There are numerous types of genres, such as the subgenre and hybrid genres to keep films less predictable and more unique and memorable as a result. Most of the time, film makers stick to the conventions of the major genres: horror, action, comedy and romance, and use them as a guideline when it comes to telling a story. The generic conventions of any genre are broken up into the three categories visual, thematic and audio, with each genre elaborating on different elements depending on the mood and tone they want to establish.
An example of the generic conventions of a genre being displayed can be found in the opening sequence to 'The Expendables.' This opening conveys the genre of action by constantly referring to violence and the stereotypical element of emptiness that's associated with the characters as a result. Props such as dog tags, knives and military clothing relate to the iconography and conventions of the action genre, while the non-diegetic music relates to the depression that resembles the characters on screen seem, due to a minimal amount of expressionism within their mannerisms.
Another example, contrasting in genre while still succeeding in displaying the conventions of it's genre can be seen in 'Superbad.' This opening takes a more stylised approach with the lack of realism and intentionally bad dancing, imply that the genre is comedy. In terms of sound, the non-diegetic jazz music creates quite a fast pace and connotes immaturity, linking to the stock characters that can be seen in the rest of the narrative. The vibrancy and variety of the colours has connotations of diversity and a lack of formality, mirroring particular aspects of society, which is often used in such comedies.
An example of the horror genre conventions being shown can be seen in the opening sequence to 'Saw.' The low lighting conditions and suspenseful non-diegetic music has connotations of the horror genre. With one of the main protagonists screaming for help also conveys his character as quite humanising and we as an audience can therefore better relate to him and thus empathise for his current state of panic. This also links with the stereotypical convention of characters in the horror genre being quite young and helpless. The titles are also quite enigmatic, with their movement coinciding with the background of water within a bath tub, making them feel more integrated into the scene and symbolising the enigmatic theme that can be seen throughout the film.
In the case of the romance genre, the conventions of the genre are illustrated with the montage of happy greetings among friends and family. Because love plays a bit part in this genre, similar greeting patterns can be seen in numerous examples of the genre and is therefore a stereotypical convention. The non-diegetic voice over also provides context by directly addressing the theme of love and discussing his opinion on the matter, and because love is a part of everyone's life it makes the genre very relatable. Another convention is referring to more realistic and darker themes to contrast and differentiate love, such as historical events (in this case the twin towers), incorperating verisimilitude and thus creating an emotional connection between the characters within the narrative and the audience.
In conclusion, each genre of a film has their own specific conventions that are unique to them and used throughout the media to convey a particular tone and atmosphere. These conventions are spread across the four technical areas to create an element of consistency, solidifying the message that the creators want to get across, in this case identifying the genre and preparing the audience for what is to come.
Tuesday, 18 February 2014
Monday, 17 February 2014
The impact of certification on film openings
Depending on the films certification, there are limits as to how a film establishes it's genre, mood and tone. Every film uses all four technical areas (camera, editing, mise and sound) to convey these elements however, because there are certain criteria's that a particular certification has to meet, it can restrict how a film is conveyed. Another thing to take into consideration is audience expectation, because if they go to watch a 15 rated film they're expecting it to have a darker and more adult tone than a 12, PG or U rated film.
An example of the impact certification has can be seen in the controversy surrounding 'Casino Royale's age rating. When it was first released, some critics and audience members alike questioned whether or not a 12A was an acceptable age rating for it in cinemas, due to a graphic and detailed opening sequence involving suffocation and an extensive torture scene, both of which involving the main protagonist. On top of this, even the films opening contained a very vivid death involving drowning, which was surprising, seeing as the James Bond franchise isn't usually known for this high level of grit and realism. It's reasons like this that the B.B.F.C (the British Board of Film Classification) update the guidelines of each age rating every few years, as audience demands change and younger audience members now have easier access to higher age rated films, as a result of digitalisation.
Because film openings are created to give audiences an idea as to what can be expected from the rest of the film, certification impacts them when it comes to the extremity of the content and how film makers visually convey these elements. We will take into consideration this impact of certification and while filming we'll make sure that we don't exceed the boundaries of the 15 age rating we're setting out to achieve, specifically the extremity of the content.
An example of the impact certification has can be seen in the controversy surrounding 'Casino Royale's age rating. When it was first released, some critics and audience members alike questioned whether or not a 12A was an acceptable age rating for it in cinemas, due to a graphic and detailed opening sequence involving suffocation and an extensive torture scene, both of which involving the main protagonist. On top of this, even the films opening contained a very vivid death involving drowning, which was surprising, seeing as the James Bond franchise isn't usually known for this high level of grit and realism. It's reasons like this that the B.B.F.C (the British Board of Film Classification) update the guidelines of each age rating every few years, as audience demands change and younger audience members now have easier access to higher age rated films, as a result of digitalisation.
Because film openings are created to give audiences an idea as to what can be expected from the rest of the film, certification impacts them when it comes to the extremity of the content and how film makers visually convey these elements. We will take into consideration this impact of certification and while filming we'll make sure that we don't exceed the boundaries of the 15 age rating we're setting out to achieve, specifically the extremity of the content.
Sunday, 16 February 2014
Certification - 2014
This logo represents the Universal certification that is placed upon films with no restrictions, in terms of age rating (4 years and over), and a consistently positive atmosphere. 'U' rated films are suitable for all ages, with a very minimal amount, or often merely implied, discrimination, drugs, bad behaviour, language, nudity, sex, threat and violence. If these negative messages ever do appear on screen, they must have no empathise on realism and only be present for a brief amount of time. An example of a U rated film can be seen in 'Toy Story.' With the narrative being based around the relationship between a child and their toys, it is quickly apparent that the target audience is young children because they will find the film more relatable than other age groups.
This logo represents the Parental guidance certification, linked with films that are suitable for people of approximately 8 years of age and above. Because parents are aware and cater to any particular needs there children may have, this logo advises adults to be cautious as to whether or not they should accompany their child when viewing the film. Like the Universal rating, in terms of content, bad behaviour, drugs etc. must be infrequent however they are slightly more strongly implied, in terms of application. For example, with a 'U' rating, discrimination may only be present for historical and factual purposes, however with a PG they can make references to misuse, within a constructed narrative. An example of a PG rated film can be seen in 'Ocean's Thirteen.' Although it deals with the criminal aspect of theft, it never elaborates on the darker elements within this concept, portraying it in a humorous and justified light and therefore having no negative impact on it's audience.This logo represents films that are for people of 12 ages and over and used only in cinemas, also meaning children under this age can view a film of the same rating, however they must be accompanied by an adult, as a form of consent and reassurance; if the logo does not have the 'A' within it, then it's deemed unsuitable for children under 12. In terms of DVD and Blu-ray rentals/purchases, a person must be of 12 years of age or over to buy a film with rating, because extra content, such as extended scenes and/or added commentary may be unsuitable for younger audiences. The previously mentioned bad themes can be used more frequently and detailed but not be shown in a glamorous or realistic light. Extreme behaviour, such as rape, must be discreet, brief and in context with the narrative. An example of a 12/12A rated film can be seen in 'Sherlock Holmes.' It fits into this category because the main subject matter is solving intriguing, and often gruesome, murders which is a more adult subject matter than what the previous films deal with but doesn't go into detail with the injuries that accompanied the deaths.
This logo represents films that are only suitable for people at the age of 15 and over, due to more consistent and extreme bad language, no constraints on nudity (as long as it's non-sexual or educational), portrayal of sexual activity, strong threat and horror and equally strong violence, including from a sexual perspective, justified with context. Any range of drugs can be shown to be used by characters, both medicinal and recreational, unless they imply a sense of promotion and encouragement to take such drugs. Controversial actions, like suicides, can be shown but must not fixate on detail, to avoid mirroring those very actions in reality. An example of a 15 rated film can be seen in 'Layer Cake.' The film earns this rating because it elaborates on the drug aspect of crime and presents it in quite a positive light, when it comes to being a high source of income, as well as the film containing more gory detail in relation to violence.
This logo is used for films that are restricted for people under the age of 18, because the only limitations in the films content are acts that are harmful yet presented in an enjoyable way. For example when very detailed and violent scenes are constructed in an appealing way, making the viewer feel tempted to try such illegal actions. R18 ratings are similar, however they are targeted at more explicitly sexual content and are therefore are only shown in specially licensed cinemas and/or sex shops. An example of an 18 rated film can be seen in 'Lawless.' This also deals with crime but it focuses more on the violent consequences of working with criminals, resulting in very intense action and torture sequences.
This information has helped us, when it comes to deciding which specific age rating is best suited for the genre and more importantly the narrative we have chosen, because a lot of the time a films rating depends on how the film makers tell the story. If they expressed darker and more adultery themes visually than that would directly result in a high age rating. Knowing this, it has now helped us to define our film as a 15 age rating, because although these dark themes are apparent in our narrative they're never elaborated on to the extent of an 18 rating and are more so implied through non-diegetic music and symbolism.
Two timelines of film openings
This is a timeline for the opening sequence to 'Insidious:'
This is a timeline of the opening sequence to 'Se7en:'
The purpose of these timelines was to gives us an idea of the timings title are used within a sequence, as well as the order of particular titles. For example, I now know that directorial credits are always at the end of the opening and last longer on screen than the other titles to reflect their high contribution to the film and it's creation.
This is a timeline of the opening sequence to 'Se7en:'
The purpose of these timelines was to gives us an idea of the timings title are used within a sequence, as well as the order of particular titles. For example, I now know that directorial credits are always at the end of the opening and last longer on screen than the other titles to reflect their high contribution to the film and it's creation.
Saturday, 15 February 2014
Analysis of 2 student film openings: 'Malignant' and '0 Attending'
Genre
'Malignant' establishes itself as a psychological horror with the consistently suspenseful non diegetic music, with the high pitch tempo connoting a discomforting atmosphere. This is accompanied with titles that fade onto the screen with a blurry texture to resemble ghost-like qualities, physically displaying it's genre as being a horror.
In comparison, '0 Attending' conveys it's genre as drama, by having the narrative regard a group of socially neglected girls. This quickly lends the film towards the genre because this neglecting creates a sense of empathy and therefore an emotional attachment to the characters, compelling audiences to continue watching for the sake of closure.
Editing
Continuity editing is used in the 'Malignant' opening, with a slow pace being used to gradually build tension, and in the process engage the audience and compel them to continue watching. The long length shots also help for the audience to make sense of the location, what the main focus of the shots are and what they connote.
By contrast, discontinuous editing is used for the '0 Attending' sequence, with the camera quickly jumping to different scenes so that the audience are given context as to how others reacted to their party invites. This combined with the diegetic dialogue creates a faster pace, that suggests it will be reflected in the rest of the narrative.
Sound
'Malignant' lacks diegetic dialogue, however the opening does contain a consistent non-diegetic soundtrack that has traits stereotypically associated with the horror genre. For example, at the beginning of the sequence, the first shot of a rusted metal object is accompanied with a simple yet high-pitched piano, resulting in a distressful tone.
When it comes to '0 Attending,' the diegetic dialogue establishes the characters based on the lack of formality within their language and the content of what they're saying. An example can be found with one of the females states 'Maybe no one's seen the Facebook group?' Being so sincere about a social networking site makes this character seem insignificant in society and lacks purpose. Also, the non diegetic opening sound effect of a keyboard appeals to the target audience of teenagers, with computers being a stereotypical association with that age group.
Camera angles
A majority of 'Malignant's opening consists of establishing shots to make the most of the darkly toned factory setting that connotes solitude and emptiness. There are also some contrasting close ups to incorporate an element of sincerity to make this horror more relatable. A dutch tilt is also used when the camera focuses on the factory, and this has connotations of locational significance and abnormality.
Unlike 'Malignant,' '0 Attending's opening sequence mainly consists of mid shots and long shots. The problem with this lack of establishing shots is that an opening of a film is meant to establish at least one location, as well as characters. Despite this, the long shots help to establish the stock characters via dress code, while the mid shots are used during the dialogue scenes, such as when the three females are surrounded around the computer.
Mise-en-scene
'Malignant' has contrasting lighting conditions, with the establishing shots of the factory being highly lit, while the internal shots are differentiated with low lit shots to connote an element of danger, suggesting that it is inside the factory where the darker themes take place. The prop of the broken bicycle has connotations of childhood innocence, much like the lighting conditions, these connotations are contrasting from the films genre being horror; this contrast amplifies the darker themes to make them stand out and appear all the more adultery.
'0 Attending' has multiple settings that are never fully utilised, due to the lack of establishing shots, however the props and lighting conditions make it easier to distinguish each location. The main setting of the sequence is the house where the three girls are talking, but it does soon cut to a wide variety of locations to show diversity within the people in the shot. For example, two other girls are seen to receive the main characters invite in a bedroom while another group are seen on a high street. This suggests similar variety in locations can be seen in the rest of the narrative.
Titles
In terms of positioning, not only do 'Malignant's titles convey the signifiers of a horror by their ghost-like texture, but also in the strange and inconsistently varied angles and parts of the screen they're placed on. An example of this can be seen in a dutch tilt establishing shot of the factory, with the title also at an angle that's parallel to the factory. This makes the title appear more as though it's actually integrated into the shot, giving the sequence a more stylised and memorable feel to it.
Because 'Malignant' and '0 Attending's genres are so contrasting, their fonts differ to establish a different tone, while still conveying the attributes of that particular genre. A lot of dramas today refer to technology to make it more relatable to the target audience, in this case teenagers, therefore it's fitting that '0 Attending's titles relate to the technological aspect quite strongly. The opening titles appear as though they're actually being typed onto the screen (one letter at a time) and this being accompanied by keyboard sound effects solidifies the genre and what in particular this drama relates to.
Character
'Malignant' doesn't introduce any particular characters, other than using the binary opposites of the masculine male vs. the insecure and incapable female. Although the female is a ghost, and that creates suspence, it results in a lack of empathy, giving the audience no reason to care about either of these characters. This implies that the male's contribution to the narrative is minimal and is more so just in the scene to symbolise normality in contrast to this ghostly figure.
The fact that the narrative of '0 Attending's opening focuses on a group of girls being socially neglected by others, makes them appear inferior and insignificant to others in society. This is conveyed by the way other characters of the same age group (teenagers) reacted to their party invitations humorously. In terms of dress code, the three girls also wear very informal and distinctive clothes, displaying them as independent and carless when it comes to fashion sense. In comparison, the others are seen to be wearing designer labels and more varied dress codes, conveying them as more socially popular.
To conclude, 'Maligant' establishes it's setting and genre very well, using stylised and professional camera techniques to set the film up as having a very dark and solitary tone. Despite this, throughout the entire sequence, the audience are only introduced to characters, both of which have no diegetic dialogue to create any element of empathy. They are, however, varied and equally distinctive to cancel out any sense of repetition, while also generating questions such who they are and what do they contribute to the story. '0 Attending' also does a good job at conveying a distinct genre and tone but, unlike 'Malignant,' the constant diegetic dialogue means the audience knows a lot more about the characters within the sequence. That having been said, the repetition of shot types makes the sequence appear repetitive and therefore results in a slower pace, not doing as good a job at enticing and exciting audience members.
'Malignant' establishes itself as a psychological horror with the consistently suspenseful non diegetic music, with the high pitch tempo connoting a discomforting atmosphere. This is accompanied with titles that fade onto the screen with a blurry texture to resemble ghost-like qualities, physically displaying it's genre as being a horror.
In comparison, '0 Attending' conveys it's genre as drama, by having the narrative regard a group of socially neglected girls. This quickly lends the film towards the genre because this neglecting creates a sense of empathy and therefore an emotional attachment to the characters, compelling audiences to continue watching for the sake of closure.
Editing
Continuity editing is used in the 'Malignant' opening, with a slow pace being used to gradually build tension, and in the process engage the audience and compel them to continue watching. The long length shots also help for the audience to make sense of the location, what the main focus of the shots are and what they connote.
By contrast, discontinuous editing is used for the '0 Attending' sequence, with the camera quickly jumping to different scenes so that the audience are given context as to how others reacted to their party invites. This combined with the diegetic dialogue creates a faster pace, that suggests it will be reflected in the rest of the narrative.
Sound
'Malignant' lacks diegetic dialogue, however the opening does contain a consistent non-diegetic soundtrack that has traits stereotypically associated with the horror genre. For example, at the beginning of the sequence, the first shot of a rusted metal object is accompanied with a simple yet high-pitched piano, resulting in a distressful tone.
When it comes to '0 Attending,' the diegetic dialogue establishes the characters based on the lack of formality within their language and the content of what they're saying. An example can be found with one of the females states 'Maybe no one's seen the Facebook group?' Being so sincere about a social networking site makes this character seem insignificant in society and lacks purpose. Also, the non diegetic opening sound effect of a keyboard appeals to the target audience of teenagers, with computers being a stereotypical association with that age group.
Camera angles
A majority of 'Malignant's opening consists of establishing shots to make the most of the darkly toned factory setting that connotes solitude and emptiness. There are also some contrasting close ups to incorporate an element of sincerity to make this horror more relatable. A dutch tilt is also used when the camera focuses on the factory, and this has connotations of locational significance and abnormality.
Unlike 'Malignant,' '0 Attending's opening sequence mainly consists of mid shots and long shots. The problem with this lack of establishing shots is that an opening of a film is meant to establish at least one location, as well as characters. Despite this, the long shots help to establish the stock characters via dress code, while the mid shots are used during the dialogue scenes, such as when the three females are surrounded around the computer.
Mise-en-scene
'Malignant' has contrasting lighting conditions, with the establishing shots of the factory being highly lit, while the internal shots are differentiated with low lit shots to connote an element of danger, suggesting that it is inside the factory where the darker themes take place. The prop of the broken bicycle has connotations of childhood innocence, much like the lighting conditions, these connotations are contrasting from the films genre being horror; this contrast amplifies the darker themes to make them stand out and appear all the more adultery.
'0 Attending' has multiple settings that are never fully utilised, due to the lack of establishing shots, however the props and lighting conditions make it easier to distinguish each location. The main setting of the sequence is the house where the three girls are talking, but it does soon cut to a wide variety of locations to show diversity within the people in the shot. For example, two other girls are seen to receive the main characters invite in a bedroom while another group are seen on a high street. This suggests similar variety in locations can be seen in the rest of the narrative.
Titles
In terms of positioning, not only do 'Malignant's titles convey the signifiers of a horror by their ghost-like texture, but also in the strange and inconsistently varied angles and parts of the screen they're placed on. An example of this can be seen in a dutch tilt establishing shot of the factory, with the title also at an angle that's parallel to the factory. This makes the title appear more as though it's actually integrated into the shot, giving the sequence a more stylised and memorable feel to it.
Because 'Malignant' and '0 Attending's genres are so contrasting, their fonts differ to establish a different tone, while still conveying the attributes of that particular genre. A lot of dramas today refer to technology to make it more relatable to the target audience, in this case teenagers, therefore it's fitting that '0 Attending's titles relate to the technological aspect quite strongly. The opening titles appear as though they're actually being typed onto the screen (one letter at a time) and this being accompanied by keyboard sound effects solidifies the genre and what in particular this drama relates to.
Character
'Malignant' doesn't introduce any particular characters, other than using the binary opposites of the masculine male vs. the insecure and incapable female. Although the female is a ghost, and that creates suspence, it results in a lack of empathy, giving the audience no reason to care about either of these characters. This implies that the male's contribution to the narrative is minimal and is more so just in the scene to symbolise normality in contrast to this ghostly figure.
To conclude, 'Maligant' establishes it's setting and genre very well, using stylised and professional camera techniques to set the film up as having a very dark and solitary tone. Despite this, throughout the entire sequence, the audience are only introduced to characters, both of which have no diegetic dialogue to create any element of empathy. They are, however, varied and equally distinctive to cancel out any sense of repetition, while also generating questions such who they are and what do they contribute to the story. '0 Attending' also does a good job at conveying a distinct genre and tone but, unlike 'Malignant,' the constant diegetic dialogue means the audience knows a lot more about the characters within the sequence. That having been said, the repetition of shot types makes the sequence appear repetitive and therefore results in a slower pace, not doing as good a job at enticing and exciting audience members.
Analysis of a student film from previous years - G321: 'Thief'
Genre
This student film opening identifies it's genre as being crime, with the narrative regarding a stereotypically thug-like teenage boy who robs vulnerable girls and using fear as a tool to get what he wants. The title is also memorable and the concept is traditionally associated with the crime genre. The lack of formality within the antagonists dress code also relates to the crime genre by being a key visual signifier, with the dark blue and grey colours also connoting quite a dark persona.
Editing
Continuity editing is used throughout, with the fade transition being used numerous times to suggest that the events within this sequence occur over quite a long period of time. Shot lengths are short and this results in the opening having a fast pace, which is a stereotypical convention of the crime genre. There no apparent shot reverse shots, due to the lack of diegetic dialogue, but the simplicity of the sequence means the audience don't require verbal context to understand this film's premise.
Sound
The non-diegetic and consistent sound effect at the beginning of the clip quickly builds tension by being high pitched and therefore connoting a sense of importance from what would usually be a normal action (checking a wallet's content). However, the fact that this is accompanied with such a sound effect implies this holds significance, in context with the films narrative, while also establishing a dark and tense tone.
Camera Angles
A majority of the camera angles are close ups to create a sense of discomfort for audiences so that we empathise for the vulnerable women and create an emotional attachment to their characters, thus compelling audience members to continue watching for the sake of closure. Consistent close ups also have connotations of abnormality and tension, which are stereotypical traits of the crime genre, and further establishing the themes consistency within the film.
Mise-en-scene
A skateboard is seen to be used by the teenage antagonist, relating to the immature aspect of that stereotype, while also making him appear more dominant over the girl just walking alone, physically giving him more of an upper hand. Money is referred to numerous times, with props such as a wallet and ATM cards identifying the antagonists values and priorities within the sequence. The naturalistic settings being a bedroom, high street and tunnel incorporates an element of verisimilitude to ground the film and make it more relatable, rather than creative. The camera itself also has consistent yet subtle lens flares to make the opening appear more dynamic and stylised, linking back to discomforting atmosphere created by the non-diegetic music.
Titles
When it comes to the design, the titles are very basic and easily readable. With white being used as the colour to connote contradicting purity and innocence to the darker tone of the opening, could imply that these connotations symbolise the innocence of the girls in which this antagonist preys upon. They appear in the corners of the screen, implicating that the film makers wanted the audience to focus more on the narrative as apposed to the cast and crew credits, while also assuring that the titles don't effect the openings fast pace.
Character
Because there's no diegetic dialogue there isn't any character development, which means the audience isn't provided with any particular context, in regards to why the antagonist steals or why he targeted those girls in particular. This begins to create questions that audience members want answered for the sake of closure, with the constant awkward silence generating a very unease atmosphere. The use of stock characters means the audience can quickly apply logic to the characters in the sequence and notice the distinctions in their mannerisms, with the antagonist conveying a more controlling and physically dominant character, in contrast to the timid and vulnerable females.
To conclude, this film opening conveys it's establishment of the genre being crime quickly with the use of stereotypical traits and directorial techniques. However, the lack of diegetic dialogue means there's no sense of contextual information, when it comes to the characters or the scenario. Also, the film's title is placed at the end of the sequence which is incorrect - the directors name should be the last title and the film's title should be one of the first, on top of which the camera appeared to shake a lot during the sequence. This meant some shots were difficult to make sense of and made it look quite amateur, in comparison to professional opening film sequences.
This student film opening identifies it's genre as being crime, with the narrative regarding a stereotypically thug-like teenage boy who robs vulnerable girls and using fear as a tool to get what he wants. The title is also memorable and the concept is traditionally associated with the crime genre. The lack of formality within the antagonists dress code also relates to the crime genre by being a key visual signifier, with the dark blue and grey colours also connoting quite a dark persona.
Editing
Continuity editing is used throughout, with the fade transition being used numerous times to suggest that the events within this sequence occur over quite a long period of time. Shot lengths are short and this results in the opening having a fast pace, which is a stereotypical convention of the crime genre. There no apparent shot reverse shots, due to the lack of diegetic dialogue, but the simplicity of the sequence means the audience don't require verbal context to understand this film's premise.
Sound
The non-diegetic and consistent sound effect at the beginning of the clip quickly builds tension by being high pitched and therefore connoting a sense of importance from what would usually be a normal action (checking a wallet's content). However, the fact that this is accompanied with such a sound effect implies this holds significance, in context with the films narrative, while also establishing a dark and tense tone.
Camera Angles
A majority of the camera angles are close ups to create a sense of discomfort for audiences so that we empathise for the vulnerable women and create an emotional attachment to their characters, thus compelling audience members to continue watching for the sake of closure. Consistent close ups also have connotations of abnormality and tension, which are stereotypical traits of the crime genre, and further establishing the themes consistency within the film.
Mise-en-scene
A skateboard is seen to be used by the teenage antagonist, relating to the immature aspect of that stereotype, while also making him appear more dominant over the girl just walking alone, physically giving him more of an upper hand. Money is referred to numerous times, with props such as a wallet and ATM cards identifying the antagonists values and priorities within the sequence. The naturalistic settings being a bedroom, high street and tunnel incorporates an element of verisimilitude to ground the film and make it more relatable, rather than creative. The camera itself also has consistent yet subtle lens flares to make the opening appear more dynamic and stylised, linking back to discomforting atmosphere created by the non-diegetic music.
Titles
When it comes to the design, the titles are very basic and easily readable. With white being used as the colour to connote contradicting purity and innocence to the darker tone of the opening, could imply that these connotations symbolise the innocence of the girls in which this antagonist preys upon. They appear in the corners of the screen, implicating that the film makers wanted the audience to focus more on the narrative as apposed to the cast and crew credits, while also assuring that the titles don't effect the openings fast pace.
Character
Because there's no diegetic dialogue there isn't any character development, which means the audience isn't provided with any particular context, in regards to why the antagonist steals or why he targeted those girls in particular. This begins to create questions that audience members want answered for the sake of closure, with the constant awkward silence generating a very unease atmosphere. The use of stock characters means the audience can quickly apply logic to the characters in the sequence and notice the distinctions in their mannerisms, with the antagonist conveying a more controlling and physically dominant character, in contrast to the timid and vulnerable females.
To conclude, this film opening conveys it's establishment of the genre being crime quickly with the use of stereotypical traits and directorial techniques. However, the lack of diegetic dialogue means there's no sense of contextual information, when it comes to the characters or the scenario. Also, the film's title is placed at the end of the sequence which is incorrect - the directors name should be the last title and the film's title should be one of the first, on top of which the camera appeared to shake a lot during the sequence. This meant some shots were difficult to make sense of and made it look quite amateur, in comparison to professional opening film sequences.
Independant research on film openings
Looking at a wide variety of opening sequences, it's conclusive that a common and critical element each one accomplishes, regardless of genre and target audience, is establishing a key mood and tone that can be seen in the rest of the film. For example, in 'The Matrix' the first shot is of a stream of unique symbols scrolling down the screen. This sense of visual digitalisation is stereotypically associated with science fiction, already identifying the film's genre, and because the foreground is black connotes an element of emotional darkness within this narrative. The lack of cast and crew titles, in this particular case, implies this is so that they didn't interfere with the films fast and pace and consistently tense tone. This tone can be seen through the subtle non-diegetic music gradually rising to show a sense of progression within 'The Matrix's narrative.
Another example of an opening sequence establishing the films tone quickly and efficiently is 'Gone Baby Gone.' Unlike 'The Matrix,' this film does have opening cast and crew titles, which suggests the film has a slower pace and also that the film makers wanted to publicise the fact that the film contains numerous A-list actors, such as Casey Affleck and Morgan Freeman. The font for the titles is very simplistic and placed in the corners of the screen, so that they don't detract from visual element of the opening. Also contrasting to 'The Matrix' opening is the lack of continuity editing, using the technique of a montage, in this case to provide context to the audience when it comes to character types and the areas they're stereotypically placed in within this film. Showing these citizens in a more naturalistic light makes them more believable and relatable characters, incorporating an aspect of sentimentality. Being set in a rough part of Boston, America, the film makers used the opening as an opportunity to show these Boston people in their daily light, using signifiers such as tattoos to convey quite informal and crime-orientated characters.
Another example of an opening sequence establishing the films tone quickly and efficiently is 'Gone Baby Gone.' Unlike 'The Matrix,' this film does have opening cast and crew titles, which suggests the film has a slower pace and also that the film makers wanted to publicise the fact that the film contains numerous A-list actors, such as Casey Affleck and Morgan Freeman. The font for the titles is very simplistic and placed in the corners of the screen, so that they don't detract from visual element of the opening. Also contrasting to 'The Matrix' opening is the lack of continuity editing, using the technique of a montage, in this case to provide context to the audience when it comes to character types and the areas they're stereotypically placed in within this film. Showing these citizens in a more naturalistic light makes them more believable and relatable characters, incorporating an aspect of sentimentality. Being set in a rough part of Boston, America, the film makers used the opening as an opportunity to show these Boston people in their daily light, using signifiers such as tattoos to convey quite informal and crime-orientated characters.
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