Analysing Film Openings

Resevoir Dogs:

Narrative:

Open narrative

Introducing Characters

Suggesting the characters are important

Suggesting the characters are proffessional

Genre:

Action

Gangster

Gangs

Character:

Eight men

Resevior dogs

Introduced with text

Atmosphere:

Masculine

Rough

Lively

Themes:

Gangster

Black tie

Boy group

Setting:

Exterior

Car Park

Street

Sound:

Rock

Gives idead of a solid group

Upbeat/ relaxed

Titles:

Introduces actors

Box office appeal

Strong coloured which stands out to audience

The opening to resevoir dogs shows an open narrative which introduces us to the characters and suggests they are off to fulfill an important task. This makes the audience want to carry on watching and find out where they are going. The way they are dressed (in suits and black ties) and how they are acting backs up the action and gangster genre as they are portrayed to the audience as gangsters and potential trouble-makers.

The men are dressed in suits and shades which also gives a sense of mystery. This would also intrigue the audience and make them want to see what happens. The titles and introduction to the actors boosts box office appeal.

The sound and atmosphere both imply a masculine, gangster opening with a lively, rock music and rough atmosphere. However the lively music could suggest juxtaposition as it is contrasting to what we see on the screen.

This all symbolises and reflects the aspects of the opening and when creating our own opening we can take into account strengths and weaknesses and certain aspects to include.

Superman returns:

Narrative:

Open narrative

Genre:

Action

Atmosphere:

Masculine

Lively

Themes:

Superhero

Comics

Setting:

Exterior

Universe

Sound:

Superhero theme tune

Upbeat

Picks up and getts faster and more intense

Titles:

Introduces actors

Box office appeal

Strong coloured on strong background

Matches the out of space theme.

The opening to Superman returns is fairly basic. It shows and open narrative with titles to introduce the audience to the actors in the film.

There are no characters featured in the oepning and the titles run all the way through.

From the opening we can conclude an action genre and the masculine lively atmosphere fits in with this genre well.

The setting is an exterior setting which goes through the universe and this is used to enhance the action of the film with the use of an intense, upbeat music (superman theme) which all ties in to the title of the film and therefore supporting the genre and themes.

The titles with the actors name increases box office appeal.