How is suspense created in 'Marathon Man'?

The opening of the film opens with a panning shot of Dustin Hoffman's feet running. This creates a sinister feel. In the scene "is it safe," various camera shots reveal that Dustin Hoffman is the protagonist. This is made aware by a long-mid shot with an empty frame showing he is the pray as he is sitting in the middle of an empty room. When the two men enter the frame, they are dressed in suits and surround him, which acts as a form of intimidation. The dim lighting in the scene shows only one light which is focused on Dustin Hoffman. This shows that he is the prey or protagonist as the men stay out of the light which also shows he is the main focus in the frame.