed murder for the sake of his mother. This man is portrayed as scared and regretful for the sin he has committed, however his mother shows pride in what her son has done. This compares to other literature such as Shakespeare Macbeth.
This man is seen washing the blood off his hands (also relates to Macbeth) and throughout the scene we hear the non-diagetic sounds of his hands shaking in the water; showing the audience his fear and regret.
Although in this scene it is the mother who is in control of the situation, it is quickly juxtaposed after by a man shown holding a dead woman (possibly a wife or partner; although it is never stated) When this man becomes aggressive at a child he accidently strikes a woman in fury. This scene also uses quick cuts and reverse over the shoulder shots to portray speed, anger and rash actions. However this man has acted out this was as he is in despair over a lost love; showing he cared deeply about her.
Another moment which relates to this is when an unknown man is kneeling over another dead man and crying, this compares to the previous scene of a man kneeling and hold his dead loved one. Although it is less clear to the audience what relationship these two men had, it is made clear that his death has made this character mournful.
From what is represented in this opening sequence it is clear to the viewing audience that the families in the Rome of the time are very close and will always come before political positions. This is shown in the scene with the mother and son. The fact that the scene has no cuts what so ever reflects how pure and full the commitment and lovingness of the family. We are also given a high standard of tension throughout this sequence loaded with diagetic and non-diagetic sound and camera shots and angles.
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