The document provides an analysis of the opening scene of the film Django Unchained. It discusses how the opening establishes the genre, tone, and themes of the film through its use of mise-en-scene, costumes, props, lighting, camera shots, editing, music and other cinematic techniques. Specific examples are given of how these elements are used to characterize the slave traders as powerful and evil and introduce Django as the underdog protagonist. The opening introduces the main actors and leaves the viewer with questions to engage them in wanting to watch more.

1. Analysing a film opening- Django unchained.
My analysis of Django unchained.
Over all I think Django is an amazing film with a great opening. The opening fits the genre of the film
fantastically with great themes and actions. The film stars Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz and Leonard
DiCaprio. The films plot is Django (a freed slave) with help of a German bounty hunter sets out to rescue
his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner. The opening of the movie sets the tone and genre
of the movie, this has all been done through very well crafted media components. These include Mise-
en-scene, Editing, lighting, camera and sound these entire make Django an amazing film.
When watching the opening of Django Unchained I observed the uses of mise-en-scene to produce a
realistic view of a modern western. The use of costume to develop characterisation and fulfil genre
stereotypes is seen throughout the opening scene of Django Unchained. For example the use of Stetson
cowboy hats and whips fits into the scene and the characters of the slave traders, they also wear dark
leather clothing and coats to signify there characterisation of being darker evil characters with both
power and wealth. The use props of horses signifying the slave traders as being higher up in both society
and wealth. Also guns to show their status against the inferior slaves who later kill the slave traders with
their own gun setting an irony to the status they seem to have. The slaves include the main character
Django who contrasts against the slave traders due to him standing in nothing but chains and cloth. This
connotes Django’s lack of status and desperation as well as the context of the movie where white
American’s had superior power over blacks. Also within the opening scene we see the use of candle
light props to set a darker mood and bring mystery that adds to the enigma of the opening scene. The
Setting of the opening scene shows the lack of civilisation within the west but also within the location is
important for the trouble about to happen within the opening scene. Make up is used effectively within
the opening seen to both show horror and situational context. The slaves have whip scars on their back
what connotes there lack of status again as well as their struggles and pain this contrasts against the
change of status within the situation where make up is used when the slave traders are brutally
murdered by the slaves, this shift in status within the opening is important to the movie and
foreshadows Django’s change in status throughout the film. Also within the opening, vibrant blood is
used to signify the blood spill throughout the film and other themes such as gunfire that continues
throughout the film.
The introduction to actors within the opening scene sets the scene as well as characterisations within
the movie. The opening scene sets the same themes of characters throughout the film meaning within
the film there are characters of wealthy white Americans who try to overpower both Dr. King Schultz
and Django who seem the underdogs within both the opening and throughout the film who overcome
challenges to come top dog, we also take a liking to the character Django as we see him as a underdog
what we want to see succeed. From the opening the Actor Christoph Waltz who plays Dr. King Schultz
brings both humour and suspense to the opening , we instantly take a liking to his character due to his
cocky assertiveness and kindness toward to slaves make us instantly like his character he also brings us
questions of who he is? And what would he want we a slave? Additionally Django who we don’t see very
much within the opening appears quiet and distant from the other character when others address him

2. as Django he doesn’t seem to respond bringing enigma to his character who we assume is going to be a
large part of the movie.
Camera shots and editing is used effectively to both set the scene of the film and also give both enigma
and show characters for example establishing shots are used to set the place of isolated remote Wild
West and highlight the hard journey the slaves are taking in barefoot and chains. Close up shots of the
gun trigger being pulled back adds a tense set of pace and also gives enigma of why the slave trader
instinctively wants to defend himself, this also makes us question the character and his actions. Another
shot used is a low angle shot looking up at Dr. King Schultz this makes us automatically see his character
with high status. Also an over the shoulder long shot shows the slaves including Django behind the slave
traders representing them as second class citizens and also week who need protecting like important
expensive goods this makes them appear as objects and ‘goods’ needing transport. Close up shots of
Django shows his acting and both his shock and fear towards Dr. King Schultz. This shot is also a low
angle shot showing that we should have respect for his character and highlight his importance within
the movie. The editing of the movie is set at a slow realistic pace what brings realism and allows us to
take notice of the action taking place.
The opening also uses film opening conventions with great effect to highlight both the style and genre of
the move. For example within the opening we see the film opening convention of both text style and
text for example we see the texts is in a vibrant red that foreshadows the blood spill throughout the
movie. Within the text we also see the conventions of name of actors and director. These include well-
known actors such as Jamie Foxx and Leonard Dicaprio. This helps us know what movie we are about to
watch by which movies they have already stared. Other film conventions such as music is used very
effectively within the opening of Django as is sets the genre of a western as well as helps highlight the
main character. This also sets the tone of the movie and foreshadows the great music throughout the
film. Enigma is also effective at catching the attention of the viewer and makes them question about
both characters this make us question both their history and future. We ask questions such as where are
they heading and what does Dr.king Schultz want with Django and the men he talks about. This makes
us want to watch on to find out these questions and get to know these interesting characters. The final
convention that is met is the studio logo that is edited to fit the styles of a westurn that highlights the
genre and also sets the film style it is faded to bring a new style to fit this big highly rated movie
Over all I love the film Django and its opening. It sets the standards of what I think is a brilliant classic
movie which almost everyone can enjoy with a mixture of comedy, action and western we are faced
with a movie I can watch time and time again.