This opening clip is plain and simple throughout, however still allows the audience to see what kind of character Nina is. Opening with a black background, white serif font slowly fades in and out, the title 'Black Swan' being the last text to appear, bolder and centralized. This is followed by a long shot of Nina in the center of a stage, the backdrop remaining black, with only one dim spotlight shining on her. This highlights her importance in the film, as she is the first character the audience see. As well as this the fact that the spotlight is dim is adding to the mystery of this scene however also connoting that Nina isn't entirely happy. The audience then go on to see a close up of her feet, highlighting that she is a dancer, however also reinforcing her elegance and pureness as these traits are usually associated with ballet. The camera continues to follow Nina's feet as she dances, then uses a medium shot as she finishes her dance and gently sits on the floor. The audience then see a long shot of a man, coming from behind Nina in the dark, the spotlight remaining on Nina in order to create mystery as the man cannot be clearly seen. As the man reaches Nina a close up of her face is shown reinforcing her facial expression, being scared and shocked. The camera then follows them both as they dance, circling around their movement. In this opening sequence both characters go through costume changes. The camera uses medium shots to present this to the audience, first the man spins around changing costume, followed by Nina. After Nina has gone through her costume change, the man disappears from the stage, leaving Nina back in the center under the spotlight. As her dancing becomes slower and gentler, the camera slowly zooms out from Nina, leaving her in the center of the stage and highlighting her now as the White Swan.
Throughout this opening most of the sound is non-diagetic. As the text starts to slowly fade classical music is played, slow placed and gentle, creating a calm feel for the audience. However as the title 'Black Swan' appears, sounds similar to wind are heard by the audience, creating an eery atmosphere. As well as this a quiet evil laugh is used to create tension. As Nina starts to dance the music remains classical, however the volume increases. The first non diagetic sound is heard by audience when Nina gasps, reinforcing the fear she feels from the man. As the two characters start to dance quickly together the music volume increases and becomes more powerful than before. Additionally diagetic sound effects are used as the characters change costume, becoming more dramatic and alarming, creating a tense atmosphere for the audience. On the other hand non-diagetic sounds such as wings flapping are used, reinforcing Nina's transformation into the White Swan. As the camera zooms away from Nina, the music becomes calmer and quieter, linking to the slowing pace of her dancing. Throughout this opening sequence the setting stays very much the same, being simple and plain. The main colors that are used are blacks and whites, the stage being black and the only light source being the spotlight. These dull colors are used to reinforce Nina's importance and elegance, ensuring that she is the main focus for the audience. At the beginning of the clip Nina is wearing a white ballet dress, immediately symbolizing purity and innocence to the audience. As well as this her satin ballet shoes reinforce this purity, connoting to the audience what Nina is like as a character. On the other hand when the man appears in this opening he is wearing black, usually symbolizing death and danger, which also reinforces the mystery for the audience. Furthermore the costume changes for the two characters are also very different. The man's costume could be seen as a monster, with large black feathers and horns. However Nina's costume change is a white feathery dress, including a delicate white tutu and a white headband, letting the audience know that Nina has transformed into the White Swan. The title sequence for the Black Swan is very simple and plain, yet still effective. The text is in capital white serif font, contrasting with the black background. These two colors could be used to represent the Black and White Swan characters in this film. As well as this the font being elegant and feminine links in to the femininity of Nina in the opening scene. The titles slowly fade in and out with the slow classical music played at the start. As the title sequence comes to an end the final title 'Black Swan' fades in, in the center of the screen, being much bolder and bigger than the previous texts. This effect is used in order to focus the audience on the title and create a slow and mysterious opening to the film.