media

1. Kick Ass 2 Opening Analysis
Kick ass 2 is the follow up sequel to the classic kick ass 1 and continues the
depiction of the main characters (Dave and Mindy Macready) through there
adventure as modern day super hero’s.

2. The opening scene of kick ass begins with an establishing shot, which clearly
shows that the movie is set in New York. The very wide shot allows the audience
to see where the action will
take place and provides a
scenic overview that trails
across the scene. The
camera has a gradual zoom
element to highlight the
impact of the iconic
buildings of new york
where the film later takes
place in, for example the
Empire state building can be
seen in the far distance of
the shot which indicates a scene that will occur
later in the film. There is a pre-lap into the next scene as the dialogue can be
heard initially over the
opening before the
characters are in shot. The
pre-lap shows a contrast
between the two scenes
from a vast and busy city to
the voice of the character
saying, “A handgun bullet
travels at 700mph” this provides an ironic impact upon the intro to the film. The
sound of the initial bullet is sharp and moderately quiet but then the change of
gun produces a louder and more violent blast indicating a potential change in
plot will occur later on throughout the film. The cut in close up shot of the bag on
the floor takes us straight into the scene and action of what is about to unfold.
The Mise-en-scene used consists of the prop of the pink backpack, which shows a
colour connotation to the typical female stereotype of being a down to earth girly
girl. Then the sudden revelation of a gun conflicts the stereotype and creates a
sense of danger or threat from the character. This shot if extremely effective to
highlight the characteristics of the character and portray that she is not to be
judged by her appearance
but that she is actually
conflicting her gender
stereotype in a strong
way and coming across as
a confident character.
The camera tilts from

3. low to high upon the second character in the scene Dave, the low to high tilt
indicates that he is a less confident and more sheltered character but as it moves
on it becomes more apparent he is a vital character to the scene and after
reviling the other character has a weapon there is a sense of impending danger
towards Dave. The vulnerability of the character is also portrayed through the
Mise-en-scene in his costume, dressed in casual attire wearing glasses suggests
he has a higher intelligence and is not just an average civilian. The character is
framed to the left of the scene
to show the background is
empty and filled with nothing
but rocks this could indicate
the character is insignificant
or just misunderstood in
society and it would be a
possible explanation for his
change from a normal (insignificant)
person to a super hero. The following shot is an establishing
shot, which portrays both characters into the setting of the film. The characters
are almost shown as only a small part
of the story as the immersive focus in
the shot is on the skyline of the city to
highlight that the destination of the
film will lead the characters into the
city. The characters are at a significant
distance from the city suggesting they
may be distant from society and to
justify their way of life they have to
adapt to give themselves meaning and
reason. The next scene follows over to a school through a
revelation from being concealed behind a bus to opening up into a busy area
suggesting that they may currently be confined in society and out casted but
their future will be more successful
and they will find there purpose. The
text used is a connotation of a typical
comic book style font that is used to
highlight the genre and style of the
film. The following shot impacts
greatly upon the characters and
shows Mindy stood in front of the
school alone and as the others in the
area fade out it emphasises how lonely
and isolated she is and how to feel important she needs to commit to changing
her persona.