The document provides a detailed analysis of the editing techniques and other elements used in the opening sequence of a film. It summarizes that extensive close-ups are used to introduce the female protagonist and build her image. Establishing shots show the sorority house she lives in, signifying stereotypical American youth. Cross-cutting and matching edits link her to a letter she receives that reveals her name is Elle. The sequence employs techniques to set the lighthearted tone of a romantic comedy and establish Elle as a stereotypical feminine protagonist through her appearance, possessions, and dialogue.

2. The first shot within the opening sequence is a close of a
letter which immediately draws the audiences attention as
it emphasises a matter of importance of the letter and the
character it is addressed to.
During the opening sequence both regular and extreme close-ups
are used to individually shoot parts of the female protagonists
legs/arms/feet/hair. This emphasises the protagonist to be very
prestigious and central to the scene as her whole body image is
needed to be built up, also causing mystery within the audience.
An establishing shot is used to show a drive through and
sign that writes ‘Delta Nu – Private Drive’. This sign
signifies a sorority house that may be the living space of
the protagonist, also establishing a very stereotypical
youth of America with aspects such as a ‘sorority’ or ‘frat
house’.
With the interior of the house a aerial shot is used to
portray the large and extravagant style the house is
designed in, allowing the audience to understand the high
class and wealth of the girls that live within the sorority.

3. Cross- Cutting was significantly and frequently used
between the letter and the different parts of the unknown
characters body. This helps establish a relationship between
the two, linking them to one another. The audience are able
to learn that the unknown character is called ‘Elle’.
There are times when slow motions interrupt the fast pace travelling of
the card. This shows certain significance of the scenes that do use slow
motions such as when the cheerleaders are practising, helping the
audience to have more time to see them in more detail.
Action match is also a type of editing used within this
sequence. As the two sorority girls slide the letter through
the door, the shot switches to it coming through the other
side. This creates continuity within the film and it also
allows the audience to see who the letter is being given to
and where it has been travelling to the whole time.
The final aspect of editing is used trough an eye line match. This edit is used between
Elle’s dog and the letter as it slides through the door. The dog then continues to pick the
letter up and take it to Elle, helping to portray a close bonded relationship between
both Elle and her pet dog.

4. High-key and natural lighting is used to brighten the first
opening minutes as the female character rides her bike. This is
used to create a light-hearted and joyful atmosphere and creates
a scene that intrigues and visually pleases the audience.
Pink is a very overused colour that is present in nearly every shot. This
immediately communicates its rom-com genre and uses the stereotype of
pink being a very ‘girly’ and feminine colour, highlighting the female
dominance that the films cast will carry. The font also takes on this
vibrant pink coloured glow alongside a swirly and stereotypically feminine
font, again expressing the rom-com genre the film will create.
The abundant amount of female grooming products used within one shot
helps portray the character of Elle, it tells he audience that she care much
about her appearance and looks as a stereotypical girl would. It also
provides information such as Elle’s second name and that she is president
of her sorority, maybe giving a purpose to why the letter may be so
important.
Another prop that had huge implication in the opening
sequence was the homecoming banner. This again portrays
Elle’s high status within the sorority hierarchy and gives us
an idea about Elle’s persona in that she is very proud of her
accomplishments within the sorority.

5. One use of sound throughout the opening was the non-diegetic soundtrack of ‘perfect
day’ that played as the letter travelled to Elle’s apartment. It immediately addresses to
the audience that the film will be a very cheerful and light-hearted rom-com as a
stereotypical ‘perfect’ girl will grow feeling for the stereotypical ‘perfect’ boy, which is
ironic to the title of the soundtrack used.
The very short use of dialogue used at the end of the opening sequence by the
protagonists Elle has very high pitched and feminine. Alongside this tone in voice the
line ‘I have to go shopping’ emphasises that Elle is a very stereotypical ‘girly’ girl who’s
importance lie masses on her appearance.
Diegetic sound of Elle’s necklace also establishes the glamour of her and the persona
she will have, also stereotyping Elle to be a very feminine and self esteemed girly girl.
Ambient sound used, mainly that of a group of people talking or shouting, allows the
film to express its naturalistic values, enabling the audience to feel much more
involved and easier for them to relate to events that happen, especially towards youths
and younger audience members.