Opening Sequence of Anna Karenina

The technical features of Anna Karenina in the opening sequence show that the theme is proven and introduced from the start for example the sound is started by the audience hearing the orchestra warm up and then it begins with typical theatre orchestral music. This theme is also recognized by sound when you can hear the 'hustle and bustle' of an audience seated waiting for the show to begin at the theatre. The editing shows that a date is given for when the play is set leaving nothing for the audience to guess with a time period for the film. It moves between close up more realistic shots to over sized movements such as ones performed by theatre actors very quickly, highlighting the play and film aspect of the movie. The film is shot very clearly with stage lighting and not natural light helping the audience to understand where the film is set. The costumes set a scene and help reiterate the date the film was set in and where, they are very bold costumes that are shown typically in plays. Within the Mise en Scene it is clear that the movements of the characters are bold and over exadurated like in a play so that the audience can see from afar what is happening.