Collateral (2004) is a crime drama thriller making it a hybrid genre. The Michael Mann directed film stars Tom Cruise, as wells as, Jason Statham, who are both present in the opening sequence of the film. Unlike conventional Hollywood films there are no titles and the film begins instantly; suggesting that it's a modern take on the thriller drama.
The film begins instantly and we see a medium shot of Tom Cruise walking amongst civilians in a crowded terminal (we are aware of the setting because Cruise walks past a flight board); a tracking shot follows the character and is focused only on him, whilst the slow motion special effect slightly slows the character down. The scene cuts to blurred figures and actor Jason Statham emerges from the crowd (with a newspaper), the camera is too focused on him as he appears to be walking in the opposite direction to Cruise. Subsequently, a close up shot cuts back to Cruise as slow motion decreases the frames speed. Suddenly a two shot depicts the pair colliding whilst the tilit down to close up illustrates two identical briefcases falling to the ground; diegetic sound emphasises the 'thud' as the brief case hits the floor. This scene specifically creates suspense as the audience anticipate what will occur (a briefcase switch). Dialogue is used as the pair regard each other and an over the sholder shot depicts Cruise retreating with the wrong briefcase. A non-diegetic musical score interrupts which consists of high tempo beats, which further mounts the tension.
Both actors are given a formal costume which suggests they're involved in business. However Tom Cruise is shot wearing sunglasses, his anonymity also buildds suspense as the audience aren't able to gauge his expressions and hence can't empathise with him.
On the whole the thriller film doesn't use titles but has a fast paced suspenseful opening which is a key convention in thriller films; it builds anticipation amongst its audience.
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