Fargo
At the opening of Fargo, it begins by displaying the production company - like most opening sequences of any film. Once these have been displayed on screen, it fades to black and there is a black background displaying a couple of sentences in a sans-serif white font. In these sentences, it informs the audience that the film is based on a true story. Out of respect, it allows the audience to understand that some of the characters in the film have died in real life. This is a good way of opening the film as it allows the audience to question what the narrative involves and how it relates to real life. The fact it is utilised may thrill the audience as it is real life made into a film. As well as this, it tells the audience of the location the film is set. The music has a rather traditional feel to it with no percussion and has a low tone to it. The fact this information is given lets the audience feel interested in the film and therefore want to see what occurs within. The mystery is also an effect used and is a typical convention of thriller films. 
Once this occurs, it fades to a grey background with titles layered over. The font is sans-serif and black with transitions which seem like they dissolve/fade. The black coloured font against the grey allows it to stand out as the grey is a light colour- which is a juxtaposition. Once this occurs, a straight cut happens and what is presented is a long shot of a bird. The bird is soaring in the sky from high up and increases the theme of loneliness/isolation. This is a key theme in thriller films and almost hints at the narrative. The non-diegetic music continues and gives a traditional, old feel to it that is rather chilling as it builds up and holds no real percussion. However, the tempo begins to build and this increases the sense of tension and the key element of mystery.
Once this has occurred, there is a new scene with the same snowy grey background which displays a car. However, it is very difficult to see as it is an extreme long shot. The car's headlights, however, are easily recognised as they juxtapose against the dreary colouring of the background. As well as this, there is ambient sound surrounding the scene as we are able to hear the sounds of unknown birds. The fact we only see one bird and one car adds to the isolated location and the fact it is cold and desolated. The sound of the non-diegetic music heightens as another shot is apparent. Yet another straight cut is included when there is the extreme long shot of the car driving closer to the camera. As the vehicle edges closer, the shot becomes much clearer and allows the audience to know exactly the type of car it is. As this is occurring, the music's volume increases and becomes much more percussive with a higher tone. As the car moves, there is a slow pan as it follows the vehicle. We are then able to confirm that the location is snowy and therefore cold, dark and sombre. The car is also seen as very cheap and run down like the weather which suggests an element of pathetic fallacy. Once this has happened, the car disappears and the words 'FARGO' in a black sand-serif font appears on the screen. This is used to highlight the title of the film and due to it's placement on the screen, it is seen as a significant title. The transition then allows it to evaporate and allow the story to continue. The camera then pans and follows the vehicle yet again, allowing the audience to question the journey. The music continues to rise as the car continues to travel which highlights the importance of the car, despite the confusion of the audience as there is no real hint to the narrative other than the fact there is a journey.
Once the music ends with an odd sound of drums, the scene fades to black as well as the music. This increases the theme of mystery and allows the audience to question the importance of the car yet again. These first few minutes are confusing for the audience as there is no hint or any sort of action amongst people. This is an uncommon convention of thriller films as they usually start off straight to the point or build up. However, it is clear that in this opening, there has been no hinting.
Despite this, we are then met with a bright lighted scene, despite the location being at night. Bright neon lights are utilised which juxtaposes the previous scene. Due to this, it is clear that the shot is very static and inviting. There are also numerous pieces of ambient sound such as the sound of driving and snow. Then there is the sound of diegetic music coming from some sort of bar building. Then, there is a cut as a man (protagonist) enters the building. As we are presented with a couple of shots, it is clear that it is in fact a bar and there are numerous amounts of people littered around. The people are primarily men which is a typical convention of thriller films. There is low key lighting too which highlights the fact it could be a dangerous place as the atmosphere is very suspicious and alarming to the audience. As this occurs, the music's volume heightens and the audience is aware that the bar is a tense and risky place for the protagonist to be in. A significant mid shot of the said protagonist is presented to the audience as his expression is seen to be suspicious. We are also aware that the protagonist is wearing a suit, suggesting he is involved in business and working for other people.Others around him are wearing rather casual costumes. They are seen wearing jeans and sweaters which is not surprising due to the snowy atmosphere in previous shots. This also suggests that they are lower class than the protagonist and do not work with him or have any involvement to his job.
As the scene continues, we are faced with a numerous amounts of different types of shots so that we can hear dialogue occurring between the protagonist and other people we do not know of. These shots highlight the protagonist being unsure of how to react regarding the location and perhaps that he is the opposite of violent - an odd personality trait to thriller films. As the scene continues, we hear dialogue of some sort of get together amongst men including the protagonist. As the dialogue occurs, the audience understands that the protagonist does not dominate over the other men as he is seen as timid and opposed to confrontation. One of the men are seen to cut him off numerous amounts of time which also adds to his weak nature.
As well as this, we are seen with the protagonist cowering down to the other men and saying sorry to them when he realises he was late to their meeting. This is a typical convention as there is clear discomfort between characters and heightens suspense - a key feature to thrillers.
Lastly, we are seen with an over the shoulder shot of the protagonist speaking to two other men. This allows the audience to understand the clear tension amongst the characters and shows that they are not in friendly relationships with one another. This could also be the fact they are all men and therefore have dominating personalities that conflict. This is also recognised by mise en scene as the empty alcohol bottles on the table show typical male behaviour as they get involved with drinking to show dominance. As well as this, multiple shot reverse shots are presented through dialogue so that the audience can see each of their expressions and reactions to the meeting. This adds to the narrative enigma as it is mysterious and suspicious, allowing the audience to want to continue watching to see what happens.
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