DEXTER

Dexter Opening Sequence Analysis

In the opening sequence of Dexter, there is a theme of violence that contrasts with the everyday routine of the character Dexter. The director has created this contrast through the use of signifiers. The first shot in the sequence is of Dexter led down; a mosquito is on his outstretched arm. He swats and kills the mosquito. This is significant alongside the saying ‘wouldn't hurt a fly’ as it links with the story line in which Dexter is a killer. This juxtaposes the meaning of the saying, which is that he wouldn't hurt anything, not even a fly. In one of the shots, a close up of a drop of blood is used. Blood is often associated with wounds and violence, however the character has actually only cut himself shaving. As this is Dexter’s blood, this might suggest that he is putting himself in danger. An alternative view may be that because the blood is in the sink, he is washing the blood from his hands. Later in the sequence, Dexter is putting on a shirt. When the shirt is pulled over his head it appears as though he is being strangled from behind. This may lead the audience to think that there are antagonistic characters who may attempt to strangle him later on in the series. There is also a close up shot of Dexter slicing some meat, the effect of the close up is that we question whether it is bacon or not. The way he forks it onto the saucepan with a knife is very carefree.

           The lighting throughout the sequence is bright and positive. Good lighting in shots are often used to suggest positive thoughts and actions. Shadows and dim lighting could have been used, however this would've made Dexter look sinister. This bright lighting leads the audience to trust Dexter and perhaps treat him as a hero not a villain despite the seemingly violent scenes. This is very important, as Dexter is not supposed to appear as a cold-blooded killer.

           In the beginning of the sequence, Dexter is shaving off facial hair. Generally a clean-shaven person is seen as a more organised and efficient person. These are characteristics which are required to be a good contract killer. Towards the end of the sequence, we see that Dexter has dressed himself in a smart but casual fashion. As Dexter is undercover and wants to remain anonymous, it is important that he dresses to fit in with society. The location for the opening scene appears to be Dexter’s home. Perhaps as a character he wants to disassociate himself from his life as a killer, so he values his morning routine as he can live his life as a normal person. As he carries out his morning routine, the audience can tell that Dexter is comfortable and composed. However when he cuts himself shaving, this may suggest that he lost his concentration and has a lot on his mind.

           The typeface for the sequence title ‘Dexter’ is a bold sans serif font. The text is red and covered in splatters of dispersing blood. The colour red has connotations of blood, anger and passion. In reference to Goffman’s theory, Dexter is presented as overtly masculine. From the sequence, we can assume he is living alone. This is reflected in his carelessness as he uses a carving knife to slice an orange.