The use of Polaroid photos on the pin board, with news clippings and notes to introduce the characters and cast as well as the crew was an imaginative device, and reminded me of 'Momento'. The pin board and Polaroid photos could be a reoccurring theme through out the film, and would make a nice touch.
The use of voice over is a great idea, as very often the antagonist is given a voice. As the audience are told the story from the antagonists point of view, we can tell how sick and mentally ill he really is; this is disturbing and fits with the conventions of thriller openings.
The use of simple and not over complicated music highlights the dialogue, and yet the music creates tension and suspense. The use of the low key and almost constructively slow rhythm link with the impression we gain from the antagonist, as he is shown via set up as oddly calm.
Bad points on 'Smile'
The worst part of Smile was the key narrative twist just before the title card. I found i had to pause the video to decipher that the girl who the antagonist was stalking was tied up. To achieve a better effect i think they could have used depth of field, with the female figure out of focus in the background, behind the Polaroid picture to re-enforce what has happened.
The sometimes cheesey prop of photographs was overused at such points as 0:42. I think the opening would have flowed better if the characters didn't know they were being photographed, and that the killer was unknown to them.
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