We were given a task to look at film openings from different genres and note and analyse how genre was included and reflected upon in opening sequences to films.
I looked at Forrest Gump (1994)(Drama/Romance), WALL-E (2008)(Adventure/Animation/Family), The Holiday (2006)(Comedy/Romance), Saving Private Ryan (Action/Drama/History/War) and Psycho (1998)(Horror/Mystery/Thriller)
Forrest Gump(1994)
At the very beginning of this opening, we are introduced to paramount pictures as the institutional company that presents the fil. The opening has an open narrative and gives the audience and idea of how the film will develop. The main part of the opening shows a feather falling through the city which does not show much relevance to the Drama side of the genre but could suggest peace which would junxtaposition the war and action themes shown in the film. The feather could symbolise romance as it is delicate, precious and light which you could associate with a romantic encounter.
The exterior setting shows scenery of the southern state of America in which the film is set besides the war fronts and the neautral lighting can suggest the light and airy film given through the romance theme and genre.
The music starts off light and dreamy also and picks up as the feather gets gradually nearer to the ground. This reflects both aspects of genre as it begins to show romance and picks up to give a sense of drama and that some action is going to develop within the film. The introduction gives titles of actors which increases box office appeal and the themes and atmosphere shown reflect the genre well.
WALL-E(2008)
This Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures film imediately highlights the family aspect of genre as these institutions are seen as family orientated companies producing many family films.
The beginning lettering styles we are introduced to and the outer space location higlights he sci-fi genre and also a sense of adventure in the way in which the opening is portrayed.
The opening slowly shows different perspectives of the outer space atmosphere and the landscaping gives a sense of adventure to the audience as it is as if they are proceeding onto an adventure with the camera. The setting then moves on to a blank, sandy landscape which is light and developing, conveying a different genre of mystery holding the audiences attention and making them want to find out more.
The sound suggests animation with voicing music which appears upbeat and happy portraying a family friendly film. The music picks up which backs the adventure genre in the film and the open narrative creates the atmosphere for the genre to develop further as the film progresses.
The Holiday(2006)
This Universal pictures and Columbia pictures collaboration introduces the institutions at the beginning of the opening.
The music we are introduced to at the very beginning is a mellow sound which is resembling an orchestra ensemble (piano). This is representative of the romance genre and connotes passion within the piece.
The opening scenery is light and peaceful and fits in with the backing, diegetic sound. Along with this, the use of characters kissing immediately highlights romance.
The comedy aspect in the genre is not presented at this time in the opening as it mainly focuses on the romance.
Actors and casting is then introduced into the opening of the film which greatly increases box office appeal with Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Jack Black. Well known, high class actors are seen to increase box office appeal massively and target and appeal to a wider audience.
The piece then transfers to an everyday setting and a monolgue about love from the main actor with references to Shakespeare (historical). This highlights the romance as Shakespeare was a writer and poet which could connote love and romance conveying the themes and genre. This also creates a passionate atmosphere.
The music carrys on throughout the entire opening and picks up to increase intensity and therefore increase the passion. This could also connote a funny twist within the piece clearly suggesting the comical genre of the film. The use of images such as wedding pictures are also incorporated within this opening to convey the love themes and the romance genre.
The monologue concludes and produces an open narrative so the audience is aware and can see how the story of love will develop with a slight anti-romance twist and this can also show how the genre of romance will develop, at the same time highlighting comedy as it is shown that somethign will go wrong possibly in a comical way.
Saving Private Ryan(1998) - up to 2 minutes 30 seconds
'Saving Private Ryan' (1998) conveys it's genre in the opening extremely well as you are able to see all aspects of the genre clearly. The opening fades in and begins with waves crashing around sharp boulards in the sea. This immediately gives a harsh feel and connotes the action themes. The dark setting gives a gloomy feel and can be used to show the war genre as war is seen as an unpleasant thing like the gloomy setting.
'JUNE 6 1994' and 'DOG GREEN SECTOR, OMAHA BEACH' shows the location and date highlighting the historical genre conveyed in the film and also suggests war as the dates can be seen as war dates.
We are then assured of the war and action genres as we see a war boat and soldiers in battle and preparing to fight. The atmosphere is silent and tense and this increases the drama aspect of genre within the piece. The pace picks up and the action increases as they get into battle, the orders, gunshots and views of blood all suggest war and highlight the action theme which is carried throughout the opening. The colour red (of the blood) connotes war and fits in with the genre of the film.
The bad weather used in the opening with the rain and dark clouds connotes and gloomy and unpleasant setting and world highlighting that something bad will happen and therefore conveying the gnere.
It is an open narrative and allows the audience to develop on what is going to happen.
Psycho(1998)
The opening credits begin with a green screen and black lines begin to develop across the screen. At this stage it seems irrelevant and therfore adds to the mystery of the opening and conveys the mysterious genre. Universal pictures and imagine entertainment are introduced to the audience.
The music is harsh and jumpy which immediately conveys the horror genre as it is used to make the audience feel a sense of horror. The titling 'PSYCHO' in capitals also emphasises the harshness and therfore increases the horror.
The opening introduces us to the characters and casting increasing box office appeal as it widens audience appeal. The music takes a mysteious twist and it makes viwers unaware of what is likely to happen which holds the audiences attention whilst the open narrative still allows the story to develop with the sense of horro and mystery being conveyed.
This has helped me to develop a sense of how genre is conveyed in an opening sequence and shows me that it is important that the audience are entertained and the genre is conveyed in a way that is not too complicated in order to create a successful, easy to follow opening with signs and meanings behind the specific genre. This task also allowed me to gain an insight into which genre to choose for the final film opening.
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