The music in the opening sequence of Panic Room is dull, has low notes and is mostly a slow speed with some bursts of lower and slower speeds. The music creates an eerie feeling for the viewer about the film and also fits the film into its genre; thriller. The instruments used in the opening sequence are from the strings family and it is non-diegetic sound because it was added to the sequence for effect.
An example of when the music has bursts of low pitched notes and slower speeds is when the camera focuses on the credits "Panic Room". This further emphasises that fact that, because that's the title of the film, we are meant to feel the panic and fright in the film that the characters feel. It also emphasises the fact that Panic Room is a thriller and meant to scare the viewers. This change in music also happens when the camera focuses on the shot of the directors name. I think this is done to emphasise again that he created the film, so he is the creator of the panic and fright in the film.
The use of strings, and strings only, in the opening sequence says something about the movie. Strings are associated with thrillers and horrors in films all the time. It is rare that we hear woodwind or percussion instruments in these types of films. Just hearing the strings in the title sequence gives the viewer a sense of what the film is going to be about. It sets the viewer up to feel suspense and tension which is what a lot of the film is about.
Good description of the music and explanation of why it was chosen for effect. Now think about some of the excellence level responses: answering the question, "so what?" How does this music compare to music throughout the film or in the beginning of other thrillers? Is it referencing something else? Why does the director want the audience to feel suspense and tension? Check my blog for other ideas of what to include.
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