2. Arcane- editing
-Constant glitches/distortions of frames are used to create a constant
theme of overall damage, corruption, and the subversion of a peaceful
setting in this universe/AU - the dark and immanently obscure imagery also alludes to the
mystery and corruption from within the story (different conflicts in plot).
-There are continuous (timed roughly the same) cuts to transition to more characters,
locations and objects, and the various perspectives and angles used are to introduce a variety
of presentations (low angle- the character is powerful)...
-Hues and different colours specifically assigned to a character to represent them, and
the flashing colours used also bring out the adrenaline and excitement in the audience,
peaking curiosity. The increasing pace after beat-drop/climax also contributed to the
adrenaline, and the slow-motion shots used all throughout, contrast with the cuts increasing in
pace.
-The specific focusing and un-focusing of subjects brings attention to different
characterisations and helps with the thematic denotations.
-The title is shown at the end, using a stylised sans serif, through a slight zoom-in. The effect
of edited rocks floating foreword (transition resembling continuation of impact- a punch from
the previous shot (cross-shot)-) also creates further link to the themes of violence and overall
3. Arcane- camera
-The many close-up shots focusing on different characters highlight the
dynamics and even their roles in the story. By getting introduced to vague
figures hinted to be the main cast of characters, the more ambiguous and
obscure presentation gives that sense of both pre-existing tension in the plot
and gives insight to what roles they will play. This is also done by playing
around and putting emphasis on the different camerawork: sizes- sense of superiority, specifically of power
of Silco (the dark figure standing behind them) in respects to the minimal power of the main characters and
their fatherly-figure.
There are mostly close-ups and slow pace when the focus is brought on characters' faces, and this continuous
theme is to make the audience already, subconsciously, get to know their dynamics through their character
design and positions.
-The many zoom-ins and dolly-shots throughout the opening are to give both
focus to certain characters or features relevant in the show, mostly highlighting props
or hinting at different plots and characterisations. Zoom-outs, similarly, are to focus the consumers on
the objectives and plot by giving insight on the implied locations, world-building and character dynamics (e.g.,
Jinx vs Vi). By using zooming, a sense of the established themes is created, and the imagery and implications of
them allude to different tensions.
-The focus on specific objects and people are to further exhibit the characterisation and alluded connotations
of the series' narrative and themes, like the several weapons connoting violence, war and conflict.
-The and establishing wide-shots and mid-shots used also give away a hinted sense to the series' themes,
4. Arcane- Mise en Acene
-The costumes used are all resembling the genre; related to
cyberpunk or steampunk subgenre of sci-fi that includes futuristic
technology and things relating to the Industrial Revolution and its machinery.
-Objects (props) relating to each character: rifle-> Catilyn, mechanic glove-> Vi, machine-gun-
canon-> Jinx/Powder..., almost working as anchors to their initial implied characterisation.
-The non-specific/ obscure locations through most of the opening are to keep the sentiment
of ambiguity and build-up for the audience by not giving much away of the setting. Furthermore,
but just having blank and dark backgrounds, the focus is brought on the different characters
shown, illustrating their dynamics and allude to their personas. Only some of the locations give
even vague connections to the show's contents (e.g., the walls with engraved figures(Catilyn)-
relevant to the story) further showing this sense of mystery and build up to reveal the settings of
the built original universe.
-The use of statues to show a theme of time and how everything is and will always be
overcome by it. Statues normally represent the impermanence of power, and by presenting the
characters as stone statues, the theme of artificial power is hinted at.
-The low-key lighting used throughout sets the mood for a tense, dark tone, and the different
coloured lightings emanating from the different characters also gives insight to their
5. Arcane- sound
-There is a lack of dialogue or actual scenes
from the text included in the opening, therefore
relying solely on imagery to convey and imply
characters' beings and perhaps tropes and
themes within the series.
-The climax led by a crescendo of the music at
(0:35) unveils the hidden conflict and hints at
Silco's role being important and a threat to the
alternate universe.
-At the end, ('arcane'-stone font) the
synchronous sound correlated to the pervious
scene, including a shattering sound of the rocks
and imbedding it in the music.
