chopper917

Having seen the entire film, I understand the POV of the opening was used to allow for a future plot point. If not for that, I really don't think the POV was successful. The use of first person POV necessitated the use of other devices -- internal dialogue -- to move the plot along and didn't necessarily add to the tension -- we didn't see Parry's reactions to being grilled by the driver or hearing the bulletin announcing his escape.

To answer the two discussion questions: Yes I was surprised by what happens although the slow tracking establishing shot usually means something unexpected is on the horizon (the slow tracking shot into Jack Wolz's bedroom in THE GODFATHER for instance). We know right off the bat who did the killing; its the why that will be revealed. What this opening contributes to the noir style is the staple of the femme fatale.

The operation of the train by the two engineers reminded me of the execution of a heist of some sort which is a staple of noir. The unspoken communication between the two sets them up as a team; they trust each other to do their tasks at the appointed time. Will this lead to some sort of betrayal further on down the road? (cherchez le femme...) Will their teamwork be needed to save themselves from a future situation?? You'll have to keep watching to find out.

As many have already noted, Lang's use of sound AND silence establishes the sense of dread and unease that is to be expected in a film about a child murderer. The children playing a game using a rhyme about the murderer also establishes that things are not what they would seem on the surface; an ongoing theme in noir films. This juxtaposition of childish innocence and lurking violence was also used in the opening to THE WILD BUNCH where a laughing group of children were playing a game that turned out to be a fight between a scorpion and a bunch of fire ants.