Analysis of a Chase sequence

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_6fKA334gk

As we have established as a group, the main crux and action point of our film opening will in fact be focused upon a central tipping point of a chase scene, in this post I will be analysing both the conventions of a chase sequence and how certain techniques are put into practise to make it look both appealing and eye catching to the viewer.  I will also be exploring how both tension and excitement are maintained throughout the sequence to establish what makes an exciting and eventful chase sequence that we can effectively carry forward to our task as possible strengths when we come to film and later edit our task in the future.
The clip that I have chosen to analyse for this particular analytical post is that of a chase sequence from the movie Inception directed by Christopher Nolan. In the scene, Dominic Cobb is chased by ruthless bounty hunters who are after him "dead or alive."
There are a number of things that make the chase sequence both exciting and rewarding to watch as a viewer.  One of these is the very real and apparent threat and danger that the audience feel the character is in and therefore this makes the chase sequence seem ever the more exciting and engaging for the viewer as they are willing the protagonist to escape peril, hopeful that they escape from the danger unharmed.

Camera Work and Camera Shots
The use of the enclosed and confined camera shots and angles, partly aided by the sharpness and abruptness of the cut is what has the viewer leaning on the edge of their seat for the entirety of the chase sequence.  Quick, fluent and sharp camera movements aid the build up of tension in the chase sequence as the way the camera tracks the movements of Cobb's pursuers through the tight, enclosed space of hustling, bustling and crowded city streets adds an extra feeling of paranoia, claustrophobia and fear as the use of the enclosed, confined space of the narrow city streets makes escape for Cobb seem an almost impossible feat, adding yet more excitement for the viewer as the protagonists options continue to dwindle and narrow, limiting the opportunity for a plausible escape, making it seem like an ever increasingly incomprehensible option that may have to be ruled out.  Indeed, to add to Cobb's feelings of isolation and implausible escape seeming ever more likely the use of an aerial shot serves the purpose of highlighting to the audience the tight and narrow dimensions and parameters within which the foot chase is taking place, creating evermore the feeling of imprisonment and certain capture for Cobb as the narrow streets are represented to act as a physical barrier which harms the protagonists escape options to a severely crippling and detrimental effect. From this analysis, it is clear that confined space and limiting parameters such as narrow streets work well as a chase setting serving the purpose of "trapping" the viewer, along with the protagonist building a stronger relationship between the audience and character members.

Soundtrack
Soundtrack all but adds to the excitement and tension levels already experienced amongst viewers of the chase sequence as a rumbling drum is heard with the music rising and falling to almost simulate the rhythm of a beating heart to emphasise the feelings of rising panic and fear not only felt by the protagonist but also to complement the feelings of excitement members of the cinematic audience will undoubtedly be feeling during the scene.

Editing
Editing like Cobbs' pursuers is not only fast paced but also ruthless in it's decision making. Fast paced cuts between camera shots all but add to the impending and immediate sense of danger that is life threatening to the protagonist of the piece. The fast paced editing adds to the pace of the scene and pushes the narrative as well as the scene forward by advancing at an alarming rate between camera shots and movements so the audience experience a situation of breathlessness and exhaustion just from watching the sequence rather than partaking in it, like Cobb is.

Mise En Scene 
The Mise en Scene within the chase sequence is used effectively to complement and represent a feeling of foreignness and to provide an exotic feel to the piece as the chase sequence as influenced by the bright, majestic colours of another culture fairly dissimilar from our own still provides through the lighting a dark atmosphere. Indeed, this is emphasised at the beginning of the clip during the cafe exchange between Cobb and his friend as he talks through his plan of immediate action to outrun his pursuers where the characters faces are partly concealed in the half light to perhaps represent a darker undertone that is present in their immediate surroundings.     
Through the analysis of the chase sequence I  have learnt that for our chase sequence to be engaging and exciting for the viewer, it must take place within a confined and restricted area whereby escape from fate seems an almost incomprehensible and implausible outcome in order to derive and deprive the audience of feelings of boredom and annoyance. Also, as the chase sequence will take place at the beginning of our film, being for the fact that it features in our three minutes of film opening extract, it will need to be fast, paced, punchy and dramatic to keep the viewer engaged and  focussed and in order to maintain the audiences attention span throughout the duration of the opening scenes.