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Analysis Of Film Opening Sequences. Freya Kerr
The opening sequence for ‘Orphan’: Horror- Orphan.
From the opening sequence seen, we see signs of Horror elements: • Signs of Death • Painful Birth • Younger generation • Hospital • Blood • Daylight • Darkness (foreshadowing) • Mirror with some form of dead woman (ghost) • A young girls file and a picture along with it • A family home The Narrative
Orphans age rating is 15 plus , therefore the target audience for this movie is young adults and teenagers. • 15-35 I would assume. • Target the film at people who enjoy psychology or people who love the adrenaline of a frightening movie. • Targeted at parents who run a family home to create fear within them after watching the film. • Targeted to create fear for teenagers and young adults. Target Audience
We see horror presented from – • the Blood falling down in every clip. • Slow pace editing. • A woman screaming giving birth with no sound. • Tensed and mysterious music being played. • Man pushing wheel chair through a hospital with a dead woman in it, leaving a trail of blood behind them. • A hand seen holding a long sharp knife. • Clips of a mysterious little girl with black mascara smudged under her eyes. Horror
We see a little girl, who from the evidence provided we are guessing is playing the Orphan in the movie. • We know she is the orphan form the close up of a picture of her which then follows on to a close up shot of a file attached with a little profile picture of the little girl. • The file conveys to the audience that it is her who is the one being adopted and the file is obviously her birth file with all her information in which would be passed over to the family who adopt the little girl. • We see a close up shot of a document with a date on which is seen being read by a someone who is following it with their finger – which could be the adoption papers or the girls birth certificate and the family are looking over it or even one of the staff who look after her. • We see her presented in a horrific way, we see her black mascara run under her eyes looking with a sign of death. Which connotes to the audience she is not an innocent little girl. Counter – type seen here as a little girl is seen to be cut and innocent and we see just from the opening sequence the very opposite. Characters
We see a dead woman in a mirror , maybe a form of (Ghost) and in the next clip we see a medium shot of a woman giving a very painful birth which could connote that the woman giving birth is the little girls mums but she died in which we see from the clip before. • We also see a man pushing a woman in a wheel chair with blood trailing behind them from a birds eye view. We get a full shot of this from a birds eye view to see the blood trailing from behind. Characters
Close up shot of the woman giving birth screaming in pain. This has been shot in a close up to convey to the audience it wasn’t an easy birth to this child which could have connotations of the child being evil or hard work. • Medium wide shot of the dead woman in the mirror. We are able to see the mirror and it sen to be hanging on a wall. This is used to convey the little girls mum is now dead and portrays it in a dark way to create fear within the audience and unsettle them. • Full shot from a birds eye view of the man pushing the woman in the wheel chair. From this we are able to see the blood treading behind them which connotes danger and alerts the audience that someone is hurt and gets hurt in this movie. • Change in focus in the third clip from the branch and then a clear focus of the house which focuses the audience attention on the house which must mean it is relevant in the rest of the movie. • Low angle shot of the mans feet pushing the wheelchair which is trickling down with blood. We also see this from a tracking movement as the camera move with him pushing the wheel chair. • Close up shot of the young girl scraping of her mascara that has run all down her face and created dark patches around heir eyes. This connotes fear for the audience as we expect a little girl to be cute and innocent however, we see the opposite which is a counter-type of a little girl. • We see an extreme close up of the adoption papers/birth certificate being followed by an finger to denote someone is reading through it. This conveys to the audience that the little girl is being adopted. • Extreme close ups of parts of her face which denotes her mascara under her eyes and being smudged everywhere. Key Moments Of Camera Work
Throughout the opening sequence we have non diegetic music playing which is creating a eerie, intense and mysterious atmosphere for the audience. • We tend to hear sharp sounds that is underneath the music making the audience alert and listening. This also is creating a fearful atmosphere. • We are able to hear at the begging the sound of the blood trickling down on the screen. • The music starts very soft then builds up towards the end making the opening sequence become more tense throughout. • In the middle, where we see the lady giving birth we here a woman singing who could be representing the woman giving birth as to me personally it sounds like the singer is quietly screaming in a low tone to portray the woman’s painful brith when she opens her mouth to scream. Key Moments Of Sound
Montage used when the little girl is taking of her mascara and it is shot between a close up of her whole face and then extreme close ups to parts of her face. • Slow motion of the woman screaming as giving birth. This creates more tension for the audience as we really see her suffering and in pain while giving birth. The slow mo could also connote the long and painful experience if the birth. • Fade out from the close up shot of the little girl with mascara all round her face to fade in to a blurry close up shot of her and then fades out from this to another shot of her taking the mascara of from looking in a reflection of herself. • Fade into the last clip of the house. Key Moments Of Editing
I think the opening sequence for the horror film “orphan” is a very successful as it starts to reveal some of the narrative and leaves the audience wondering what is going to happen and what has happened, for example the woman in the wheel chair, the audience would want to know how she got In that state and why the man is walking with a trail of blood behind him. “Orphan” is as a whole movie truly fanatic and was one of the first horror films I watched. Successful ?
The opening sequence for ‘Room’: Thriller - Room
From the opening sequence we see signs of thriller elements: • We see that the mother and son are stuck in some sort of room and can’t get out. Presumably been kidnapped. • Living in poverty and no way of changing it as they can not leave this room. • See the young innocent generation. • No room or space to do anything. • No windows. • Measuring the kids height suggests how long they have been there, since he was a young boy. • Trying to make light of something that is rather devastating and sad The Narrative
Rooms age rating is 15. Therefore the target audience will be members around 15-25. Young adults and teenagers. • Targeted at audience members who enjoy psychology and working/thinking things out. • Targeted at audience members who enjoy adrenaline by the fear that comes with this movie. Target Audience
We see Thriller presented from: • Having to think about why their in a room with no windows and no exit to outside. Could suggest kidnapping. • The little boys overgrown hair and crooked teeth conveys that he isn’t being treated correctly and needs to have access to a dentist and a barber. • The dirty bath and sink portray poverty. • No access to the outside world. • Not room to do anything. • Trying to keep happy. • Thinking why are they happy, why aren’t they trying to get out. Thriller
We see the young boy, keeping happy and trying to keep busy in the room so he doesn’t get bored. We see this from the montage of him doing different activities with the mother. For example, yoga then running back and forth. • We see a young adult, trying to keep herself and son happy by again keeping him busy. It is obvious she finds it hard but loves to see a smile on his face. Characters
Extreme close up shot of teeth of little boy to denote the teeth are crooked and conveys to the audience he is in bad condition. • It continues on to a over the shoulder shot displaying the mother trying to care for her child and keep him healthy. • High angle shot of them both making them look venerable and weak. • Medium two shot of the little boys side profile and the Mother washing the floor behind him. This conveys to the audience that the mother does all the hard work and no man around to help, while she is trying to let her little boy relax and watch some TV. • Medium wide shot of the little boy being measured, conveys to the audience that they have been there for a while and he’s growing each day. • Close up shot of the woman’s face , she is looking extremely sick and conveys to the audience she is very unhealthy/warn out and is trying everything to keep her kid happy. • Tracking movement of the little boy running around, sets a happy and joyful mood and atmosphere for the scene commencing. Key Moments Of Camera Work
Synchronous diegetic sound (sound effect) of the toothbrush brushing the little kids teeth. This creates the scene more realistic and understanding of the movement. • Diegetic dialogue of the son and mother talking. Makes the scene clearer for the audience and have a better understanding of what is going on in the scene. • Non diegetic music throughout to create a bigger experience in the scene and make it more joyful from such a negative experience. • Synchronous diegetic sound of sponge scraping on the floor. Creates clear movement of the woman washing the floor for the audience. • Diegetic sound of the TV playing. Key Moments Of Sound
Sound bridge which connects the two scenes together with the same sound. For example, the tv series of Dora The Explora playing in the Back. • Fasts shots of each clip throughout demonstrating to the audience what they do with their day. • Shot reverse shot at the beginning to convey the conversation between the son and mother. • Eye line match when the mother is looking at the height chart and down at the child. • Montage shown when they are exercising. Key Movements Of Editing
I think the opening sequence for “Room” is good in the way it sets the scene and introduces the room they are in and allows you to meet the Mother and son however, I think it should have introduced the kidnapper and made the whole sequence a little darker as I do not think the opening sequence reflects on the negative events that happen throughout this movie. Successful ?
Opening sequence for ‘Suicide Squad’: Action- Suicide Squad
From the opening sequence we see signs of action elements: • Prison cell • Weapons • Fire • Guns • Death • Villains • Train rushing by The Narrative
Age rating for the UK is 15 and in the US it is a PG13. The target audience therefore would probably be somewhere between 14-26. • This film is targeted at audience members who enjoy watching violence and crime. • Targeted at members who are teenagers / young adults as the majority of them enjoy fighting and crime. Target Audience
We see Action presented from: • The weapons we see. • The fire which connotes danger. • The character leaning over the other one who is dead. • Guns which connote violence. • Villains looking ready for action and to commence a fight. • Train speeding by Action
We first see two guards standing outside a prison cell from a full shot. They are looking very serious and doing their job professionally. • We see a back of a man in a prison cell. We know he has been locked up for a reason and want to know why. • We get introduced to a villain called “deadshot” who Is seen to be in violence as he is missing an eye already. • We get introduced to “The Joker” who is seen holding a lot of power and high status from the low angle shot. • “Harley Quin” is seen looking evil However, displayed in a innocent way. We see her later on in the opening sequence holding a bat like a gun, which conveys violence. • We get introduced to “Amanda Waller” who looks very professional seen sitting at a desk and wearing a smart suit. • We see “Rick Flag” and “captain Boomerang” from a full shot at a low angle to make them look powerful and fearless. They are carrying weapons which connotes danger and violence. Characters
“El Diablo” is a villain and is holding fire which connotes danger and fear. • “Katana” holding a laser sharp weapon which connotes she is looking for violence. • “Slipknot” holding his hands behind his back in a powerful positions. Conveys he is fearless and strong and ready for anything. • “Enchantress” looks like she is wearing some kind of armour so is ready for battle. • “Killer Croc” denotes a big humongous character who is very strong which connotes he can kill and ruin anyone or anything. • “Batman” is seen from full shot at a low angle maintaining a very powerful position which could demonstrate that he is the most powerful villain out of them all. Characters
Full shot of guards infront a prison cell. This sets the opening scene for the sequel. It ables the audience to get a clear understanding of the movie their about to watch. Sets a tensed and eerie mood and atmosphere from the start. • Medium shot of the back of the man in the cell who slightly turns his head. This creates a mystery as the audience wonder who it is and why he is in a cell. • Panning movement from a medium shot but at a low angle of man looking like he is sitting down. This connotes that he holds power from the low angle shot. The panning movement denotes he is turning his head and therefore is effective as the red light from his eye follows however in the opposite direction. • Medium shot that zooms in on the woman sitting at a desk which connotes her hierarchy and the supreme being she is. • Full shot at a low angle of the two men connotes the strength they hold and creates intensity throughout this clip as they come across intimidating and scary for the audience. • Full shot of all the enemies lined up which zooms in to intimidate the audience and create fear within them. It sets the mood and atmosphere for the movie as a whole as from the audience perspective we can see that the world around them gets ruined possibly fro these villains. Key Examples Of Camera Work
Non diegetic music throughout to add to the eeri and daunting atmosphere. • Sharp non diegetic sounds added to the music to build fear and tension within the audience. • Non diegetic sound of a crackling laugh which unsettles the audience and brings out the fear within them. • Synchronous diegetic sound (ambient sound) of the train rushing pass which shocks the audience as it speeds pass and they are not expecting it. • Synchronous diegetic sound (ambient sound) of sirens going of in the clip with all the villains portrayed at a full shot. The sirens connote that someone has been harmed or hurt, so again Unsettles the audience. • Synchronous diegetic sound of fire burning which connotes danger and people possibly being harmed. Key Moments Of Sound
Beat cutting (each scene change matches the beat of the music) this focus the audience on each clip and adds to the mood and atmosphere of the sequel. • Slow motion of the man going to kiss the woman who has appears dead or harmed. This almost creates a sign of peace and love which is in contrast with all the weapons and fire we see in the other clips. • Slow motion of the girl with the bat pulling it back like shea about to fire a gun. This creates fear for the audience and panics them. • Fade out from the title we see “Suicide squad” into complete darkness where the opening scene would commence. Key Moments Of Editing
I think the opening sequence for “Suicide Squad” is successful as from an audience perspective it would make you want to find out what happens and why the city ends up going up in flames and why the mysterious man is in the prison cell with no name given like all the others. It sets the mood and atmosphere for the movie as a whole and creates fear and suspense within the audience and that is what you need for a good action film. Successful?
The opening sequence for ‘Dunkirk’: War -Dunkirk
From the opening sequence seen we see War elements: • Propaganda being thrown down saying England and France will defeat the German troops, so get out of France. • Rifles on their backs with crash helmets and their army uniform. • Germans shooting so the English try run back to base. • The English and french ships and English soldiers are their ready to kill and invade Dunkirk. They see a man and think he is German so start shooting. Narrative
The age rating for Dunkirk is 12A meaning that if you want to watch this film under the age of 12 you have to view it with a parent or guardian dian. • I personally feel like the it hound be a 15 plus due to the fact 5 people are killed in the first 5 minutes, which is extremely sad and devastating. • However I believe that the film director and producers are wanting to target this audience at the younger generation due to its educational values. Target Audience
Propaganda is a large part off war as leaders would use it To influence their army’s to keep fighting. • Crash helmets. • Rifles. • Army uniform. • Sand bags that make a barricade. • Hundreds of troupes and ships. • Rifle shots. • Death. War
In the opening clip we are able to see a group of soldier’s with rifles on their back. They seem to be at peace with one another which suggests they are from the same country and just looking around to see if they find anything useful. They seem to be looking confused at the propaganda falling down which the french planes dropped down. One man finds a hose which comes in handy as he is dehydrated so drinks from it. • Towards the middle we see all the men running from the German troupes who seem go be firing at them, five of them get shot and are left wounded while one manages to get away. • We see this English solider in panic as he tries to reload his gun as he is being fired at by both German and French . However, reassures the French that he is English by saying “I’m English” then they let him through peacefully. We can see the fear in his face after he reaches the French and is in safe hands. He is young which connotes he is a new solider and isn’t as brave as the other more experienced soldiers. • We see some French soldiers ready to fire at the Germans as the English comes over to their allies zone. We know they are French as one of the soldiers talks to then English solider in French. Characters
In the opening clip we see a full shot of the soldiers. This sets the scene and automatically tells the audience this is a war film. • High angle shot of the propaganda to show the significance of it and focuses all the audience attention on the propaganda. The high angle is juxtaposing the fact that we normally see high angles used to make something look vulnerable and weak but in this case they are making it look significant and the main focus of the shot. • Medium shot of solider at a low angle with a downwards panning movement seen drinking from the hose connotes that he is thirsty from all the running and is dehydrated. Having it at a low angle ables the audience to see him drink quickly out the hose to portray how thirsty he is. • Full shot with tracking movement of men running and a few getting shot but the camera continues to track the man who survived. This allows the audience to feel in the action of it all and becomes more realistic for the audience member. • Medium shot of man reloading his rifle. We are able to see the panic and fear on his face which connotes that he needs help and wants to safe land as his rifle is about to run out of bullets which would cause him great danger. • Medium shot with tracking movement of man running towards his other English troupes. This connotes he wants back with familiar faces and away from all the violence and loud rifle shots. • Medium shot with panning movement of man looking around. This allows the audience to see where the solider is looking and connotes he is searching for his troupes. Key Moments Of Camera Work
Opening scene we hear synchronous diegetic sound of the soldiers footsteps walking around the paths of Dunkirk, it contrasts with later on in the sequel when we hear the fast running footsteps when they are in panic and try get away. • We hear soft and calming non diegetic music playing quietly in the back which contrasts with the stress and danger to come in the next clips. • The synchronous diegetic sound of the man scrunching up the propaganda and starting to unbuckle his belt could connote he wants to keep it and doesn’t want it destroyed. • Synchronous diegetic sound of the rifle shots blasting of around them connotes that people are dying every second and there is no safe land. • Diegetic dialogue of the English solider and the French solider which connotes they are in peace with one another and knows that the English soldier needs to get to safe land. Key Moments Of Sound
Match on action is used when the English solider is seen jumping over the wall onto the ground to get away from the Germans who are beginning to shoot all his troupes. This ables the audience to be bought back to reality after being in tracking movement as it stops your mind from thinking you are part of it and following the soldiers every steps. • We also see match on action later on in the scene when the solider is running towards the French to come in contact with safe land and gets pulled over the sand bags by the French solider. • Shot reverse shot of English man staring in shock and fear at the french soldier who is staring back at the young solider probably wondering why he was out their risking his life at such a young age. Key Moments Of Editing EDITING
I think Dunkirk opening sequence is successful as it demonstrates war very clearly and ables the audience to get a interesting tester of the movie as a whole. Lots of action and violence is involved which interests the audience and makes them want to find out what happens and how they have managed to turn a global issues which was a real life story which effected thousands into a film from their perspective. Successful?
The opening sequence for ‘The Meg’: SCI-FI- The Meg
From the opening sequence we are able to see Sci-fi elements. • Under water submarine. • Wounded soldiers. • Rescue team helping them. • Submarine starts flooding with water. • Resource team gets everyone onto the rescue vehicle. • Something hitting against the rescue vehicle and the submarine that caused it to start flooding in the first place. Presumably ‘The Megaloden shark’ which is the worlds largest shark. • Few people who didn’t make it to the rescue vehicle get left Behind in the submarine. We see a man wanting to go back to help them but the rescue man soon stops him and says “if we go back we all die”. Narrative
‘The Meg’ age rating is 12A, meaning that anyone under the age of 12 is aloud to watch but must be in company with a parent or guardian. • I think this film should be rated a 15 due to the fact we see a lot of blood and deaths and that is something no 12 year old would want to see so young. • It manages to educate the younger generation as ‘The Meg’ is a real shark but has not been seen for hundreds of years and in which would interests them however, may leave them in fear for life of sharks. • This film from my perspective is targeting the audience at teenagers and young adults. Around 15-35. Target Audience
The shark “Megalodon” has not been seen for years and scientists believe that the shark is long gone or never exists. • The underwater world. • Underwater research facility. • Research done on the shark. Sci-Fi
In the opening clip we see a man in a wet suit and on the back of it , it says “rescue” so we know that he is trying to help the soldiers who are wounded which we see later on in the sequence. He is very brave and courageous due tot the fact he is now responsible in getting all these soldiers back to safety and makes the decision to leave the other rescue team behind or everyone will die. • We see many soldiers who are harmed and dying. • We see another rescue man who goes by the name of ‘Jonis’ but sadly doesn’t make it to the rescue vehicle in time which connotes he passes away in the submarine after they watch t explode from the rescue vehicle. • We see a man who could possibly be one of the rescue men wanting to go back and save the other two rescue men but gets pushed back and told that if we wait then they will all die . Characters
Establishing shot with panning movement to denote the scene is set under water. Connotes danger as in the deep blue sea something bad always occurs. • Full shot of the watertight door while zooming in to denote the entrance of the submarine and where the tragedy happens. Someone is seen trying to get in from the close up shot of the watertight door which turns to open. • Over the shoulder shot of rescue men in wetsuit with rescue written on the back which connotes that they are here to rescue wounded people and get them to safety. • Close up shot of wounded soldiers leg to connote he is in pain which reflects danger and harm in which we see for the rest of the opening sequence. • Medium shot of rescue man with a wounded soldier slung over his shoulder. This connotes that the soldier could potentially be dying and needs to seek proper medical attention before his body gives up. • Medium shot from a low angle of rescue man looking up hearing the sudden and abrupt sounds the shark is making by hanging itself against the ship. He is wanting to know what it is and trying to figure out what is causing this issue. • Medium shot taken at a high angle of rescue man on floor suffering and in agony seen from his facial expressions which connotes he has been harmed and knocked onto the floor by the sudden and abrupt movements from the shark. • Medium two shot of the two soldiers suffering to stay alive. This connotes that they need proper medical attention and that they have experienced something truly traumatic. • Close up shot of man trembling in fear and devastation over the fact they have had to leave their mates behind and have no time to rescue them. This connotes that the man seen going to try save them was close with each of them and didn’t want to let them go. • Full shot of explosion of the submarine connoting that all the remaining people in the ship have died and no way of getting them back. Key Moments Of Camera Work
Non diegetic music playing in the opening clip to set the eerie and tense mood and atmosphere. • Synchronous diegetic sound of the watertight door turning to connote someone in entering the ship. • Diegetic dialogue of the rescue team talking to one another through walky talkies. • Synchronous diegetic sound of water dripping down which connotes the ship is in bad condition and water has managed to have got in. • Diegetic dialogue of man screaming “help” to connote he is in harm or in danger. • Diegetic sound affects of the shark hitting the tank and swimming past to connote to the audience something bad is going to happen which brings up the fear within them. • Synchronous diegetic sound of all the alarms going of in the rescue vehicle to connote danger and a sense of urgency. • Diegetic sound affects of the ship exploding, connotes the remaining people in the ship have died and makes the explosion more realistic and effective for the audience. Key Moments Of Sound
Match in action at the beginning when the watertight door is seen to be turned and then we see a man in a full wet suit walk through the door on the other side. • Shot reverse shot used when the man looks behind him to then see the ship start falling apart and then see his shocked and fearful facial expressions. We see the ship falling apart from his point of view which helps the audience see the damage and feel the same fear and panic as him. • Montage of quick clips In the rescue tank which starts when we see a close up shot of the rescue man thinking about the best option to take In this moment of time, while we see fast clips of the people suffering around him which makes him decide to leave the others behind and just get the people he has saved to safety before they all die. • Shot reverse shot used to portray the conversation of the two rescue men when one has to hold back the other from going back down and saving the other crew mates. Key Moments Of Editing
I think the opening sequence for “The Meg” is successful and works well as it opens the story up from the very start and becomes very clear for the audience to read and follow. It leaves the audience feeing tensed and in shock as the ship blows up and there were living people in there who didn’t make it out on time who must of died. I personally really enjoyed this opponent sequence and would carry on watching the whole movie. Successful?
In conclusion, with all five opening sequences, the majority of them were all very successful. They started a narrative and a interesting beginning for the audience to keep them engaged with the film. I personally think that each opening sequence had a horror or thriller element to them as each one gave me a buzz of adrenaline which again kept me engaged. The only one that really stood out to me because it was different was the War one, “Dunkirk” as it was nothing like the other opening sequences and didn’t have that buzz or excitement I got from the other ones which made it the least successful for me, it was rather flat and blank. The most successful opening scene for me was the Thriller, “Room” as it made me think and made something tragic look happy and joyful. It involved lots of fast clips which kept me engaged. Conclusion
