2. LETS BE COPS - ACTION
How are the characters
introduced?
This man is a video game planner. This is
clearly shown as he is pitching his idea to
his colleagues. It is significant that the
game is where youβre a policeman as it
directly links to the name of the film. The
fact that it is an action game links to the
genre of the film.
This man is an American
football coach, but it is clear
from the children's reactions
that he is not a very good one.
These two men are roommates and this is clear
from the beginning.
3. LETS BE COPS - ACTION
How do you know what genre this film is?
In the beginning of this opening sequence, I thought
this film was a comedy. As it begins with a man
singing karaoke to his friend. The song is cheesy,
corny and comical. In addition to this the two men
use colloquial language. Therefore, the genre was
not distinct.
However, this close up shot shows
that it is an action film and that
something is going to happen. For
example, a fight breaks out.
4. LETS BE COPS - ACTION
How is the narrative introduced?
This scene tells the audience
that these two men are
invited to a costume party
and they are deliberating
over what to wear. They end
up picking the cop uniform.
5. LETS BE COPS - ACTION
What will make the audience keep watching?
I think this part of the opening sequence,
will keep the audience watching as we
wonder why this man is so sceptical of the
party. Is there something he knows that the
audience doesnβt? This could be an element
of foreshadowing that something potentially
bad and action packed is going to happen at
this party.
6. LETS BE COPS - ACTION
β’ Two long-time pals, Justin Miller, a struggling video game designer, and Ryan O'Malley, an
unemployed, washed-up former college quarterback, recall a pact they once made: if they hadn't
"made it" in Los Angeles by the time they were thirty, they would head back to their Columbus
hometown. As they leave a bar, their car is hit by an SUV full of tough-looking Albanians, who
intimidate them into not retaliating.
β’ Justin attempts to pitch a video game about policemen but the idea is rudely dismissed by his boss.
Later, Ryan convinces him to use the police uniforms from his presentation as costumes for their
college reunion party.
Actual synopsis
7. GONE BABY GONE β THRILLER
How are the characters introduced?
Amanda McCready is the
missing girl, and we learn about
her character traits through the
descriptions of her loved ones. This wide shot effectively picks out the two main
characters of the film. However, it does not instantly show
what their career is, or their role within their play.
8. GONE BABY GONE - THRILLER
Guns are a common iconography of
thriller films, thus making it
distinctly clear what genre this film
is.
This film is about a young girl
who goes missing which is a
common theme within thrillers.
How do you know what genre the film is?
9. GONE BABY GONE - THRILLER
How is the narrative introduced?
It is clear that this young girl
has gone missing and people are
investigating her whereabouts.
A news team are reporting the
situation and interviewing the
family of the missing girls.
The uncle and aunt of the missing
girl, call upon the main
protagonist β Patrick Kenzie β to
help look for their missing
daughter as he is a private
detective.
10. GONE BABY GONE - THRILLER
What will make the audience keep watching?
It is clear that the aunt and uncle are in desperate need for
someone to be on their side and to help look for their niece,
however these private detectives seem to be doing
everything they can to reject them. This leaves the audience
wondering why and longing to see if theyβll finally accept it
or not. With the narrative being introduced about a missing
person we long to see if she is found and what the
kidnappers motive was.
11. GONE BABY GONE - THRILLER
β’ Private investigator Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) and his partner/girlfriend Angie
Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan) witness a televised plea by a woman named Helene
McCready (Amy Ryan) for the return of her missing daughter Amanda, who was
abducted with her favourite doll "Mirabelle".
Actual synopsis
12. EVALUATION
β’ From observing, the action film βlets be copsβ I have understood the importance of
sticking to one genre and making it distinct and clear what the genre is. It is
important for the opening sequence to leave the audience wanting more.
β’ From observing, the thriller film βgone baby goneβ I have strengthened my
understanding of the significance of following codes and conventions. In relation to
plot it is important to not reveal the whole storyline in the opening sequence, so that
it makes the audience want to keep watching.
