Seven pounds opening

Click here to watch seven pounds

This is one of my favourite films because it is so touching, and I think the beginning of the film really captures the viewers attention and makes them want to watch more.
The opening scene begins with a phone call, which is actually what happens at the end of the film. It's not long before you see after the credits an extreme close up shot of a man making a phone call. He is breathless and looks distraught, it becomes quickly clear that he is in a serious situation when he asks for an ambulance. The character then reveals he is committing suicide and this makes the viewer want to know more. As the camera shot is still an extreme close up it does not give away any idea of where he is or the situation he is in which builds up tension. 

There is then a voice over which states "in seven days god created the world, and in seven seconds I shattered mine." I find this very effective as everything you know so far is based on the number seven and you already know that he has made a mistake which has effected him badly. During the voice over he is swimming in the ocean. The camera shots used at this point is extreme long shot, and birds eye view. This could suggest he tries to get away from his past as it's like he is swimming away from something.