This powerpoint of an analysis of a previous opening sequence allows my group to see the way in which other groups have executed the final opening sequence. This sequence is similar to that which my group had decided to go with, typical of the thriller/mystery genre. Some of the parts of the sequence were engaging and helped our group to form a better idea of how our film should turn out. However, some of the aspects could be improved, so we decided to avoid such problems in order to create a successful product. We analysed various aspects such as sound, lighting and camera, and how they have used this within their sequence for effect.
It is important for our group to understand the ideas behind exsisting opening sequences to see how they are successful and how they can be improved. These opening sequences are both within the genre that my group have decided to go into, so it is important to see the effective techniques these groups had used in order to make a convincing opening sequence. It is also important to see what things they could have improved on, making it clearer for our group to avoid anything that may not look good within our trailer.
How has lighting been used to represent the priest’s
transformation into a vampire in ‘Thirst’?
Character
Lighting Techniques
Purpose/Effect
Priest
Backlight
The backlight makes the priest stand out from the
background to give the impression that he is ‘holy’. This is a clever use of
lighting as it represents the occupation of the main character before he
turns into a vampire.
Priest
Top Lighting
This technique cascades a shadow across the characters
face so that the audience cannot see the features of the priest. This use of
lighting is often used for villains, foreshadowing the future transformation
into a vampire.
Priest
Under lighting
This creates shadows across the face to mask the identity
of what the light is being directed upon. This is conventional for horror
films as it creates an eerie atmosphere and hides the identity of the
characters.
Priest
Low Key Lighting
This creates large areas of darkness and creates a
contrast between light and dark colours within the scene. The darkness
creates ambiguity, as the audience cannot see the scene clearly, This is a
common convention of horror films.
Priest
High Key Lighting
This is typical for the scene, which takes place within a
hospital as this area is often clearly lit. This makes the figure stand out
as the high contrast makes the figure clearer. This creates a sinister sense,
as bad things tend to occur during at night, not day.
Vampire
Backlight
Backlighting creates a dark
shadow on the face of the villain, as the key light is not placed directly in
front of the figure. This darkness connotes evil as dark lighting is often
used within horror films.
Vampire
High Key Lighting
High key Lighting creates a realistic atmosphere as dark,
low-key lighting is often conventional of the genre and can be perceived as
fake and unreal. This lighting could also show that the character may be good
as well as evil, reflecting in the light and dark lighting used within the
trailer.
Vampire
Low Key Lighting
The low key lighting makes the scenes seem very dark and
creates deep shadows, creating a sinister effect as the audience cannot tell
what is happening in the scene as it may be hidden. Low-key lighting is also
conventional of its genre so in some cases it has been used for a successful
effect.
Vampire
Under Lighting
Under lighting creates a distorting effect, making the
main character, the vampire, seem eerie and villainous. This is effective in
addressing the genre of the film, as the audience may be shocked with the
outcome after using this technique of lighting.
Vampire
Top Lighting
This technique creates an eerie sense as it cascades a
shadow across the face of the villain, hiding the identity of the figure.
This could be seen as somewhat scary and sinister as the audience do not know
what the vampire is going to do to its next victim.
The DOP (Director of Photography) effectively chooses a
varied amount various lighting within the scene to create a realistic movie
rather than conventional techniques that are often predictable. The use of high
key lighting with the priest is the lighting technique I found used most successfully
as it demonstrates the occupation of the character and symbolising the ‘holy’
nature of his character after he changes into a vampire. The use of lighting is
effective all round the trailer as it is used for effect and has clearly been
thought about. For our own opening sequence, the use of varied lighting may be
used to ensure the film is not completely conventional of its genre, but also
to make it realistic by experimenting with various light sources.
In order for the script used within the opening sequence to become a success, I looked at various other existing scripts and put them together to create an entirely new opening sequence idea. The dialogue and setting is key to create an authentic and successful opening sequence as it determines whether the audience will continue to watch the film. The screenplay is not only for the dialogue used within the film, other aspects such as mise-en-scene, sound and the setting are also shown in more depth in order to make the audience engage with the sequence. Before writing the final copy of my group's opening sequence screenplay, I created this new opening sequence consisting of the opening sequences of three existing films: Se7en, Paranormal Activity and The Grudge. These films are all of a thriller/horror/mystery genre which makes it appropriate for my own opening sequence as our group were also looking to achieve a successful sequence within these genres. In order to develop my understanding of script writing and the detail that goes into creating dialogue and settings for each scene, I constructed this new screenplay to understand the processes needed to create a script and the various aspects needed in order to make it successful. Below is a copy of the new script I had created with the three films Se7en, Paranormal activity and The Grudge.
Key:
Se7en
Paranormal Activity
The Grudge
EXT.
OLD HOUSE - DAY
Sunlight
comes through the soot on the windows, more brown than bright. SOMERSET, 45, in
a suit and tie, stands in this empty second-story room. He looks around, at the
ceiling, at the worn wooden floor, at the peeling wallpaper on the walls.
Birds
sing. Somerset stands, pondering the forested landscape.
SOMERSET
Everything here still seems…
seems so
strange to me. All this.
MAN’S VOICE (O.S.)
Is something wrong?
Somerset
still seems distant.
MAN
(writes receipt)
Not that it’s any of my
business… but,
Are you figuring on moving
out here
Eventually?
SOMERSET
I don’t know…
Somerset
looks back at the house.
Later
that night, a faint banging noise is heard.
INT.
OLD HOUSE – DAY
Somerset
walks to one wall where the current wallpaper is peeled away to reveal flowery
wallpaper underneath. He runs his finger across one of the pale red roses that
decorates the older paper. He pushes the grime away, brings the rose out more
clearly.
MARIA
Hey. Are you okay?
SOMERSET
I just bought a seven
hundred
dollar camera to find out
what’s
making those weird noises at
night.
He
pauses at the window. Turns his head to look back at her. His eyes are vacant.
His face is a blank.
The
white church cross on the church steeple stands against the blue sky. The
church bell rings, resonating.
In order for my group to develop a well written script, I analysed the first draft screenplay of the film 'Shallow Grave' in order for me to gain an idea of what the script should look like and the content within. By analysing the various aspects of the script by zooming into words and finding diverse connotations about the setting. The information given about the setting, props and characters allow the audience to shape an idea of what genre the film fits into. The description of the settings allows the viewer to become engrossed within the film as it creates narrative enigma, such as 'Why are the streets so empty?' or 'What is in the plastic bag?'. This is used effectively as it keeps the audience engaged within the opening sequence, this also being a common convention for films of the thriller/mystery genre.
‘Se7en’ is a thriller film
about the story of two murder detectives in a desperate pursuit for a serial
killer who uses every murder to punish one of the seven deadly sins. The enigmatic narrative approach, suspenseful
editing and eerie camera shots propels the audience within the thriller genre
within the opening sequence of the film.
The opening sequence of the
movie ‘Se7en’ uses a combination of clever camera shots put together to create
a fast paced montage. The several clips shown develop an ambiguous setting,
creating narrative enigma as the audience try to figure out what is happening.
For example, several shots of pens frantically writing and heaps of paper work
are shown. This could suggest that the clips are of the murderer and his
progress in creating projects on his chosen victims. However, it could be
interpreted to show the idea of detectives creating a case study on the killer
in order to try and catch him. This mystery behind the montage of clips creates
an ambivalent atmosphere within the audience, immediately reflecting the genre
of the film: thriller. The use of graphic, disturbing imagery of the characters
hands also creates a tense aura as it makes the audience squirm at the sight of
peeling skin and razor blades. However, this may be affective in addressing the
genre of the film, plunging the audience straight into the thriller aspect of
the sequence. The use of rapidly showing images for a short amount of time
creates a subliminal effect as the audience are triggered with flashing sights
of disturbed figures, making them perhaps apprehensive or afraid of what may
follow.
(Shot of Pen Writing on Paper)
When the sequence first
commences, a loud sound, rather like that of thunder, is played as the image of
papers flick throughout the screen. The use of the loud sound could be used to
grab the viewer’s attention and create a tense atmosphere to set the tone for
the rest of the film. As the sequence progresses, a constant sound of a beating
drum is used to create rhythm and build suspense as the various clips are
shown. Sounds of a high dynamic range such as screeching also accompany the
steady drumbeat throughout the opening sequence. These sounds of screeching
could connote the idea of the murderer killing its victims, or it could be
interpreted to show the psychological pain the murderer is in as a result of
his killing. The use of amplified sounds within the sequence creates an eerie
atmosphere and creates suspense within the audience. This could be seen as a
common convention of the thriller genre as sound is often used to build tension
and engage the audience. Other conventions also used within the film include
the predominant use of colour. Many dark colours such as black and red have
been used to denote the idea of murder and death, the main theme of the film.
The colour red also connotes the idea of blood, homicide and danger, suggesting
that the film may also be of a horror genre. However, the use of narrative
enigma keeps the audience engaged and want to keep watching to unravel the
mystery behind the characters, reinforcing the mystery/thriller genre.
(Use of Colour Red Within Sequence)
As the sequence progresses,
the audience become aware of the somewhat deluded and mysterious aspect of the
character presented within the film. It is clear that the portrayal of the
character is obsessive and disturbed through the use of images and camera
shots. For example, the scene showing a collection of images, articles and
notes connotes the idea of the murderer creating a project about his victims he
has eliminated and perhaps those he may target next. The use of short clips and
varied camera angles gives a confused effect, perhaps putting the audience
within the mind set of the killer to give an alternative perspective to his
deranged method of working. This also makes the audience question why certain
things happen, and so are constantly engaged to discover the reasons behind the
clips. The use of the font within the opening title sequence conveys the
thriller genre of the film appropriately. The font type and editing used
creates a disorientated effect, emphasising the mind of the killer and how he
may be psychologically corrupt.The scratching effect used in editing also creates a sense of fear and
misdirection, making the audience afraid or curious as to what may occur within
the film. The use of placing some of the titles on a plain black background
also makes the words stand out from the page so that the audience are aware of
the genre and other important information about the film.
(Title Shown within Opening Sequence)
Sound:
There are various sounds used
within the opening sequence of the film from music to special effects. The use
of non-diegetic sound, music, is a method used to spur fear and edginess within
the audience, conveying the thriller genre of the film. The sound of screeching
also builds suspense, as the high-pitched noise may be uncomfortable for the
viewer, and so makes the audience feel nervous and tense. The use of amplified
sound also creates a sudden burst of suspense at certain points of the
sequence, making the audience jump and be wary when watching the various clips
being shown.
There is no use of dialogue
within the majority of the sequence, this allows the use of music and amplified
sound to emphasise the thriller setting of the film and is used as a way to
create tension without having to use dialogue.
Camera:
The camera shots used focus
on various important aspects of the opening sequence, making certain features
stand out and make the audience question what occurs. For example, the scene
with the close of the hands holding a sharp razor makes the audience question
why he is holding it and what he may do with it. The hand held shake of the
camera also creates mystery and a lack of perceptive awareness, portraying the
sick, disturbing thoughts going through the mind of the deranged character.
Editing:
The editing used within the
opening sequence consists of fast cuts between various shots of the characters
hands, paperwork and collection of data. These sudden changes in clips and also
titles displayed creates an effect of striking fear, confusion and mystery
within the audience as they are not aware of what may follow. However, the
editing allows tension to be built as the ambiguous connotations of each aspect
of the film have various meanings, which creates an eerie atmosphere.
Mise-en-scene:
The props and setting used
within certain scenes of the sequence makes the audience aware of the genre of
the film. The use of dark colours such as black and red are conventional of the
horror/thriller genre, so the audience know what the film may be about. The use
of weapons, such as the razorblade, is also conventional of this genre, so the
use of props allows the audience to pinpoint a specific genre to the film.
(Razorblade Shown in Clips)
Genre Signifiers:
The various aspects of camera
work, editing and mise-en-scene all give an indication of the genre of the
film. The use of hand held shaking camera work creates a disorientated feel,
which is a convention of this genre, making the audience be aware of the
horror/mystery aspect of the film. The use of fast cuts and editing within the
title are also conventional of its genre as various other films use this
technique, for example, the title used within ‘Paranormal Activity’ uses a very
similar effect, emphasising the horror genre of the film. The mise-en-scene
also creates mystery as the audience may not be aware of what certain objects
are used for and why, showing the narrative enigma used within the sequence,
another convention for mystery/thriller films.
Dominate Ideologies:
The opening sequence to the film
‘Se7en’ does not seem to have any particular dominate ideologies or
representations due to the lack of story behind the scene. There is also no
particular way in which the montage of clips link together, this creates
mystery and interrupts the possibility of being a standout ideology.
Narrative Enigma:
Narrative enigma is explored
thoroughly within the opening aspect of the sequence to emphasise the genre of
the film. This technique is used to make the audience question why certain
things occur and create various reactions such as confusion and shock with the
viewer. The use of masking the identity of the potential killer creates
mystery, as the audience may want to know who the person is and why they are
collecting all this information. The use of the collection of data such as
images and articles also makes the audience suggest whether the killer has
murdered many people within the past or if he is planning to do so. The
convention of using narrative enigma within the opening sequence of thriller films
makes the audience fully engaged with the film and make them question why
certain things happen.
The director’s proficient
adaptation of varied camera shots, suspenseful narrative enigma and eerie
dialogue impels the audience into the thriller/mystery genre within the opening
sequence of ‘The Zodiac’.
The opening sequence of the
movie the ‘Zodiac’ begins with the audience being plunged into the themes of
mystery, gore and confusion. The scene starts off with the celebration of the 4th
of July, the Independence Day for those within the United States. The mise-en-scene
shows various ordinary houses with the perspective of the camera looking out
from a moving car. Within the background, chains of various fireworks
persistently explode whilst children play with sparklers, setting the
atmosphere of the occasion and creating a neutral mood within the audience. The
first few minutes of the sequence consist of a couple that go on a date in a
secluded area of land overlooking the town. The dialogue spoken within these
few minutes creates a tense and confusing mood for the audience as they can see
by the way the characters talk that something execrable may happen. Shots of
various cars suspiciously approach the vehicle that the couple are in and then
suddenly drive away. Once the cars have gone, the male character says ‘was that
your husband?’ This may shock the audience as they may have initially thought
the two people were a couple, however, it is evident the female character is
cheating on her husband. By the audience gaining this knowledge, it creates a
tense atmosphere, as it is probable that one of cars that approach the vehicle
may be the husband of the female character. This may create an engaging opening
sequence, as the mystery behind the husband may soon be uncovered. This may
fulfil the ‘information’ segment of the uses and gratifications theory as the
audience may be satisfying their curiosity and general interest of the
beginning of the plot.
(Shot of cars approaching vehicle)
As the sequence progresses,
Foley is used create the sound of a screeching car within the background as the
couple remain seated within their car. However, tension and suspense is created
when the male character with the car begins to panic, which is shown through
the dialogue when he says, ‘lets go, now’. This creates a sense of urgency as
the car slowly approaches them. The use of the word ‘now’ emphasises his
desperation to leave, but his inability to due to the fact of the female
character driving. This sudden burst of panic could create heightened tension
within the audience as they are confused by why the characters may be
incredibly afraid, emphasising the genre of the film, thriller. As the scene
continues, the door of the other vehicle flies open and a man exits the car,
this may be the height of the climax as the audience can foresee something
terrible that may soon occur. By the door opening so quickly, the audience may
figure out that the character may be angry which further creates a sense of
tension and mystery. A bright light from a flashlight also beams into the car
as the mysterious character approaches closer to the window where the couple
are. As the figure approaches, the male character seated within the car says
‘you really creeped us out’, suggesting that he knew the figure which relieves
the suspense for the audience for those few moments. However, suddenly, the
characters are both shot multiple times before the mysterious character soon
goes back into the other vehicle and drives away. This scene may shock the
audience as they are left speechless as to why the characters had been killed
and who by. There is a suggestion the killer may be the husband of the female
character, however it is never explained so there is a possibility it could be
someone else, creation further confusion and mystery within the audience.
(Screen Capture of Character Being Shot)
The use of costume and props
within the opening sequence makes it evident that the scene was set within the
past as old American cars and clothing are worn and used by the main
characters. The music played quietly within the background is also an old pop
song, further emphasising the era in which the film is set. The use of dialogue
also creates detached feelings between the characters within the opening
sequence, as the mood created is rather eerie and mysterious, even though the
day in which the film is set is 4th of July when people are usually
in a cheerful mood. By the killer also having no words within the opening
sequence of the film, it creates a sense of mystery as the audience are unable
to figure out who the person is and even what gender they may be of as only
their hand was shown when the shooting took place. The opening sequence for the
film generally creates a tense atmosphere for the audience, which is a common
feature for thriller films.
Sound:
There are various sounds used
within the opening sequence from the use of Foley and music. The sequence
starts off with the sound of fireworks, which are used as a representation of
the time in which the film is set, a celebrated occasion. Various pop songs
have also been played quietly within the background setting the atmosphere for
the film and when it was set. The sound of screeching car wheels creates
suspense as the expression on the characters faces show fear and the
high-pitched noise grabs the attention of the audience. The sound of gunshots
are also suppressed, creating mystery as the killer must not have wanted other
to hear the shots after he had escaped, creating further mystery
The use of dialogue also
creates an eerie atmosphere as a detached feeling is created between the couple
shown at the beginning. The words spoken by the characters also create a sense
of ambiguity and urgency, as the audience don’t know what is happening and whom
the characters are afraid of.
Camera:
Various camera shots had been
used within the opening sequence from the film including close ups, tracking
shots, and long shots. The tracking shots allow the audience to see the setting
and mise-en-scene so that they know what genre the film may be of and what may
occur. The long shots were used to create tension as the view of the car
approaching from a long distance builds suspense. The close ups could have been
used for a dramatic effect to shock the audience. For example, when the female
character was shot, a close up had been used to show how she had been killed,
creating emotion with the audience as they see the facial expression of how she
is experiencing pain.
Editing:
The editing used within the
first sequence is very simple so that the audience are not completely confused
as to what is happening. Cut shots and fading had been used to create a linked
flow throughout the different shots. However, the use of the close up of the
gun and other aspects create a sinister and mystifying atmosphere.
(Close up of Gun)
Mise-en-scene:
The props and background for
the opening sequence creates the appropriate atmosphere of the 4th
of July. The fireworks and sparklers give a realistic environment and set a
somewhat cheerful mood for those within the audience. However, once the
characters reach the secluded area, a sinister and unusual atmosphere is
created, as the audience are not aware of what may occur next.
(Fireworks at Start of Scene)
Genre Signifiers:
The introduction for the
opening sequence could be used to represent a romantic genre as the scene
follows a couple going on a date. However, once the killer is introduced, it is
evident that the genre is of a thriller, horror and mystery genre. The use of
showing a weapon is a common convention for a thriller or horror movie; the
killer within this film is shown to be holding a gun, showing how the genre
must be of these genres.
Dominate Ideologies:
One of the main beliefs that
are expressed within the film is that cheating on partners is wrong and leads
to consequences. The couple would have not felt afraid or concerned if cheating
was acceptable in those times, showing how the beliefs were it was not right to
do as they were, this then lead to a highly dramatic consequence of death.
Narrative Enigma:
The
use of narrative enigma had been used to create mystery within the plot,
emphasising the genre of the film. This technique is used to make the audience
question why certain things happen to create confusion and shock. The use of
masking the killer’s identity creates mystery, as the audience may want to know
who and why he killed the couple. The audience may also want to know who the
killer is and whether he may have killed people previously. These questions may
lead to the rest of the film as the plot may be about the killer and catching
him. The convention of narrative enigma used within opening sequences allows
the audience to be fully engaged with the film and make them question what may
follow within the film.
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.
Film opening
sequences/trailers are created to grab the attention of an audience and make
them wonder what will occur as the sequence progresses. They may also get an
idea of what the film is about and the ways in which the film was produced to
create a certain effect. Each opening sequence uses different techniques to
present ideas of the genre, themes and narrative approach. By the film studios
using conventions of various opening sequences, they are able to create a
successful opening sequence that would be attention grabbing for the audience.
The main conventions of
opening sequences would be: the use of credits (such as the name of the
producer, director, actors and writers), the title of the film, the production
company, music/sound, narrative enigma, misc-en-scene and location,
introduction of characters and genre signifiers.
Most, if not all films
include opening credits to inform the audience who will be within the film and
those who were apart of creating the film, such as the director. By including
these credits, the audience may be aware of the actors and perhaps other films
they have been in. Also, by mentioning the directors or producers, the audience
may be aware of directing styles and previous movies created by these people
and so may be aware of what they may expect to see. For example, within the
‘Skyfall’ opening credits, the main actor, Daniel Craig, is named so the
audience may be aware that the film they are watching is action packed.
Another convention of opening
sequences is the use of displaying the title of the movie before the first
scene begins. The name of the title can tell the audience what the film is
about and suggest what they may expect to see. The way in which the title is presented
may also give an indication of what genre the movie falls into. For example,
the ‘Gravity’ title name gives the impression that the movie will be about
space and how gravity may affect things. The use of the blue light also makes
the title look as if it is placed upon the atmosphere, emphasising the sci-fi
genre that the film belongs to.
(Gravity Title Opening)
The production company that
is shown at the beginning of a film is also a typical convention of opening
sequences. These are mentioned to give publicity to the company as well as
being recognised by audiences who may want to watch other films produced by
these firms. For example, ‘Rouge Pictures’ is a company who produced the film
‘Shaun of the Dead’. The audience for this film may enjoy watching films of this
genre and remember the production company, so when other films such as ‘Hot
Fuzz’ are released, the audience may want to watch them.
(Rouge Pictures Film Opening)
Genre signifiers are also
used within many opening sequences to give the audience a hint of what theme or
genre the film is based on. For example, within a horror film, many
conventional aspects may be used such as the use of dark colours, sounds with a
high dynamic range, blood and weapons. If the use of a scream is used within
the opening sequence, the audience may make consumptions that the film is of a
horror. The use of tense background music such as the sound of screeching
violins may also emphasise the genre being presented.
(Screen Capture of Scream with Knife)
The use of sound is also another convention of an opening sequence to a film. The use of sound and music allows the filmmakers to create emotions and feelings within the audience. The dialogue and voiceovers may also give the audience more of an idea of what the film may be based on. The sounds may also be used to allow the audience to interpret various aspects of the characters, for example, if a character has a deep, low voice, they could be seen as the antagonist. Music can also be used to create the identity of a movie, such as the theme song used in ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’.
(The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Film Poster)
Another convention could be
the use of introducing one or more of the major characters within the play.
This allows the audience to figure out the main characters within the play and
how the story will be narrated. For example, within the opening sequence of
‘The Invention of Lying’, the main character is introduced as a typical office
worker, but the story progresses to show how he invented the idea of lying. The
narrative is told through his eyes and the audience feels how he does. By
introducing the main characters, the audience are able to make an emotional
connection with the protagonist.
(The Invention of Lying Film Poster)
Narrative enigma is one of
the other conventions used within the opening sequences to movies. The element
of mystery creates an engaging opening as it allows the audience to question
why certain things happen and how watching the film will answer the questions.
For example, within the start of ‘Shawshank Redemption’, the main character is
convicted for murdering his wife and lover, but as the film progresses, the
audience understand that he was actually falsely accused of a crime he did not
commit.
(The Shawshank Redemption Poster)
The use of location and mise-en-scene is also a convention of film
opening sequences as it enables the audience to figure out what the film is
about or allow them to find out more information about other characters. By
production designers choosing particular objects to be placed within each set,
the audience can determine the genre of the film and perhaps what may occur.
For example, within ‘Iron Man 3’, the opening scene shows the image of a
business card. At first the audience may not think much of it, however, the
card then reappears nearer the middle of the movie where the audience find out
more key information about what was written on the card. This could show how
the use of the card allows the audience to keep track of how the villain may
have gained power and become a threat.
