Opening Scenes and Enigma - 'Buried'

The first opening sequence I am going to look at for the creation of enigma is from the horror film 'Buried', starring Ryan Reynolds.

                  

The scene starts with no music and the screen cuts to black. We hear the enhanced pleonastic sound of a lighter and see small flashes of light, however, the audience cannot see anything clearly when the light appears, creating mystery for the spectator. The first shot we see is an extreme close up on the main character's eye; as he is looking around in a panic, the audience are left confused as they are unsure where he is or what is happening to him. This is shot is accompanied by low-key lighting and enhanced sounds of heavy breathing.

The camera dollies out and we can see that the man has been tied up. We can also see that he is trapped in a small coffin. The feeling of intensity increases as the character shouts for help. Enigma is created as the lighting is low-key throughout and the audience are left with many questions as to where he is and why is there. The constant close ups, without any establishing shots, help to disorient the audience and create a claustrophobic feeling that the character is experiencing. 

We see the main character's phone screen and witness him struggle to move because of the small space. The camera constantly cuts back and forth between the close ups of his petrified face and him struggling in the confined space. Not only does this confuse the audience but it also helps us identify with the character. Overall the opening scene doesn’t reveal any information about the character's location or why he is there, and the withholding of narrative information forces us to ask questions.