Film opening continuity analysis

• The scene opens with a wide shot which establishes where the scene is set, what time of day, etc. This moves in to a tracking shot to follow the carriages, which shows that they are a main focus in the scene.
• The camera zooms in to the carriage to show to characters sitting face to face. The side the characters are shown from doesn't change throughout the opening sequence and so doesn't break the 180-degree rule, which is essential for continuity.
• Then there are close-up shots of the characters loading their guns to show that it is significant; they are preparing for something. This gives the viewer an idea of what is going on as there is no dialogue to convey the story.
• The next few shots are a sequence of cross cutting between  tracking shots of the main character, Sherlock, running from or towards something, and the shots following the carriages. The tracking shot allows the viewer to follow the story as it happens and the cross cutting suggests that the two separate scenes are happening simultaneously. 
• Match on action is used between a shot of Sherlock jumping off a wall and the shot it cuts to, of him landing. This is helpful because it means the story can flow easily while still using a variety of different shots and types of framing.