The document analyzes the opening scenes of four classic films: Citizen Kane (1941), Back to the Future (1985), When Harry Met Sally (1989), and The Graduate (1967). For When Harry Met Sally, it notes that the main characters Sally and Harry seem to have opposite views of life, with Sally's life together and Harry's more haphazard approach. For The Graduate, it describes how the camera constantly follows the main character as he looks into the distance, unsure of his future and what's to come, as people rush past him on a conveyor belt pushing him towards an uncertain future. The opening depicts him as alone and unhappy to be home, feeling trapped, as suggested by the fish tank.

1. Film Beginning Analysis
CitizenKane (1941) - Directed and Writtenby Orson Welles,StudioRKO
Back to the Future (1985) - Directed by Robert Zemeckis,WrittenbyRobert Zemeckisand Bob
Gale,Spielberg
WhenHarry Met Sally(1889) - Directed by Rob Reiner,Writtenby Nora Ephron, Studio MGM
They’re complete opposites:Sallyisseeminglyperfectandhasher life together –she talksabout her
future andhow she alreadyknowswhatshe’sdoingwithit.However,Harryhasa more practical
viewonthings andis more haphazard/seeminglyslapdashwithhisapproachtothingsseenwhenhe
spitsat the windowwithoutthinking.Hisappearance andpersonaisthe complicatedwhenhe
beginstotalkabout dark sidesandshowsthathe probablyputsmore thoughtin thingsthanhe
seems.
The Graduate (1967) - Directed by Mike Nicholls, StudioMGM
The camera constantlyfollowshimsuggestinghe’sthe maincharacterthroughout. Lookinginto
distance – consideringfuture,whattodo next.Notlookingstraightintocamera –doesn’tknow
what’scomingnext. Conveyerbeltispushinghimtowardsmetaphorical future nomatterwhat.
People rushpast – theyknowwhat theywantand where they’re going,he doesn’t.Bland
background – bleakfuture.
The onlytime that he isn’tinframe is whenwe see hissuitcase.Thisisgreyandplainjustlike him.
Flashof red on it – elementof fear? –Scaredof what’sto come next. Thisisshortlyfollowedbythe
sign‘dotheymatch?’ Relationshipsymbol.
Facial expressionremainssolemn –he’snothappyaboutbeinghome.Wearingasuitto go home,
suggestshe isnot comfortable there.
Everyone pairedwithpeople apartfromhim.
Gets home andface still solemn - unhappytobe there. Fishtanksuggestscontainment –he’s
trapped.