Michael Curtiz's Opening of Mildred Pierce

 If you watch most movies from the pre-TV period, you proceed in a typical fashion. Title Cards, then the story opens relatively statically. But Michael Curtiz developed the type of opening we now see more often. The kind that pulls you in. Take the opening of Mildred Pierce (below).

The first sequence sets up the plot and tone of the movie from the beginning.

1. A shot of an Ocean Front House shows power and money.
2. The Interior reflects money and power, but pans to a dapper playboy (Monty) who is shot repeatedly.
3. Monty hits the floor, the gun is thrown at him, and Monty says "Mildred."
4. A car rushes away - we assume with the killer.
5. Mildred Pierce walks hesitantly along an ocean boardwalk. She walks out on the pier.
6. Mildred looks painfully at the water, and begins to climb over the railing.
7. A loud clang announces someone else is there.

Here you go. You know there is a murder. You know that this is Mildred, rich but haggard. You know she doesn't know what to do next. All before the first words are spoken.

Now rewatch the mini-scene of Monty being shot. The first frames are from a lower angle. You see Monty and the ceiling simultaneously, giving a sense of claustrophobia.  When he falls, the gun is thrown, and he is lying in front of a fire that isn't extinguished, showing the killer leaving in a hurry.

Joan Crawford, as Mildred, gives a great performance in these few scenes. She conveys a sense of helplessness and weariness without saying a word.

Great.