opening sequences

1. Opening sequences Hoodi Ghazzawi

2. “Lake Mungo” is an independent Australian horror film, shot in a mockumentary style Horror “Lake Mungo”

3. What narrative is given to us? The opening sequence is a series of old photos with what seem to be “ghosts” or spectres in the background . This is also accompanied by narration from a number of voices, all seeming to be talking about an incident or an event without revealing too much. The very first line we hear is “ I feel like, something bad is gonna happen to me”. The unknown character then continues to speak about how whatever she senses is gonna happen is going to happen soon, and how she may be unsafe. We then hear two other voices speaking about an event that seems has already happened. It also must be mentioned how one of the narrators says the word ghosts, confirming what the audience is seeing. This puts us between the story in a weird way, as we seem to be starting at the middle of the story rather than the beginning. This makes the audience feel deep into the story even though it is only the beginning . We are then presented with a text reading “in December 2005 , a tragic accident began a series of extraordinary events that thrust a grieving family and the small victorian town of Ararat into the media spotlight” this text gives the audience a bit more to go on with yet doesn’t reveal too much at the same time so that the audience is still left in a state of suspense. This text also gives the audience a sense of scale of the film mentions how the accident thrusted the family into the media spotlight.

4. How is the genre of the film set up in the opening scene? The genre is set up in this opening scene by the use of tense dialogue and imagery of ghosts, a common horror Convention. The imagery is obscure and mysterious , mainly being portraits of people with strange inflictions of light surrounding them, looking like spectres of some sort. One of the portraits even features a hand behind a man, whilst another photo clearly shows a face with no body floating above the people in the photo.This instantly creates an eerie atmosphere surrounding the film, making it feel like a horror. The dialogue also speaks of a negative incident, with the character speaking explaining “I feel like, something bad is gonna happen to me”. This heavily implies that the film we are watching is a horror as it is apparent that. Something bad is going to happen that we the audience will be a part of. The mockumentary style of the scene and obviously the rest of the movie are also a common horror trope, showing that we are likely watching a horror film with all of these things put together

5. How many characters are introduced and what do we know about them We hear 4 different voices narrating at the beginning of the film, and we see 3 actual characters at the end of the sequence that seem to be a family with, a mother, father and a son. The family looks happy in the photo however The text that follows their photo explains how they were involved in a tragic accident . We are not told for sure that the family in the photo is the family that suffered the incident but the text confirms this.

6. What camera work has been used and why? This scene contains no camera work, as we are only seeing photos. The photos are often Made so that their faces fill up the screen, showing us the detail in the faces of the people within the portraits, and the family’s photo zooms in slowly , making it obvious that they are the main focus of the film , and indeed the family mentioned in the following text

7. What sound is there? The sound consists of the narration from the characters, aswell extremely tense and eerie music. The music further helps create a creepy and tense atmosphere and matches the dull imagery and lack of action very well. The narration hints at the elements of the story, and do the story telling as there is very little to go off visually . It is important to note that we hear a number of voices aswell, 4 to be exact. We hear 3 female voices and 1 male. Because the photo of the family contains only 1 female, this hints at the involvement of other characters later becoming a part of the story. The dialogue is also grim and matches the tone of the music and the imagery

8. What editing techniques have been used and why? There isn’t much editing as there is no moving imagery throughout the opening scene. However the photos are animated and brought more to life when the shot moves across the Different photos revealing different details and aspects of the photos. These choices help make The scene easy to watch and makes the photos seem more intricate and interesting to due their “alive” feeling. Also when we see the family the shot zooms in to their faces slowly , suggesting their maybe something behind their facades, and helps add depth to the introduction of these character

9. My final opinion on the scene finaly, I feel as if this was a very successful Opening scene. I feel this as it manages to Do a lot with so little. Even tho there are No moving images and the images we see Anyway are fairly dull, sound , editing , And dialogue help to create an eerie and Interesting environment , also succeeding At setting up the genre in a smart and Unique way, without being too in your face, Forcing the audience to do some work

10. War Directed by Steven Spielberg the film is centres around the Normandy invasion in WW2 with the search for a surviving brother. It stars Tom Hanks and Matt Damon Saving private Ryan

11. What narrative is given to us? The opening sequence is very emotional. It begins with militaristic music to show the importance of the situation with an American flag to perhaps demonstrate patriotism. We begin with a shot of a man limping suggesting he is older and had had some negative experiences. The fact we do not see his face immediately creates ambiguity. He appears to be walking purposely to again emphasise a deeper meaning. The camera also begins to focus on other members of the public who are watching this man to suggest fame. It is important to recognise that his walk is prolonged to show struggle and a serious need. The camera is in front delaying the knowledge of what he is visiting to create some interest. We see deep anguish and emotion on the characters too showing a deep topic. There is another focus on national flag to reveal patriotism and hint at war sacrifice. We then see thousands of war graves to emphaise the gravity of the situation and the character falls to his knees to show the deep sense of loss he is feeling. We learn that the people behind are his family who support him.. The camera then zooms into his face to hint that he is siffering memories before switching to the start of the war .

12. How is the genre of the film set up in the opening scene? The genre is set up in this opening scene by the using intense emotion of the leading character to reinforce the pain and loss of war from a personal perspective. The militaristic music also enhances the scene to create associations for the audience. National flags are shown on multiple occasions to remind the audience that this was a national conflict. Thousands of war graves in Normandy give weight to the millions of casualties that are lost in war. There is also the theme of memory as the old man begins to think of what the war was like.

13. How many characters are introduced and what do we know about them The scene makes it clear that this is an individual story by having the lead character walking well in front of the others (who we later learn to be relatives). The character is introduced in old age so we can see the life long effects that the events of the film have on him. We are given very few details but the audience can infer that the main character has lost close friends and family in the war.

14. What camera work has been used and why? • Establishing Shots of the ww2 cemetery introduce the audience to the genre • Close Ups of national flags to show identity and patriotism • Close ups and Zooms - close up of the main character’s eyes to show the emotion and the zooming into the eyes to provide more information and lead into the next scene • Wide shots of the war graves to show the sheer number of deaths

15. What sound is there? A non diagetic sound track when the soldier enters the war grave to indicate a tense and emotional atmosphere. There is also orchestral tones which associate to the genre of war and the soldiers. Such musical assoications may be familiar to the audience from other films Very limited dialogue to show that words are not necessary for the pain that has been caused - the sound of crying is therefore reinforced.

16. What editing techniques have been used and why? Fade in - the film begins with a fade in from the American flag to show the importance of patriotism and identity. The fact that there is a fade in from black may also hint at the dark ideology of the film. Jump Shots - a simple change to aide realism in the film and subtely

17. My final opinion on the scene Interestingly the scene is quite ambiguous as the opening scene begins during the modern age, with the audience likely to be are of this due to props such as clothes. This may provide a huge contrast to the next scene which will cut to the deadly Normandy Landings and may remind the audience of the fortune of living in the modern era. Overall the scene also entices the audience by making the audience want to learn about what has happened to the character (enigma).

18. Sci Fi Directed by Steven Spielberg the film became the highest grossing film of all time and used new CGI effects. It stars Sam Neil, Jeff Goldblum and Laura Dern. Jurassic Park

19. What narrative is given to us? The scene begins with leaves rustling to suggest and symbolise that nature is being interferred with or there is something dangerous lurking. There are close ups of several workers (made clear by there engineering hats) who look nervous to emphasise importance. There is another close up of a man with a significantly large machine gun (the size may indicate that it is needed and important). A mysterious crate is lowered with guns lowered and shouted to indicate some difficulty and problems. This also adds a sense of mystery of what exactly is inside. Titles show that the location is 120 miles of Costa Rica which indicates that they are unknown and maybe in dangerous territory. We have a point of view shot of what is inside the crate with a growl suggesting it is not human. The mysterious beast screams causing the workers to be terrified. There are methodical instructions from the leader given to the workers. A worker falls and appears to get sucked into the crate but we still do not see what is doing it. As the man slowly dies we see the eyes of a dinosoar as the workers beg for it to be shot.

20. How is the genre of the film set up in the opening scene? Diegetic sound is used between the narrative events occurring on screen to reinforce the power of the creature and to relate the film to others of a similar genre. The shot does not seem to use a main character from the film adding mystery which is typical of this genre to add curiosity with the audience. There is also mystery at what is in the crate with us only seeing eyes which again adds to the genre The Mis En Scene with workers with hats adds a sense of realism and danger which is often assoicated with this genre.

21. How many characters are introduced and what do we know about them Interestingly none of the main cast are introduced (only a minor character who will play a role in the film). This may add mystery. It may also indicate the importance of the situation that so many people are involved.

22. What camera work has been used and why? • Extreme close ups are used to show the extreme emotions of the characters (especially the person dying) and the dinosaur to hint at the evil which is to come • Long shot to show the scene with the create and the significant number of workers - shows importance and adds to the mystery as it not clear what is being done • Low angle panning shot of a steel crate may indicate that there is a creature inside and that it is stronger than the people. • A point of view shot is used of the beast to indicate it is like a hunter.

23. What sound is there? A low pitched dramatic non-diegetic music is used at the beginning with the sound of nature to indicate a jungle like atmosphere. Diegetic sound is used to reinforce the powerful dominance of the dinosaur Dialogue is limited at first and tense to show importance. This becomes more load and desperate when the tragedy occurs

24. What editing techniques have been used and why? Editing is very slow at the beginning but this changes as tragedy begins. The fact we cannot see the dinosaur adds to the excitement and msytery.

25. My final opinion on the scene The opening scene is used to create ambiguity with the audience: what is happening? What is the creature? How did it get there? The early death establishes a theme of violence which will occur later in the film and suggests danger throughout the film. The audience is likely to know what will happen to that creature and if others will die.

26. Action Directed by Steven Spielberg the film stars Harrison Ford. There have been 3 sequels. Indiana Jones

27. What narrative is given to us? The opening sequence begins with the image of a mountain to perhaps give the impression of a tough, natural world. There are exotic jungle noises which create feelings of danger for the people. There are also animal sounds which may serve to be like warnings for the audience. Indiana Jones walks in front leading a group of men to perhaps shows his leadership and dominance immediately. There are point of view shots from creatures to perhaps indicate that the group are being hunted or there is a spy to increase the discomfort for the audience. A man discovers a hidden statue and begins to scream which is confusing because the audience do not know what they are looking for but Indian Jones does not hold back which again shows authority. A dark in a tree shows the threat of violence and the revelation that they are being followed. We see a map to suggest that the group have a set mission and then one of the men tries to shoot Indiana Jones (showing deceit and mistrust) but Indiana Jones use a whip to stop the attacker showing his skill and power.

28. How is the genre of the film set up in the opening scene? • The film relies on a typically adventure style film iconography with many props and costumes: for example whips, maps, guns and more • There are many threats to the characters - animal sounds, point of view shots from animals or people, deceit from withn the group to suggest that there will be a fast pace to the film and things can change quickly • Indiana Jones almost superhumanly saves himself with a whip to suggest the power leading character often associated with an action film.

29. How many characters are introduced and what do we know about them Indiana Jones is introduced as well as some minor characters within his group. The film makes clear the dominance and high status of Indiana Jones. The very first shot depicts Indian Jones walking (with the focus going off the mountain and onto him) and this perhaps suggests that he is eclipsing the mountain and shows more respect. There are many low angle shots which also suggest his commanding nature and unlike the South American characters he is not terrified of the statue and is wearing far more adventurous clothing (arguably showing the dominance of the USA ideologically). The fact he saves himself indicates he us used to danger and establishes himself as a hero.

30. What camera work has been used and why? • A tracking shot is used which gives the impression that there will be a positive or negative outcome. • Point of view shots to suggest they are being spied on • Low angle shots of Indiana Jones to indicate his dominance • A refocus when Indian Jones walks into the shot to show importance

31. What sound is there? • Diegetic sounds from the jungle show danger • Music is discordant to indicate discomfort for the audience • Asynchronous sounds of monkey noises are used as warning sounds that the characters should be scared. • Dialogue of screams indicate terror. • Dialogue builds tension as it provides ambiguity of whether the men are being followed - this for the first time shows the audience that the men are likely to be good.

32. What editing techniques have been used and why? A multitude of different shots of Indiana Jones to indicate his importance This is also reflected by the fact he has the most screen time

33. My final opinion on the scene It is interesting to note that very few details of the plot are given yet it establishes a tense atmosphere, deceit, violence and danger. Indiana’s power and heroic status is also shown and the audience is likely to be intrigued about what adventures are to come.

34. Thriller Gone girl is a thriller about a mans wife that goes missing, as the case develops and the country watches Gone girl

35. What narrative is given to us ? We are given am interesting narrative right from the beginning , when we hear dialogue through narration that hints at a wedding gone terribly wrong. We know that the narrator is speaking about his weddings he starts with the line “when I think of my wife, I always think of her head”. He then explains how there is tension between them through a number of statements such as : “i picture cracking her lovely skull, unspooling her brains, trying to get answers” , “ what have we done to each other”. The dialogue doesn’t reveal anything about what could have went wrong between the two, yet allows the audience to ask the question of what went wrong themselves. After the shot of the wifes head with the husbands hand caressing her hair, accompanied by the dialogue , we then see shots of a town in the early morning hours, completely empty. This imagery creates a very weird and eerie atmosphere as it is apparent that the people are missing from the usually lively street corners of this small city. We are given the idea that something has happened in the marriage , that is quite serious and perhaps mysterious, and that things are in a weird state as the image of the empty town implies something is wrong.

36. How is the genre of the film set up? The genre is set up through the sound, dialogue, and the imagery all combined. Firstly , the dialogue. The dialogue makes it obvious that something has gone wrong in the marriage of the 2 introduced Characters. “trying to get answers” tells the audience that there are unanswered questions in the first place. “ what have we done to each other” suggests that their could have been foul play. Both these lines create a tense atmosphere leaving the audience with more questions than answers, as well as a sense of mystery, key conventions of a thriller. Secondly the imagery. The opening sequence contains little imagery however it manages to do a lot. Firstly we see the husband playing with the wifes hair, as she then turns to him with a concerned look on her face. This lets us know once again that something is wrong. After this we see a number of still shots the town where the story takes place. It seems to be at the early hours of the morning, right before people get up, so all of the shots are completely void of people, completely empty. This emptiness creates a feeling of eeriness, adding to the conventions of a thriller. Finally all throughout the opening sequence very tense and ominous plays non diageticaly. This music further helps set the strange atmosphere and reminds the audience that there is something gravely wrong with what we are seeing. All these feelings and emotions that are given to the audience are common for a thriller film

37. Who is the target audience of the film? I would say that the target audience of the film falls into the range of 20 to 45 year olds. I would say this due To the concept of marriage apparently being a large part of the film. I would say that people around the age of 20 begin to seriously think about marriage and their future, with most people getting married a few years after 20 usually into early thirties, while a the same time most 45 year olds have been married and understand all The responsibilities , and expectations that come with a marriage, so that the story may mean more to them Seeing that they likely have been or are in a marriage, and allows them to put themselves in the shoes of the Characters in the film. At the same time the thriller aspect of the film , which is made obvious in the sequence May put off older viewers as they tend to enjoy more relaxed media. This means that

38. What camera work has been used and why There isn’t much camera work in this opening sequence however there is some that symbolise and give the Audience an understanding about how the story may play out. We only see the two characters very briefly In this opening sequence. Firstly we see the wife. The shot that is used is a close up of her face, emphasising Focus on her. We then see the empty towns streets, corners and neighbourhoods until the final shot of the husband getting his mail out in the early morning, in a once again empty neighbour hood. The shot used is quite a wide Shot. The shot is so wide that it seems to also be an establishing shot of their house. The husband being in the Middle of this establishing shot tells the audience that he may just be a part of the wider story, similar to a location, but that the main focus is on the wife.

39. What sound is there The sound in this piece consists of, tense music , and dialogue that narrates the very opening shot. The dialogue As I have previously mentioned leads the audience to ask more questions than answers they have. What the Dialogue tells us is that the 2 characters are married, yet it is heavy implied that something has gone wrong And the audience has to wait to find this out. The tense music creates a very of course tense, and eerie atmosphere common of thrillers.

40. What editing techniques have been used and why There isn’t much editing that can be spoken on here, however there is one small detail that tells the audience Quite a lot . At the very end of the sequence in the bottom left corner a text reads the time, being early morning And then reads “ the morning of “. This obviously makes the audience ask the question, the morning of what

41. My final opinion on the scene Finally I feel as if this was a very effective opening sequence. It. Used narration , music, and symbolic imagery In order to give the audience things to process whilst not giving away too much information to the point that The audience doesn’t do any mental work. As I previously mentioned , the dialogue speaks of an event after The event took place. This puts the audience in an interesting position where they might feel was if they already Are invested in the story

42. My final opinions on all the scene • All the scenes use a combination of camera work, mise en scene , sound , and editing in order to create interest and give the audience reasons to continue watching • I feel as if gone girl was the best opening sequence due to the fact that it makes the audience do a lot of work , yet gives them enough to do so , creating a unique atmosphere from the beginning • In my opinion jurrasic park had the worst opening sequence as I felt that it relied too much on visual effects rather than actual media elements to create interest.

43. Links • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qz5JmgLQEzshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHukkX3oIrMhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUWYmTpYdP4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDACkcBdnOQhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HUf68gFGEE