Delicatessen opening scene analysis

The establishing shot shows a mysterious, gloomy town with broken down houses immediately adding mystery and a dark theme. The tracking shot moving in towards the butcher's ads further mystery and creates a ominous atmosphere through the use of the lighting in the windows disabling the audience from seeing inside and by the use of the non-diegetic and ominously low sound. Once the camera enters the building we see the butcher sharpening his knife. The clear use of contrast between the glistening clean knife and the dusty and dirty surroundings shows the butchers love and care for his tools, this adds a sinister tone.