Analysis of Opening Sequences

Clips for Analysis

THE AGE OF INNOCENCE

In this opening sequence, the director is aiming to engage the audience and give them a very subtle hint of what the film's narrative is about. The director does this by using music and sound. The music is very slow and the orchestra used is very heavy, with the sound of string based instruments, showing that this narrative will be quite strong and wont be suitable for children, which highlights how this opening sequence makes sure that the target audience is kept to. Also, there is an image of a flower blossoming into something beautiful, which could represent one of the main concepts of the narrative. On top of the flowering image, there is a faint script over it with information that the audience are not really able to read. This leaves the audience feeling confused and gives them a sense of mystery. This also leaves the audience asking themselves, what this information consists of, and what the blossoming plant is representing.

My favourite part of this clip is the music as it is really subtle and enjoyable and this technique really grasped my attention and has made me want to watch the rest of the movie. I also enjoyed the blossoming flower as it is very creative and can symbolise many meanings.

THE NAKED GUN

The directors aims of this sequence is to familiarise the audience with what will be happening in the film. I know this because we are suddenly brought in to the sequence with being in the point of view of the person in the film and the sudden rush and sounds of the police siren causes a very frustrated tone of the film where everything is going wrong. Being in the point of view of one of the characters, gives the audience the complete feeling of being part of the narrative and so they are left feeling very welcomed into the narrative and this also engages the audience into the opening sequence as they have now had their full attention focused into the sequence. This also leaves the audience wondering what has happened and whats going to happen, along with many questions such as why there was a police siren and what sort of trouble has happened. The directors aim is also to introduce the main characters and the title of the film. This is done with a bright white font centred in the middle of the frame which is fully noticable by the audience.

My favourite part of this clip is being in the point of view of one as the characters. This is because I felt as though I was part of the narrative and this is a positive effect on the audiences attention the audience being engaged in the narrative. Also, the siren created a very busy and tone and so the audience were all fully alert and are left wondering whats going to happen next.

PULP FICTION

The directors aims of this opening sequence is to introduce the main characters in this film and the title of this film. He does this strictly. This is because the background is plain black, and the title of the film 'Pulp Fiction' is in the middle of the frame throughout the opening sequence. The actors names are presented clearly over the title of the film in white so it stands out. The audience are left wondering and thinking as the opening sequence does not introduce any narrative, only the titles vital for the film. This creates an unknown feeling for the audience leaving them waiting for the next thing to happen because they are left anxious.

The audience are engaged as the actors names that are presented are all of well known fantastic actors and therefore the audience will want to see a film with them in it. Also, the layout of the frame is very clear and easy and the audience do not need to use any extra effort or work out anything to understand what will be happening next as their mind is relaxed.

My favourite part of this clip is how the 'Pulp Fiction' title appears on screen very slowly, as though it is slowly being introduced to the audience. This creates tension as the audience are kept waiting to see something exciting which build up their excitement.