What an opening sequence should do and an analysis of the narrative codes in 2 opening sequences

1. Opening sequences
What an opening sequence of a film should
do and some examples

2. What should an opening sequence do?
The opening sequence of a film should engage the audience,
establish main characters, and tell the audience the genre of
the film using narrative codes. It can also be important to
establish a setting and time frame if your film requires it.

3. Techniques directors can use.
• Flash back- giving the film context
• Establishing shots- especially good if the
protagonist’s opposition is the environment
• Narration- gives an insight into the characters
feelings, or gives context
• Action scene- sets the theme of the film and shows
capability of protagonist
• Compilation of photos- good for romance films or to
show someone is gone

4. Analysis of The Lion King opening
In the opening scene, the first narrative code is the establishing
wide shot of the sunrise with the tree. This action code tells the
audience that the setting is a very hot and dry place through the
use of the orange and yellow colours and the style of tree which
is usually associated with hot places like Africa, establishing the
setting. The sunrise also implies new beginnings as a theme in
the film.

5. The next narrative code is where the animals raise
their heads, to look up. This can be seen as both an
action and enigma code, as an action code it reveals
that the film will be centred on animals, but also
raises the question “why are they looking up?“.

6. As the music continues, it begins to become
more upbeat. This use of non-diegetic sound
an action code that reveals that the
scene will most likely be happy, and the
later on tell the audience that the event is
significant and dramatic, as it talks about all
life.

7. The tracking shot of the baby giraffe coming into view with its
parent is an action code that tells the audience that family, and the
relationship between parent and child, will be a central theme of the
film whilst creating a sense of community, as the over the shoulder
shot shows the giraffe looking over the other animals, signifying
they’re connected.

8. The next enigma code is the migration of the
animals, “why are the animals migrating”? The
audience will also know that the upcoming
very important, as animals usually migrate
there’s danger or it’s time to find a new home
start a family etc.).

9. The shot of Zazu flying over all the other animals is an
action code that implies to the audience that he is a main
character using various techniques. Whilst the other animals
are realistically stylized, Zazu is very cartoony, with
exaggerated features and bright colours. The shot of Zazu is
also very long compared to the other animals, which are
strung together in more of a montage, with the focus
changing constantly to a new animal.

10. The shot afterwards is an action code that reveals Mufasa through a
rack focus, as Zazu flies towards Mufasa he moves from the
background to the midground, changing him from being obscured and
blurred in the background, to being put into view with the shallow
focus. This reveals that He will be the main character in the following
scene as he is isolated from all the other animals as he’s high up
compared to them, and also implies that he’s a figure of importance as
all the animals have migrated towards him. Zazu then bows to him,
confirming that Mufasa is in charge as bowing signifies respect. The
fact that Mufasa bows back is an action code that shows Mufasa is a
good character as he respects his subjects.

11. Analysis of Blade Runner opening
The logo in the opening credits is the first narrative code.
This action code tells the audience that they are about to
watch a sci-fi film, as the logo is edited to fade in using a
shuttered effect like an old computer loading code.

12. After the credits, the next code is the text,
“LOS ANGELES NOVEMBER 2019” . This
action code tells the audience that the film
takes place in the future in America, giving
context to possible conflicts and characters
that are likely to arise.

13. The explosions taking place in the
establishing shot of the city is an action
code that reveals the film will be an action
film. They are an enigma code as well, as
the audience doesn’t know what is causing
the explosions, making them want to find
out.

14. The next narrative code is the flying car; it
shows how advanced the civilization is. This
action code also gives context to the scene
coming up where Harrison Ford is in the flying
car, so the audience knows where the scene is
taking place.

15. The lighting bolt is the next narrative code, as it
gives the type of sci-fi film, it implies that this is a
dystopian future and portrays the city itself as a
negative force that the hero will have to overcome.
The action code could also be using pathetic fallacy
to show that the main character is experiencing inner
turmoil.

16. The next shot of the extreme close up of an eye is an action
code, as it implies that the character is “watching over” the city
as some sort of protector (he’s like a policeman). It also shows
that the character is used to violence and danger as he calmly
looks over the explosions, not showing fear, the bloodshot
eyes also suggest that the character is either tired or hard
working. The expression in the eye could also show that the
character is sad about the state of the city and really cares
about it. This shot also acts as an enigma code as the
audience doesn’t know who the eye belongs to, or why they’re
looking over the city.

17. The long shot of the buildings is the next
enigma code, as it makes the character
want to know what the significance of them
are, as they are designed like an Aztec
temple with the lights of a stadium, implying
it’s important.