Layer Cake Opening Sequence Analysis

In the opening of the sequence, many different camera techniques are used. Pan movements are used several times. They are used to show the graphic matches between the man and woman, and for the drugs. These make the scenes flow more so you get a feel for what is happening.

Another graphic match is used between the two police cars. This is used to make the two scenes join together, as they are related to each other. In the greenhouse scene, a high angle shot of the greenhouses is shown. This is used to show their stupidity of not being able to find them. Another shot used is an extreme long shot. This is used to convey just how big and popular drug use is.
There are many key quotes used in this opening sequence. One of them is "I'm not a gangster, I'm a businessman." - Daniel Craig. This tells the audience that he could be a very respectable person and he looks upon drug dealing as any other normal and legal business.
The music throughout the opening is quite mysterious and laid back. This could be because what they are saying is important and he wants people to listen to him. As the sequence continues, the music becomes more sinister. This may be because the scenes build up tension, and makes the audience want to watch on.
After Daniel Craig has revealed what he plans to do, the music is more upbeat. This is because there is a sense of excitement, as the audience wants to know if the plan works or fails.
Right at the start of the opening, the first scene is in black and white. This is because it is a flash back to something in the past, and fits in with what Daniel Craig is saying.
Lots of mise-en-scene is used in the sequence. One example of this is the branded drugs. Others include the weighing of the drugs, and the handing out of the money. These are all things that stand out as being significant in the film.
Action codes are also part of this sequence. These include weighing the drugs, handing out the money, learning who Jimmy is, and the explanation of all the money he has. Action codes are when the questions are answered and the audience learns something new.
Various enigma codes are used in the opening too. These are the questions we want to know the answer to. These include; Who are the people in Amsterdam? What does the main character do for a living? Who is the narrator? and Why does Jimmy want to see the dealer?

This analysis helped me to learn what action and enigma codes are, and the ways in which they are used in films.