Narrative structure analysis on the opening sequence of Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

1. The use of an establishing shot as the beginning shot gives the
audience an action code in the way that it gives a clear indication of
where the film is set. Furthermore, it tells us how important this
setting could be at a later point in the film – an insight to the
narrative. As well as the insight to a narrative, this shot could also
establish an equilibrium. This is shown in the way that the house
and cars are arranged in a ‘normal’ manner. This gives the audience
a clear idea as to what is ‘normal’ for the characters within the film.

2. This first character shot shows us that this is
going to be a character who is of significant
importance in the film, therefore, we might be
tempted to immediately label him as a ‘hero.’
This label could be showing us that he, as a
character, is seeking something. Furthermore,
we might expect something in this opening
sequence to materialize for him. In relation to
Barthes codes theories, we may say that the
signifier of this shot is that the character is in a
state of shock or disarray.
However, the signified code
gives us much more of an idea
as to what this shots tells the
audience. Although we are
unsure as to why he has this
facial expression at this point,
it could suggest to us that he is
not performing as his ‘normal’
self. This immediately takes
the audience into a state of
disequilibrium in comparison
to the ‘status quo’ signified in
the first shot. Therefore, as an
audience, we are immediately
taken into this characters
problems and what he will be
doing to reestablish a
equilibrium throughout the
film.

3. This next shot shows introduces us to a different character type in the opening
sequence. Here we are presented with a ‘villain’ character who opposes the
hero’s motive. We predominantly see this in the form of her tapping her foot
frantically on the ground. This signifies to us that she is going to try and stop
the ‘hero’ from achieving his aims throughout this film. This action code clearly
shows a binary opposite between the non-conformity and the conformity of
this character; suggesting to us that the opposition of these two protagonists
is going to reach a climax at a certain point in the film. The director has
effectively presented us with a subtle enigma code (teasing the audience) but
tries not to reveal too much to the audience to entice them into watching the
whole film.

4. Here we see how the opposition between the ‘hero’ and the villain’ is going in
favour of the hero. This clearly indicates to us that he is the hero due to the
fact that we see him tormenting the character perceived to be as a villain due
to the fact that she is clearly opposing his motive. In addition, the signifier in
this shot signifies to us that shock or illness introduced in the second shot was
false. This connotes that the protagonist is not someone who takes his
responsibility of attending school – perhaps representing this social group as
irresponsible and misbehaving.

5. Here we see the first use of a soliloquy in the film through Ferris talking directly to
the camera i.e. the audience. Not only does this reassure us that he is the main
protagonist and ‘hero’ but it also shows us how the thoughts of this protagonist will
often be shown throughout this film in a form of a soliloquy. This also suggests to us
that the he is going to have a lot to say to the audience that he doesn’t want other
characters, within the film, to hear. Furthermore, it develops our perceptions of him
as a character and perhaps the use of these soliloquys connote that he might be a
secretive character.