The document analyzes the opening sequences and genre conventions of several films. It discusses how the openings introduce characters, set tones, and establish narratives through techniques like music, lighting, editing and visual symbols. For example, fast pacing creates tension while isolated shots suggest danger. Dark tones imply psychological themes or inner turmoil in characters. Bold titles and logos draw attention in a memorable way to introduce famous franchises. Overall, the analyses show how openings use stylistic devices to set expectations and provide crucial information for audiences.

1. Media Evaluation- Brooke Shortt

2. Opening sequence Connotations: The film opens with the character running alone through the
woods with the producers name on the screen. The names are written in bold and black which
implies both danger and death , the font is written on top of the character which suggest that
she will be overpowered by whatever she faces within the future and her life will be in danger.
The text then abruptly cuts away before carrying on to the next scene. This creates a feeling of
emergency
Silence of the lambs

3. Opening sequence convention: Introduces the character with a full body shot. The fast paced music reflects
her movement and shows the audience of the danger she will encounter in the future. It also gives an insight
into both the character and narrative of the film. We learn that she is training which implies she has to be
physically fit which suggest police of some description.
Genre convection: This scene shows all the empty space around the character which shows her isolation and
the potential danger she could face. Also the use of dark lighting could also represent the mood of the film and
the main characters inner turmoil.

4. Opening scene conventions: The character is doing an obstacle course which tells the
audience about her without actually using dialogue. It signifies that she is physically fit
and could also foreshadow future events and her overcoming obstacles in her way. It
also shows her occupation to be physically demanding, shown by how she flips herself
over

5. Genre convention: The dark and isolated setting creates a feeling of
uneasiness for the audience. The camera is low down and looking up at
these words which causes the audience to feel venerable and susceptible
to these emotions. It also shows the themes that remain consistent
through out the film and the main characters emotions

6. • Opening sequence/Genre conventions: The opening sequence sets off the scene by introducing the antagonist
without actually showing them. The use of dark lighting and non diatonic asynchronous music create a feeling of
tension and unsettling the audience as the music doesn’t match with the actions in the opening which causes
discomfort.
Example: Se7en

7. Genre Convention: The use of fast paced editing causes the audience to feel
nervous as everything around them is moving fast and they aren’t able to
focus on one certain thing. The font of the writing is sharp and disorganised
which connotes danger and signifies to the audience that they’re watching a
serial killer without even being told this information

8. Close up of hands holding the blade. Shows dirty hands and cut nails which shows their self
care and how they like to maintain a clean cut everyday looks but contrasts with the dirt
on their hands which connotes uncleanliness. Their skin is rough and worn away which
connotes they have done hard physical labour. In the next scene you the character start
peeling away at their skin which suggests to the audience that they may have psychological
issues and signifies that they are the killer without the audience knowing this information

9. Opening sequence conventions: The use of fast paced editing cuts between
the characters actions. It shoes both the character and narrative of the film.
The character’s obsessive and compulsive nature displayed by them writing
lines all over the paper as how they’re are all even and equally spread. It also
tells the narrative of the story as it suggests psychological issues which show
the characters position of being a serial killer

10. The close up of the money, in specifics the word God, connotes religion
and faith. This relates to the with the only words in the soundtrack “You
won’t get any closer to God” as it relates to the idea of sin and the bible as
the character is breaking religious rules.

11. Genre convention: The room is almost pitch black which representative of the
characters state of mind. The only light shows the face of a boy with his eyes
crossed out. This shows the characters intentions of murder and the light
represents the focus of the killer, the victims are his light in the darkness which
shows killing as his purpose

12. Opening sequence conventions: Shows the title of the film and how
it fully transitions into it. The lines are also similar to prison bars and
help foreshadow the future events of the film
Psycho

13. Opening sequence conventions: Shows the name of the director, the
white bold font contrasts against the pure black background. This
completely draws the focus to their name and makes it more
memorable as there is no other distractions

14. Opening sequence conventions: Shows the audience where the
film is going to take place, establishes the environment. Again the
font is the bold white and noticeable font

15. Opening sequence convection: Introduces that main character. The use
of clothing and the setting of the room suggests secrecy and an affair.
This shows the narrative and the motive for the characters actions.
Genre convention: The idea of an affair shows a sub genre of romance,
suggesting it is also a romance thriller

16. Opening sequence convention: The opening sequence stars off with the Warner
Bro pictures and the DC comics logos and titles which list the companies.
The Dark Knight Rises

17. Opening sequence conventions: The names that come up onto the screen are written
in big and bold font. However they soon disappear with the rippling of the water
and sync in time with the fast and booming music. The soundtrack is the classic and
renowned “Batman” theme tune which tells the audience of the main character
they’re going to see.

18. Opening sequence convention: Fast paced editing shows the tone and action of the
film. The photo with metal going through the head shows danger and that they’re
targets of the character. It shows the character as being deadly and trained as they
are accurate with their actions.
Genre conventions: The metal through the head connotes violence and murder which
are both to very common and prominent themes in thrillers

19. Opening sequence conventions: The use of the newspaper and the famous Batman
logo shows the audience of the film and the characters they will see. This plus the
additional swell of the soundtrack causes the audience excitement as it’s a well
known franchise that everyone can identify

20. Opening sequence conventions: Cuts to a copy of a blueprint which connotes both
intelligence and riches. This allows the audience to learn more about the character
without seeing them.
Genre conventions: The dark lighting creates a feeling of mystery and causes the
audience to wonder the identity of the character. It also represents the characters
inner darkness and how they often struggle between good and bad, the light and
the dark

21. Opening sequence: Here finally shows Batman’s outfit and finally confirms
what the audience had previously figured out with the logo and
soundtrack. There is very little in the frame with it which draws even
more focus to it. Also the dark colour of black contrast with the white
snow