In depth analysis of Donnie Darko

We watched the opening sequence of Donnie Darko which is classed as a psychological thriller. During the sequence there were many typical conventions of a thriller and hints that suggested in the beginning that it is psychological.
The sequence begins with the opening credits on a black background with white writing, with mystical font suggesting to us the genre. At this time the diegetic sound of a strong wind and thunder which creates suspense as we have not yet been shown the location for this scene, letting the viewer build an image in there head.
As we see the scene of cold and isolated mountains a non-diegetic soundtrack is introduced. In the distance is a body lying on the ground, and the music matches the mystery of this as the sound is creepy and dreamy, slowing building up. The sound continues as the camera tracks towards the body. At this point the lighting is dark and shadowy, matching that of typical thriller conventions. As the camera gets closer the body sits up, as the camera pans round to the side of the face, in a mid-shot so we can also get a closer look at the location. In this mid-shot the character, who we can now see is a boy, smiles in a way which makes us suspicious about him, and why he is there.
His simple costume makes him look scruffy and out of place, in contrast with the scenic beauty of the background, almost as if he has just woken up there.
The opening sequence ends with the title of the film appearing on the screen as the character walks out of the frame. After this point a bright light appears from the title, which almost looks like its imitating the sun, which then fills up the whole screen until it whites out completely.