The opening of Strangers on a Train is very gripping, and a rather unusual beginning to a thriller film. Hitchcock is famous for his variety of shots connotating aspects of the thriller genre.
It starts by the camera focusing on two different taxis pulling up at a train station. Two men come out of the taxis and the camera (low angled) focuses on their feet, cutting from one person to the other. This uses the 180degree rule as it always shoots the feet from the same side, suggesting that they are going to meet. This could also connote the belief in 'fate' and 'everything happens for a reason' perhaps suggesting that something bad is going to happen. 
The two men's shoes are very different so you can tell the difference between the two of then. The first man that walks about of the taxi has very expensive looking shoes perhaps showing that he is richer and more authoritative than the second man who wears plainer, yet still smart shoes, showing that he is also probably a business man or fairly high up in a company, yet not as much so as the first man. The fact that the man with the black and white, more expensive shoes steps out and is shown first, also suggests he is higher up than the other man.
Up until the moment they step on the train, the audience do not see their faces at all in the opening sequence, this gives a sense of mystery and builds up the tension amongst the audience leaving them wondering who they people are and what importance they have and most of all.. what is going to happen. This sense of uncertainty is essential in gripping the audience, keeping them in their seats.
The camera shots cut very quickly from one man to another, this gives the opening scene pace, which it needs to keep the audience gripped. The quickness also connotates urgency and would seem to make the audience panicky and feel like they are watching the two men and anticipating them meeting. 
Be careful about accuracy with identifying camera shots. The shots of the feet are high angle!!!
ReplyDeleteYou could add to this post by explaining Hitchcokc's purpose in shooting the opening of the film this style whilst also explaining how the opening ties in with the rest of the film which I assume you have seen.