Opening Sequence Analysis of 'Iron Man 3'

Opening Sequence Analysis of ‘Iron Man 3’

The director's masterful amalgamation of unique camera shots, witty dialogue and pedantic characterisation propels the audience into the superhero world within the opening sequence of 'Iron Man 3'.

The sequence commences with a voice over of the film’s central figure, Tony Stark, speaking directly to the audience. The use of the dialogue within the voice over compels the audience to think about what is being said and how it may affect the rest of the film. For example, the first few lines spoken in the sequence said, ‘A famous man once said, we create our own demons’. The audience may immediately think about whom the ‘famous man’ was and how people can create these ‘demons’. However, the dialogue’s ambiguity can result to various interpretations, such as the demons being a symbol of your inner self or perhaps your past. Whilst the voice over plays in the background, the first visual aspect shown on screen includes three of the iconic Iron Man suits, perhaps representing the three films that have been released. A low camera shot has been used to make the suits appear larger and more superior to the audience, emphasising the superhero aspect of the film. At first the audience may be in awe as they has either seen previous films or been interested in the superhero. However, the sequence suddenly progresses showing the suits self-destructing, which may shock the audience and make them wonder why they are being destroyed. This could then link with the quote previously mentioned within the sequence, symbolising the character of Tony Stark had created his own ‘demons’, those being the famous Iron Man suits. This opening few seconds within the film immediately engage the audience as they are plunged into action with the dramatically exploding suits and ambiguous dialogue. This may fulfil the ‘personal identity’ segment of the uses and gratifications theory as the dialogue may spark questions, allowing the audience to gain insight into one’s self.

(Screen Capture of Iron Man Suits Exploding)

As the sequence progresses, the film begins in the past, “1999, Bern, Switzerland” where the audience are introduced to the main character, Tony Stark, for the first time. By illustrating that the story begins within the past, the audience may be aware of future events that may have occurred within the first and second Iron Man films. This could be engaging as the audience can pick up on dialogue and characters, and how they link with other films. For example, the character known as ‘Ho Yinsen’ was first featured within the first Iron Man film where he helped Tony Stark build his first ever Iron Man suit and portable arc reactor. For viewers, which had seen the previous films, this could be engaging as they know the story behind this character and how he played an essential role in the other films, and it could perhaps be exciting as they are able to see him again after witnessing his death within the first film. The audience are also met with the character of ‘Harold Hogan’, also known as ‘Happy’, the chauffer and bodyguard for Tony Stark. They can relate in the way in which he has developed as a character and key roles he plays within the future. The audience may also find his introduction rather humorous as his character has an old fashioned, and unstylish, haircut known as the mullet, further emphasising the past tense nature of the opening sequence. This could engage the audience as they may be hinted that the film may have comedic aspects as well as iconic superhero action scenes. The use of starting the story in the past may be engrossing for the audience as they can find out the background information about the superhero and other characters.

(Title Showing Time and Place of Event)

The opening sequence then develops to a scene where the audience are given a first insight to a technology that may return to haunt Tony Stark within the future. The dialogue of the characters explain how the technology works, so if it is mentioned later within the film, the audience can relate to the past events which had taken place in ‘Bern, Switzerland’. The audience also witnessed a man earlier within the opening sequence, ‘Aldrich Killian’, a nerdy character apart of a scientific organisation that soon becomes the villainous side of the film. At first, the audience may not think of this character as they seem to have little or no importance in the eyes of Tony Stark, however, they may be interested in the way in which he approaches the lady behind the scheme of the new technology she had discovered. This could be engaging for the audience as they can pick out key features, which has the potential lead to the downfall of the hero. Also, by showing this nerdy character is abandoned by Tony Stark, it could suggest he had developed hatred towards him and how this may come into play within the future. The use of showing the new technology and other characters could show how the film may develop using these themes to create the villain, which Tony Stark would inevitably be involved with and try to defeat.

Sound:

There are various sounds used within the opening sequence of the film, such as the use of non-diegetic sound, music. The audience are first introduced with instrumental tones to create a sad, upsetting emotion, which could be used to emphasise the destruction of the iconic Iron Man suits. This may be distressing for any devoted fans of the superhero and spark emotion within the audience. The first sequence then progresses into playing a famous song of the year in which the movie begins, ‘1999’. The song ‘I’m Blue (da be bee) by Eiffel 65’ is used to make the audience aware the setting is within the past and to also grab their attention as the song is famous and well known.

The dialogue spoken within the opening sequence is also key as it leads on to the rest of the film.  The introduction of the key characters and what they say inform the audience of the plot of the film, such as the introduction to a new piece of technology which becomes a key aspect within the film. The audience also get an idea of what a character is like from the way they speak within the first few minutes of the film. For example, when introduced to Tony Stark, the audience may get the impression he is famous, cocky and witty.

Camera:

A combination of various camera shots had been used within the opening sequence, such as wide shots, close ups and low shots. The low shots used within the start of the sequence make the Iron Man suits stand out from the background and immediately inform the audience of the superhero within the film. Close ups had also been used for dramatic effect and to create emotion as it allows the audience to see facial expressions to get an idea of how the characters are feeling. Wide shots are very common throughout various movies that have been made, they allow the audience to get an idea of the setting and analyse the mise-en-scene.

(Medium Over the Shoulder Camera Shot)

Editing:

The editing within the first few seconds of the play starts off with the Iron Man suits being destroyed. These are edited in slow motion to make the destruction seem more dramatic and shocking for the audience. There are also various cut shots and fading which make each scene link in together rather than creating a detached feeling.

Mise-en-Scene:

The props and setting used for the party within the opening sequence creates an authentic atmosphere that gives a realistic feel for the audience. The use of the placement of props such as champagne glasses and balloons also create a realistic environment and set the mood as the audience watch the film.

Genre Signifiers:

The use of introducing the destroyed Iron Man suits within the first scene of the film immediately inform the audience the film is of an action genre are conventions of that genre are used, such as explosions and superhero equipment. The use of witty, gossipy dialogue may also show the audience that the film has some comedic aspects, as do various other marvel films. 

Dominate Ideologies:

The main ideology expressed may be the social scale of the main character, Tony Stark, against other people within the sequence. The use of having a bodyguard and several fans asking questions within a short space of time, it could show the popularity and status the main character has, emphasising the higher end of the socioeconomic scale he is within. This could also show how wealth ultimately has the ability of getting people recognised and perceived as ‘special’ people.

Narrative Enigma:

Narrative enigma had been used within the first few minutes of the opening sequence to make the audience question why certain things happen and to create a sense for mystery. For example, the use of showing a business card within the end of the opening sequence may lead the audience to question what was written on the other side, and whether or not it may be revealed later on within the film. This convention allows the audience to be engaged within the film and curious as to what may follow.

(Business Card Shown at end of Scene)