2. Pretty Little Liars – Opening Scene
In the beginning of this specific clip, lighting has been used from behind all four of the
characters, instead of in front. This helps the background of these characters be
brighter and also helps show the props, in this case, soil and small trees. We could also
infer from this that something may happen, to lead these characters to a more dark or
a more dull environment, to what they were before, by having their back to a bright
layout and facing a dark item, in this case, a coffin is used, to help imply what kind of
show this is about and gives a rough idea of what might happen as the series go on.
The camera angle is a medium shot, showing all four of the characters and their body
language to define the situation all four of the characters are in.
Marlene King-Sara Shepard
3. Divergent - Opening Scene
In the opening scene of Divergent, The background image shows what looks like a
wealthy city, with skyscrapers and tall business buildings. Closer to the camera, the
view looks like its been filmed through the gap of the bridge, focusing on the opposite
side of the bridge. The director could have done this to try and get the audience to
feel as though they are within the crowd and in their situation. Also in this camera
shot shows a mass of people, most of them heading in the same direction which could
imply that either something happened for the public to either walk away from or walk
towards. The people in this shot are also wearing more the same colour palette
clothing, apart from one whose in blue, this could mean that the story is based around
the person in blue and wants the viewers to focus on this specific person and the
difference between the two different types of clothing.
Neil Burger
4. As the clip goes on, more people have been introduced, all wearing the same colour
again, but in a darker colour palette, this could mean that they have been or will be
involved with something that may or have happened or they could be involved on the
same team. You can tell this from the contrast between colours, from going from a
bright colour selection to a dark colour selection also identifies the two different kinds
of people involved. The items of clothing that the public are wearing now show black,
formal clothes e.g. black trousers and black jackets, straight away you can infer that
the people wearing the black clothing are either working for someone or working as a
team to find someone or to solve something. Also you could infer from this the
different social class throughout the whole film, just in the first 20 seconds.
5. Twilight Saga- Breaking Dawn Part 2 – Opening
Scene
In this opening scene, the director has used a variety of different connotations to
express what is going on within the film and the previous 4. By using a forest in the
background image suggests that some of the scenes in the film, will be based in or
around this environment. By using the colour change in the text, white to red, white is
associated with purity and red is associated with blood, this also confirms that
something will or is in the process of happening to someone or something, in this case
Bella Swan turning from a human to a vampire. The camera angle is an areal shot,
overlooking the forest within the film set. The mist shows an airy feeling which
represents something evil present and a dark atmosphere also the use of mist can be
a symbol of loss and confusion.
Chris Weitz and Catherine Hardwicke
6. Towards the end of this opening scene, the director uses a representation of a variety
of red objects, turning to frost, using the colour correlation to what’s happening in the
film. The director has done this to show various meanings, such as using red to
represent blood but also seduction and white to show, purity and humanity. The
camera shot shows close up of the items turning from red to white, this helps the
viewers focus on just this specific image. Special Effects could be used within this
opening clip from changing the bright, red objects or white, frosted like objects.
7. The Golden Compass - Opening Scene
Chris Weitz has used this specific camera angle at the start of The Golden Compass to
help the viewers feel like the camera is their eyes. In this camera shot, you can see a
certain range of colour palettes; dark colours i.e. blacks, and a use of yellows, for both
the buildings and the lights in the buildings. Using a variety of the colour yellow, helps
the image seem more old and more worn out, like the shape of the building itself,
suggests that it is a ballroom or a location to have formal meals. Also by the lighting
through every archway, shows that there is some sort of life/event happening.
Chris Weitz
8. In this scene, the director has categorized the girls from the boys, by doing this he has
shown all the boys in the opposite camera angle to the girl, implying that some form
of chace has taken place and that one girl has been ganged up on, this also implies
that an argument or heated conversation is taking place. The clothing from this scene
shows that both genders are from the same social background and also shows that
the film has been set in a specific era. The angle that the camera has been pointed at
is over the girls shoulders, this gives us two impressions; the first one getting the
viewers to feel like they are involved with this clip and the second, to show what the
girl is seeing and what she is facing, how all the boys are stood, they are not in a line,
their just stood randomly showing that they are all uncomfortable with the situation
but are facing it anyway maybe due to the fear of the ring leader.
9. Red Riding Hood 2011 – Opening Scene
At the beginning of this clip, Catherine Hardwicke shows her name at the start so
people are aware that this film is by her and so people can relate that the Twilight
Saga was directed by her. Also to imply that if you like Hardwicke’s previous work,
then you are guaranteed to like the film showing. The camera shot, shows the birds
eye view of the main setting in this film, that the viewers would be seeing a lot. This
scene is outside which shows natural light and the light coming from the snow, which
gives a more realistic feeling.
Catherine Hardwicke
10. Red Riding Hood 2011 – Opening Scene
At the beginning of this clip, Catherine Hardwicke shows her name at the start so
people are aware that this film is by her and so people can relate that the Twilight
Saga was directed by her. Also to imply that if you like Hardwicke’s previous work,
then you are guaranteed to like the film showing. The camera shot, shows the birds
eye view of the main setting in this film, that the viewers would be seeing a lot. This
scene is outside which shows natural light and the light coming from the snow, which
gives a more realistic feeling.
Catherine Hardwicke
