Opening Sequence Analysis

1. Codes and Conventions of
Film Opening Sequences in
Mystery and Romance
Genre
Mina Margo Spasic

2. Mystery Genre
Mystery is a genre follows a murder or in this case, disappearence from a moment
it is comitted to a moment it is solved. It focuses on the efforts of the detective or
private investigator to solve the mysterious circumstances of an issues by ,eans of
clues, investigation and deduction. It revolves around a mysterious element in the
story, which is trying to be solved by the protagonist. In the case of a film such
technical and storytelling elements are used to create a feeling of tensions and
suspense and most importantly, keep the audience guessing every step of the
way. A chain of action and revealed information eventually lead to a resolution,
which in this case is the solution to the mystery.

3. Codes and Conventions of Mystery:
Setting - location of the action: Scene of murder/disappearence,
Characters - individuals that the story is about: solving the crime (detective)
Plot - the story the film is based around: murder or disapereance for example.
Sound: Dialogue, Eerie/suspenseful soundtrack, ambient music, tune, diegetic
sound.
Editing: fade outs
Lighting: Usually dim lighting

4. Romance Genre
Romance genre films follow a love story focused on the passion, emotion and the
affectionate romantic involvement of the main characters and the journey of their
love (which could be an affair, marriage, relationship etc.) It is a story which builds
on top of love between two people where there is usually an obstacle. This
obstacle can either be physical (like another person) or psychological (like doubts,
insecurities, etc.)

5. Codes and Conventions of Romance:
Setting: wide range of locations, typically coffee shops, libraries, school etc. (Any
realistic setting to create the feeling of familiarity to the audience leaving them
feeling more engaged.
Characters: 2 main stereotypes, female lead and male lead.
Plot: love between at least two people.
Sound: diegetic and non-diegetic, voiceover, theme music.
Editing: over the shoulder shots, shot reverse shot, long shots.
Lighting: Change of tones according to the film’s requirements.