Comparing title sequence

 Grease opening title sequence

I have looked into two different title sequences, the first is Grease. The titles are animated and reflects a fun, 80's feel. The light hearted non diegetic soundtrack hints at it's musical genre. We also are introduced to a number of animated character's which we could possibly see through the rest of the film. 

Titles: 

The fonts of the titles are very bold and colourful which reflects a fun and happy tone of the narrative of the film. The big and bold style of fonts suggest the 80's time period of which it is set it. 

Characters names + Actors: 

We are introduced to some of the main characters through the use of the animated, cartoon characters who resemble each character in the film. They are presented as if it's a school year book which reinforces the setting and tone. 

Drawings: 

The animated characters sets up the idea of high school stereotypes, this is connoted through mise-en-scene of the costumes which resembles the typical outfits relating to each stereotype category. 

Genre: 

The genre is clearly portrayed in this title sequence through the over exaggerated musical theatre style. This suggests it is a comedy/ musical genre of film. 

Camera: 

The long lasting shots of each of the characters allows us to build an understanding of what type of person they resemble and also to create a perception on them before we properly see them. 

Editing: 

The editing style gives us hints of iconic pulp culture from America in the 1950's. 

Sound: 

The non diegetic soundtrack is reminiscent to a musical. The song playing is sang by American singer, Frank Valley. On top of this, the diegetic sound effects of the local radio relates to the high school feeling.

American Horror Story 

The second opening title sequence is practically the opposite genre, tone and theme. 

Titles: 

The font of the titles are very bold and prominent which reflects a gothic theme to this title sequence. 

Transitions: 

The transitions between the shots and titles are quick and short which is parallel to the soundtrack. 

Sound: 

The non diegetic 'unpredictable', eerie soundtrack hints at the horror genre and suggests the narrative.

Camera: 

The close up shots shows details which hints at the narrative of the location/setting. 

Genre: 

We see close up shots of items like white clothing, photographs, fire, smashed objects which hints at the idea of this series being a horror. 

Editing: 

The shots are fast and almost like a strobe effect. The cuts are jumpy which relates to the genre of horror and mystery. 

Comparing the sequences 

Both of these two sequences I studied are well establishing to present their genre in different aspects. On one hand, Grease presents a fun, musical tone through the animated, colourful style of titles, the soundtrack and editing style suggests the high school 80's time period which makes us guess what will be involved in this musical comedy genre of film. Whereas on the other hand, American Horror Story is clearly a spine chilling, mysterious horror genre of show. This is indicated mainly by the eerie, unpredictable, jumpy soundtrack played over the dark, quick shots of objects within a haunted basement. I think however that Grease's opening title sequence is the most successful at provoking the genre as their sequence is very creative by using animated characters to introduce the main characters, they also creatively reinforce a light hearted tone through the choice of text, fonts, colours, sound and editing. 

Titles, what are they?

Titles are used by the institution by using creative ways to present names involved in funding, marketing, and producing. Usually they are show at the start but also incorporated as credits at the end of a film, the key information is often shown before the film, this is known as the title sequences. 

There are 21 titles found in an opening sequence, usually in a set order. 

These are the main 21:

1. Money 
2. Production 
3. Directors name film 
4. Main star 
5. Film title 
6. Actor 1 
7. Actor 2 
8. Actor 3 
9. Actor 4 
10. Actor 5 
11. Casting 
12. Costume design 
13. Music 
14. Editing 
15. Production designer 
16. Director of photography 
17. Exclusive producer
18. produced by 
19. Based upon 
20. Screen play 
21. Director 

Title sequences usually include creative aspects such as: 

• Fonts and style 
• Colours 
• Framing / screen placement 
• Pace of credits, transitions and edit 

Drive

I have studied this opening title sequence to understand the genre, tone, time period and theme. 

The music indicates the genre is a drama/action, and we can grasp hints of romance from the pink, feminine title style. Aside from the modern, 80's feel, there is also a sense of the dark tone which suggests it is a thriller. 

Catch Me if You Can

From this creative opening title sequence, we can guess that this is a crime/drama genre of film due to it's mysterious, fun tone. The animated titles hints at the 60's time period. The style of animations including the clothing, the typewriters, and old cars suggests the time period, as well as the soundtrack reminiscence of the 1960's. From this title sequence, we get a rough idea of the storyline about a cat and mouse game involving the police. 

 

The Terminator 

In this sequence, we see no characters or hints to the plot, however we know this is a science fiction genre from the style, font and music. The font style looks like it has be typed or coded on a computer, it reflects a 80's style, along with the colour combinations of green, blue and black. We can guess from this title sequence that the film will be around technology and hacking. However, no narrative is given but the tone of the film is already suggested. 

Research into genre conclusion

 After watching and studying these six genres, I will conclude with evaluation of them all. 

All these opening sequences, despite their differences in genre, tone and settings all clearly portray an eye catching opening narrative which allows the audiences to develop an understanding of the tone and mood of the film, whether it's funny, thrilling, scary, or mesmerising. The point of an opening scene is to engage with the target audience while also introducing important aspects of the narrative. Elements of opening sequences include characters, plot, tone and a sense of conflict. It also allows the audience to build expectations of the film and work out who is the protagonist, antagonist and so fourth. 

All of the opening scenes i studied gives an idea of setting/location, tone, genre, characters, time period and a short introduction to the narrative. Each opening sequence includes an establishing shot to set the location of the film, also, each sequence incorporates a sense of time period from the way they are dressed as well as non diegetic music to match the genre style. The lighting and shadows in these sequences allows us to get an understanding of the mood and tone, such as the opening sequence to 'The Conjuring' it was clear that this film was not going to be light hearted, or happy due to the lack of saturation and dark lighting in the shots, it immediately sets the eerie, dark tone of the film. These elements of film making are key to creating a successful opening scene as it allows the target audience of the film to quickly establish the genre of the film, as well as if it adheres to the usual stereotype according to the conventions of a genre of film, or if it adheres to our expectations. 

A certain scene which stood out to me was the Dunkirk opening sequence, due to the fact it is a war film, I had expected the opening sequence to be packed with violence and machinery, however, it opens with a tracking, slow extreme long shot of an empty street, with a group of soldiers walking aimlessly while letters, papers, and posters fell from the sky above them. This silent, peaceful sequence adheres to the usual expectations of a war film, however, minuets later the suspense was broken by the sudden, alarming diegetic sounds of guns, bullets and bombs exploding. this was extremely effective as it allowed the audience to be stunned by the sudden plot twist in this opening. 

In my opinion, I think that the most intriguing, and most successful opening sequence was 'Joker'. The unsettling, eerie opening automatically set the dark tone of this thriller. It allowed the audience to feel on edge as they were introduced straight away to Arthur, who we can quickly assume is the main character. The long, slow shots makes the audience feel unsettling and also builds suspense. 

However on the other hand, I think that the least successful opening sequence was Baywatch as it is easily interpreted as a comedy, more than an action according to the opening, We get a small introduction to one character however I don't think that the storyline is hinted at in this opening. 

Research into a Sci Fi opening scene

For this blog post, I will be researching into a sci-fi opening sequence. I have chosen to look into Divergent, released in 2014 by Lionsgate this American science fiction film is based on the Divergent novel in 2011. This film is directed by Neil Burger and produced by Lucy Fisher. It stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ashley Judd, Jai Courtney, Ray Stevenson, Zoe Kravitz and Kate Winslet. The story takes place in a dystopian and post apocalyptic Chigago, where people are divided into distinct groups of society depending on what job they are apart of to keep the peace in their world. The main character, Beatrice Prior, is warned that she is Divergent and will never fit into any one of the groups. She soon learns that a sinister plot is brewing in the seemingly perfect society. Divergent was released on March 21, 2014, in the United States and grossed $1.7 million internationally from four territories, with a worldwide total of $56,307,747 at the box office. Divergent is apart of a franchise called ‘The Divergent Series’ which includes the first instalment, Divergent (2014), grossed over $288 million worldwide, while the second instalment, Insurgent (2015), grossed over $297 million worldwide. Insurgent was also the first Divergent film to be released in IMAX 3D. The third instalment, Allegiant (2016), grossed $179 million. However, the first three films of the series have grossed over $765 million worldwide. 

From this opening sequence, we get the understanding that this is set in a dystopian city, guarded by alien like walls, as If its on another planet. The VoiceOver dialog gives the audience an introduction to the opening of the film and reveals the groups of society of which teenagers are classed into. This sets the narrative that the film will involve these worriors as they protect their city from the possible villain. We also get the impression that as the girl who is narrating this introduction is speaking from her point of view as growing up in this world as a child, who possibly is inspired to grow up and protect her city. 

I think that the target audience for this film is young adult due to the very modern day style and also the action packed narrative. 

Conventions if a science fiction normally include setting, themes, characters, narrative, structure, tone and mood. Classic elements include time travel, teleportation, aliens and space travel, fictional worlds, parallel universes, interplanetary welfare and speculative technology. For this film Divergent, it uses a dystopian setting which is familiar to reality, they use the city Chicago in this parallel universe. It also includes the narrative elects of a sci fi convention, such as conflict between good and evil, which we can guess will take place as the film continues. Usually sci fi’s include characters such as hero, antagonist, alien, humans scientists, robots and some artifitial intelligence. 

This opening sequence begins with an establishing shot which gioves the audience a perspective of the dystopian setting which is reconized as Chicago. The non diegetic calming, awakening soundtrack plays while the editing cuts to tracking, extreme long shots of the sky scrapers which seem to of been distroyed. As thr camera tracks and reveals mass people in the center of the city, we hear diegetic sounds of people talking and transport moving to show the bustling city center. The voiceover narration gives an introduction to the film from the perspective of a sivillian living there, while the camer atracks through crowds of people and all the differnet groups of society. We are introduced to these groups of society, while the voiceover ecplains this, we see tracking through the work places of which they work in. 

I think this opening bscene sets the narrative and dystopian setting of the sci fi, we get an idea that there will be some type of battle or war between these 5 groups of society and that the protagonist/ hero who narrates this introduction is probably the main chatacter. I think that this film would appeal to an action adventure audience and especially over the age of 15 year olds. From this sequence, it quickly hooks in the audience to continue to watch nore of the film and to discover this mysterious world. 

Research into a thriller opening scene

I have chosen to study The Joker opening sequence, produced by Warner Bros Pictures and DC films was released in 2019, this American physiological thriller is written and directed by Todd Philips. The thriller is based on characters featured in DC comics which is apart of the DC comic franchise. With a production budget of $55 billion, it grossed in world-wide box offic3e an estimated over $1 billion and made over $96 million in the first weekend in cinemas. The film follows the storyline of In Gotham City, mentally troubled comedian Arthur Fleck is disregarded and mistreated by society. He then embarks on a downward spiral of revolution and bloody crime. This path brings him face-to-face with his alter-ego: the Joker.

From this opening sequence, I can automatically identify that this is a thriller due to the long close up shots of his unhappy face which portrays his emotion, we can reconize that the tone of the city is quite dismal and depressing which adds to the genre. Usually thrillers contain elements of moods of which they infliction the audience, emotions like fear, suspense, anxiety, and anticipation. In this opening scene, the narrative shown to us reveals the comedy tragedy which he leads. We learn about his job as a clown, trying to bring happiness and joy into the world, however we see his cruel world as  his disguise as he puts on a mask in his own world detached from reality. His sign is snatched off him by a group of boys before being brutally beaten up in a dingy alley way, this long sad scene depicts the character, Aurthurs lonleiness and pain. This sequenc is unsettling and focuses on introducing the main character to the audience, before he turns into ‘The Joker’. After viewing this opening, I expect to learn more about the character and his dark, depressing life before he changes into an evil, spiteful, destructive clown known as the joker. I hope to learn more about the way he is treated by others which would perhaps reflect his actions later in the film. 

It is clear to us as the audience that this film is targeted mainly at adults as its not uplifting, or a feel good family style film. I’m guessing that from this dark, moody opening sequence that it would attract adults interested in horror and thrillers as it … I know that this isn’t suitable for children as the character of a clown is very much related to the childhood fear of clowns.

This genre contains key conventions that a usual thriller includes. Thrillers revolve arround anticipation and suspense, with the ai, being to keep the audience alert and tense. Tension and excitement are key elements to thriller texts like ‘The Joker’. The use of misenscene in this opening sequence indicates its genre through the use of dark colour pallet, the isolated setting, distressing environment, feeling of claustrophobia as the buildings tower above the street, and finally the lowkey lighting to create an atmosphere of suspense and gloom. To add to this sequence, the eerie non diegetic music and silent moments creates tension and suspense.We only have been introduced to this one main character in this opening sequence, meaning he could either be the protagonist with a good intention  or the antagonist determined to bring evil and destroy individuals. Perhaps the character Aurthur is battling against the other version of himself mentally, Battle between antagonist and protagonist may be physical, but must be mental...

The first scene is set in the looks of a locker room, with diegetic sound of a local radio, the establishing shot merges closer to the lonley character as he paints his face in the mirror where we assume he works. This gloomy setting uses close up camera shots to create a sense of unsettlingness as he sits isolated from the other people around him. These close up, shot reverse shots of him in the mirror applying paint to his face creates the idea of Aurthur masking his unhappiness as he turns into a clown. The camera focuses on the extreme close up as he stretches and forces his face to smile, this reinforces the idea of ‘putting on a happy face’ as he finds the comedy tragedy which is his life. The key theme of this film focuses on forcing happiness and creating a smile, which is clearly reflected on as the time duration of this scene is long. 

To conclude, I think this opening sequence is griping and creates a suspenseful, eerie and fearful mood and sets the tone of the narrative of the film. These few minuets portray the main character who is introduced as we see his miserable job of which he changes persona to bring joy and happiness into a dark, cruel world of which is known as ‘Gotham City’. The opening scene quickly makes the audience feel unsettled and almost sympathise Aurthur from how he is shown as an outcast to society. 

 

Research into a horror opening scene

I have chosen to research into The Conjouring. Directed by James Wan and written by Chad Hayes, Produced by Warner Brothers Media and released on July 19th 2013 in America, this supernatural horror film follows the paranormal investigators as they discover a terrorised, dark presence in a family farmhouse.  It grossed over $319 million worldwide against its $20 million budget. A sequel, The Conjuring 2, was released on June 10, 2016. Warner Brothers and New Line Cinema has created this franchise called The Conjouring Universe, this was created in 2013 when the first one ‘The conjuring’ was released in 2013 but set in 1971, from this, the other films apart of this corporation like ‘Anabelle’ number 1,2 and 3, ‘The Nun’ and ‘The Conjouring 2’. The Franchise has be extremely successful and grossed a combimned $1.9 billion, making it the second highest grossing horror franchise ever.

We can tell this is a horror genre of film, it opens with a extreme close up zoom out shot of a dolls broken eye with a VoiceOver dialog over the top, it is clear to us that from this opening sequence that its a horror film due to the lack of contrast and saturation which reflects a dark, sinister tone. This opening sequence focuses on this eerie doll while an interview between two girls and the investivagots take place, the narrative shown in the opening sequence conveys the unexplainable, mysterious and scary situations which they believe this possessed doll has caused to scare them in their house. We can seee tis doll traumatising the girls as if their is a person stuck inside a dolls form. The jump scares and suspenseful non diegetic sound effects clearly indicate to us as the audience that this is going to be a horror film based around unexplainable, ghostlike events within a haunted house involving a doll named ‘Anabelle’. From these first few minuets of the opening scene, we can expect to witness a series of scary events as a family is traumatised by ghosts and dolls in a haunted house, of which the paranormal investigators will discover and end this haunghting.  The opening and ending of this sequence both show long shots of the dolls face close up, this reinforces what the narrative is based upon and what the cause of these evil events are due to.

Guessing from this sequence and movie poster, I believe that this film is directed to over 15 year olds, as it includes disturbing violence and terror. The official rating is a 15 so it’s very unlikely that this would attract children. The target audience is mostly teenagers and adults which would be attracted to this film as the trailer includes spine tingling moments, which would certainly sell to the type of audience which enjoy scary and thrilling films.

This opening scene adheres to stereotypes of usual horror films, the dark and moody lighting fits to the genre, as well as the long shot, tense silent moments which are key to horror films to build suspense to scare the audience. It includes key conversations such as stories about situations that have happened to the victims in this house. The typical sinister soundtrack fits to the genre as well as the silent pauses to build up to a jump scare. This genre of film provokes elements of ghosts and nightmares to create a sense of fear and uneasiness. 

In this sequence, we meet five characters, however it isn’t clear if the film is based around these two victims we meet but certainly we can tell the centre of this narrative is the possessed doll. Horror films usually include key characters such as, the killer, the protagonist, the antagonist, the skeptic, and more victims to the film. The two investigators are portrayed as the protagonists, we know this as nearing the end of the sequence, they agree to help the two girls investigate to why they are being haunted. The screen time is majority of the time focused on the doll, this immediately tells us that the doll, Annabelle is the killer. 

We are shown a flashback, the two girls open the door laughing, until they look down to find a note, the camera is directly opposite to their entrance as it pans when they glance down, the over the short, over the shoulder shot of spooky note ‘miss me?’ Combined with an uneasy, tense non diegetic music instantly tells the audience that something bad is going to happen. WE are shown what the two girls are staring in hoop at, as the camera does a quick, short, shot reverse shot of the doll and the girls in the doorway, this instantly indicates to the narrative about the events occurring around this doll. The hand held camera movement as the girls edge closer tp the doll create a sense of tension. As the music gets louder, we hear a dietetic sound of high pitch frequencies as the camera does short quick shots of the damage within their room. Loud sound effects are added for effect along with the flashing light to build up to the climax. The quick shots between the girls reaction and the red writing on the walls is done purposely to show quick, dramatic actions, almost as if it is from the point of view from the girls. These quick fast shots contrast with the longer, slow shot of a red pencil rolling towards them from the direction of the doll. This climax builds to the birds eye, zooming in shot of the doll being thrown away, the music keeps riding and getting louder until a loud dietetic bang of the lid being slammed shut and the screen suddenly fades to black, this tells us then that time has passed until the next following shot. 

Overall, I believe that this opening sequence adheres to a typical horror genre film, with the setting, lighting, camera movement and sound effects. I expect this horror film to include many suspenseful moments and jump scares, I also think that we will be introduced to more characters along with the possessed doll as the film progresses. 

Research into an action opening scene

 

I have decided to choose Baywatch (2017) to discuss the genre of thriller. This American action film is based on the television series created by Micheal Berk. This 2017 version is directed by Seth Gordon and produced by Paramount studios. It was released on the 29th May 2017 and made over an estimated $18million on the first opening weekend in USA. Baywatch is originally an American drama TV series about lifeguards who patrol the beaches of Los Angeles, California. From this series came the film, starring Zac Efron, Dwane Johnson, and Alexandra Daddario . The story follows lifeguard Mitch, and his team who must take down a drug lord in an effort to save their beach. Baywatch received 5 nominations at the 38th Golden Raspberry Awards. 

This opening sequence hints at the setting, genre, narrative and use of mis-en-scene. It opens with a series of long establishing shots of the peaceful beaches of California, then we are introduced to the first character. The non diegetic soundtrack quickly ends as the opening sequence quickly changes from a peaceful opening to a dramatic life saving event. From this opening, the audience gets a clear understanding that this lifeguard is clearly strong and seen as a hero, as we have learnt from this introduction as he races to rescue a man from the water. We know from seeing this that the film will be based around the job as a lifeguard on the beach, however the mix of two different soundtracks indicate a hint of upbeat, lightheartedness tone and also dramatic, comedy and drama. The overdramatic rescue along with the opening title suggests that this film will be funny and light hearted. 

Guessing from this opening introduction, given that it comes across as humorous and action packed, I think that it is directed at teenagers and family. It will priorly attract audiences interested in action comedy and romantic comedy due to the cast and also the storyline. However, the storyline includes references to drugs and crime so I doubt that it waked appeal to children under the ages of 15. 

This opening sequence is clearly classed as a action/comedy through the use of conventions. Such as, this opening sequence gives hints that this one specific life guard could be the Hero. You could say that this twist in the opening sequence is exaggerated to be humorous, without any dialog, the use of slow motion editing and exaggerated music diffuses the seriousness of the situation. Exotic locations are usually used in action films as they keep the audience on their seat, in this sequence we can guess that it is set in California. Characters involved in action genre films include a protagonist, hero, villain, the donor, the helper and also a princess. 

From this short introduction, we are only presented to one character, he is perceived as respectable due to his job title and as the camera purposefully uses low angle shots to portray him as powerful up on the lifeguard station. We instantly can recognise this character is a hero due to his fast reaction as the wind changes direction before he rises to save a helpless man in the sea. We see this character rase towards the water as he dives from the cliffs deep into the water and carries this man from the water. 

We can tell that this is an action genre film, we know there will be more character to come which will support the hero. 

During this opening sequence, the non diegetic calm, relaxing soundtrack quickly cuts as the camera follows the lifeguards eyes, darting towards the flag as it changes in the wind. The camera focuses on his head movement to show what he is looking at which corresponds with his fast actions.  We see an establishing shot of a kite surfer, before a birds eye, fisheye view on a GoPro from the view of the kitesurfer as he falls to the sea.  The parallel editing corresponds with the music. As the non diegetic sound speeds up and increases volume, the pace of editing increases to provoke a serious, action scene. The diegetic sound effects of the wind picking up and the crash of the sea waves creates a suspenseful, action tone. The screen cuts too black shots  which could imply the speed of time as the lifeguard races to save this man.  The use of handheld camera work following behind the lifeguard running creates a sense of speed and intenseness, at this point it is clear to the audience that this character is clearly a lifeguard given that his costume is the typical alarming red and yellow colour scheme and also the red life saving float.  The camera time is long as the lifeguard jumps from the rocks into the water, this has been edited to slow motion to almost exaggerate the action in this sequence.  The screen and camera time focused on the slow motioned jump into the water gives the audience the impression of this mans strength and power.  

Overall, this opening sequence sets the humours tone if the film and indicates that this action film is quick light hearted and includes elements of comedy. It also indicates the location of the film and hints to the narrative. The audience is able to pick up on the storyline, based on the lifeguards rescue’s on the beach. The mix of soundtrack suggest the sense of romance as well as serious, dramatic, upbeat action. I think that this sequence gives a clear understanding of the narrative and hooks the audience to want to continue to watch more. 

Research into a war opening scene

For my research in to this genre post, I am looking in the here of war, and specifically tor film Dunkirk. Produced by Warner Bros Studios, this 2017 war film is written and directed by Christopher Nolan, the film depicts the Dunkirk Evaction from WW1. Starring Fion Whitehead, Harry Styles, Tom Glynn, Jack Lowden, Aneurin Barnard, James D'Arcy, Barry Keoghan, Kenneth Branagh and Tom Hardy. The film premiered on 13 July 2017 at Odeon Leicester Square in London. It was released in the United Kingdom and United States on 21 July in IMAX, 70 mm, and 35mm  formats. It is the highest-grossing World War II film, making $526 million worldwide. Dunkirk received praise for its screenplay, direction, musical score, sound effects, and cinematography; 

From this short opening sequence, we are told the location through the use of editing, the time period from the army, war costumes and the props such as guns, bombs and sandbags which are related to the war, the non diegetic sound throughout of war, all which clearly portray the genre of War. I can guess from this sequence that this film will discuss the protagonists experience in world war one. This character we have been introduced to, is portrayed as brave and intelligent as he is the only one who survives out of his friends, this implies that he is the focus of the film as he is the survivor throughout. 

Guessing from this opening scene, the narrative implies that this film provokes violence so I think that the target audience is older teenagers, but mostly adult audience, maybe a mix between older and younger audience. Perhaps it appeals to an older audience as they can relate to these times and are more familiar with them then young audience. 

War genre films usually  demonstrate how combat fighting (against nations or humankind) on land, sea, or in the air provide the primary plot or background for the action of the film. These often help to then portray key themes about humanity. War films are often infused with elements from other genres, such as action, adventure, drama, romance, dark comedy, suspense, and even epics and westerns. Many war films will reflect real-world events and recreate key moments from history, but equally they can portray imaginative and fictional events. This film is established as a war genre film through the key conventions, for example, there are normally a protagonist and an antagonist who are battling each other throughout the film.

This first scene opens in complete silence, the long establishing, tracking shot follows the soldiers as they explore this deserted street. The diegetic sound of letters and paper falling from the sky creates a peaceful environment which contrasts with the army uniform and their guns. Editing has been effectively used as the film opens with short pauses of writing, this is done to inform the audience of the location and short narrative. The over the shoulder shot of a local advertisement/news article informs the audience the time period and the setting of this film. Diegetic sounds of the soldiers gasping for water shows us the desperation and exhaustion they are facing, sudden sounds eg. The window slamming open keeps the audience on their feet, as the silence we hear is very suspenseful, as if a bomb is about to go off. This silence is shortly broken by a sudden, loud dietetic sound effect of gun shots. The tracking shot follows these soldiers while one by one they each get shot down, until we are following behind the last one standing as he scrambles for safety.  The hand held camera shots gives the audience the impression that we are almost there with this soldier as we feel shocked, and scared with him, this also creates a fast, action tone to the film. 

In conclusion, I think this opening scene perfectly sets a suspenseful feel to this film, it keeps the audience on the edge of their seat. The time period and information is clearly stated to inform the audience the time period and location, and also from which point of view this film is coming from. It also gives the audience a chance to establish which character is in focus of this film. This short sequence is griping and full of action, it also intrigues the audience to continue to watch more of the film.  

Research into a western genre opening scene

  

For this western genre film sequence, I looked at Toombstone, a 1993 American Western film directed by George P Cosmatos and written by Kevin Jarre. It stars Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer, as well as narration by Robert Mictchum. Tombstone was distributed by Hollywood Pictures in the USA on December 25th 1993 gossing $56.5 million in domestic ticket sales. The film ranked 16 in the list of highest grossing films since 1979 and made its self a successful western genre film.  

The opening of this scene immediately indicates to us that it’s set in the desert and so is clear that it’s a western genre from the costumes and set design. The narrative shows us a dramatic opening as thunder of cowboys on horses emerging in the dessert, and then the title appears. We are shown the calm preparations of a wedding until the dramatic entry of the gang of which the tone of the film instantly tunes into action. The couple just walk out and a gang attack and kill everyone in the wedding. Guessing from this opening, based upon this, we as an audience assume that there is one man which survives this gang attack, from this he goes forward to gain revenge on the cowboy gang.

 

Based upon this type of genre, I can tell that the audience are going to be males over the age of 50 as a younger audience are most likely to watch more modern day, less violent films. 

Typical conventions of western include elements of good vs bad guys, a robbery or criminal act, a chase and a final showdown. The typical setting is normally in a natural location in western America. Specific settings of a western involve ranges, small towns, old railways and isolated military forts. 

In this opening scene, we are introduced to the leading gang member, and also the psychopath, based upon this opening scene. However it's likely that we haven’t been introduced to the protagonist as there is no saviour who rescues these innocent people from this gang invasion. We know that the gang member is important as the camera time is mostly focused on his face and his actions of him loading the gun and leading the gang behind him, this shows he is in charge and that the other members all obey his orders. The psychopath is shown hiding and smiling at the death of the innocent people. The fact he isn’t killed provokes that he is maybe apart of the gang. The camera focuses on his smile towards the killings which signifies the importance of his smile. 

One of the key moments in this opening sequence involves the arrival of the gang. The camera does a pan shot of the horses thundering on the sand, this long shot allows us to recognise that something bad is going to happen which builds climax and anticipation. This chaotic moment cuts to a peaceful long shot of the setting of the wedding, this suggests to the audience that the gang of men and horses are aiming for this tranquil wedding. The camera alternates between shots of wedding preparations and the thundering of horse shoes on the sand.  We see a close up shot of the guitar band at the wedding, this peaceful, happy scene contrasts eith the dramatic sound of the entrance of the gang. The soundtrack changes as we see a close up of the cowboy boots trudging  in the sand. We see short clips showing features of the gang leader portrayed to us. The close up shots sync to the dramatic music, we see medium length, close up shots of the guns being loaded. The effect of this indicated the tone of the opening sequence.