analysing opening sequences

1. Opening sequence:
The purpose
Opening sequence:
The purpose

2. What is an opening
sequence?
What is an opening
sequence?
 The opening sequence is the first few minutes
of a film, it is used to credit the actors and
key members in production, it also reveals
the production companies behind the
projects, The opening sequence is a key
moment in the movie as it’s purpose is to
immediately draw in the audience and keep
them hooked. Opening sequences can be
vastly different with some being animated
whilst others are created using CGI and
special effects, some simply place the
opening credits over the live action. Which
ever way they are created it must correlate
within the genre of the movie to avoid
confusion from the audience.
 The opening sequence is the first few minutes
of a film, it is used to credit the actors and
key members in production, it also reveals
the production companies behind the
projects, The opening sequence is a key
moment in the movie as it’s purpose is to
immediately draw in the audience and keep
them hooked. Opening sequences can be
vastly different with some being animated
whilst others are created using CGI and
special effects, some simply place the
opening credits over the live action. Which
ever way they are created it must correlate
within the genre of the movie to avoid
confusion from the audience.

3. Why is it
important?
Why is it
important?
 Sets the atmosphere and pace for the film.
 Suggests the genre.
 Establishes characters.
 Establishes narrative.
 Builds anticipation.
 Subverts expectations.
 Gives a Backstory.
 Audience are given a Narrative voice.
 Fan bases drawn to star actors.
 Credits main producers, key cast members, directors and production team.
 Sets the atmosphere and pace for the film.
 Suggests the genre.
 Establishes characters.
 Establishes narrative.
 Builds anticipation.
 Subverts expectations.
 Gives a Backstory.
 Audience are given a Narrative voice.
 Fan bases drawn to star actors.
 Credits main producers, key cast members, directors and production team.

4. The soundtrackThe soundtrack
 The soundtrack is a crucial feature as it can provoke all
kinds of emotions from an audience, it can be used in
the opening sequence to solidify the genre and to help
create mood, for example in the opening sequence of
fight club the movie is energetic and fast paced, this
helped to elevate the heart rate of the audience and
keep them immersed and anxious. Soundtracks can also
be used in contrasting ways to the live action in a spoof-
like way which adds a comedy element a prime example
of this is the opening sequence of Hot Fuzz.
 A monologue is non diegetic sound that is often used in the
opening sequence of a movie as it introduces the
audience to a key or main character that we can
empathise with, it is also a quick way to reveal to us what
the character is like and what their thoughts are, they
can help to create a scene from a particular perspective.
 Diegetic and ambient sound also have a role to play as it
can help the scene to feel more realistic and natural, the
input of something as simple as a bird singing can create
a simple and serene atmosphere that effects the
audience’ mood almost instantly. Even the lack of sound
can be a simple and clever way to create mood and
atmosphere, often tension.
 The soundtrack is a crucial feature as it can provoke all
kinds of emotions from an audience, it can be used in
the opening sequence to solidify the genre and to help
create mood, for example in the opening sequence of
fight club the movie is energetic and fast paced, this
helped to elevate the heart rate of the audience and
keep them immersed and anxious. Soundtracks can also
be used in contrasting ways to the live action in a spoof-
like way which adds a comedy element a prime example
of this is the opening sequence of Hot Fuzz.
 A monologue is non diegetic sound that is often used in the
opening sequence of a movie as it introduces the
audience to a key or main character that we can
empathise with, it is also a quick way to reveal to us what
the character is like and what their thoughts are, they
can help to create a scene from a particular perspective.
 Diegetic and ambient sound also have a role to play as it
can help the scene to feel more realistic and natural, the
input of something as simple as a bird singing can create
a simple and serene atmosphere that effects the
audience’ mood almost instantly. Even the lack of sound
can be a simple and clever way to create mood and
atmosphere, often tension.

5. Suggesting genreSuggesting genre
 The first few minutes of the movie are crucial for revealing to the audience
the genre and general atmosphere of the movie, if these features are
difficult to decipher it can confuse and disorientate the audience for
perhaps the whole movie which could lead to a lack of interest and
dissatisfaction from the ending, therefore a lot of time, money and effort
goes into making those first few moments clear, concise and intriguing.
 Sometimes however a conscious decision is made by directors and producers
to subvert these expectations and juxtapose the opening with the rest of
the movie, this is often done in horror movies when the opening sequence
is bright and positive in comparison to the genre of the movie this is a
decision that can really put viewers on edge as they most likely know
what type of genre the film is that they have paid to see It also creates a
false sense of security that will keep the audience intrigued but not
uncomfortable, for example a film that uses this method is cabin in the
woods. Which starts off with a lively group of teens going camping before
the gruesome storyline begins.
 The first few minutes of the movie are crucial for revealing to the audience
the genre and general atmosphere of the movie, if these features are
difficult to decipher it can confuse and disorientate the audience for
perhaps the whole movie which could lead to a lack of interest and
dissatisfaction from the ending, therefore a lot of time, money and effort
goes into making those first few moments clear, concise and intriguing.
 Sometimes however a conscious decision is made by directors and producers
to subvert these expectations and juxtapose the opening with the rest of
the movie, this is often done in horror movies when the opening sequence
is bright and positive in comparison to the genre of the movie this is a
decision that can really put viewers on edge as they most likely know
what type of genre the film is that they have paid to see It also creates a
false sense of security that will keep the audience intrigued but not
uncomfortable, for example a film that uses this method is cabin in the
woods. Which starts off with a lively group of teens going camping before
the gruesome storyline begins.

6. Establishing
aracters
Establishing
aracters
 The opening sequence is where many of the main actors
in the movie are credited, this can bring in a huge fan
base, some actors have particular followings that will
immediately be drawn to a movie or genre that the
actor is in, this is great for producers as it means they
can be certain that loyal fans will follow the movie.
These actors therefore are usually shown instantly to
keep the fans hooked, and satisfied.
 Establishing these characters and what their roles and
motives are is an important role of an opening
sequence, a character that the audience will be
positioned to dislike later on in the movie is not the
most idealistic or usual choice for an opening
monologue or cameo, instead this scene is given to a
character who we are positioned to sympathise with
and support.
 The opening sequence is where many of the main actors
in the movie are credited, this can bring in a huge fan
base, some actors have particular followings that will
immediately be drawn to a movie or genre that the
actor is in, this is great for producers as it means they
can be certain that loyal fans will follow the movie.
These actors therefore are usually shown instantly to
keep the fans hooked, and satisfied.
 Establishing these characters and what their roles and
motives are is an important role of an opening
sequence, a character that the audience will be
positioned to dislike later on in the movie is not the
most idealistic or usual choice for an opening
monologue or cameo, instead this scene is given to a
character who we are positioned to sympathise with
and support.

7. Establishing
aracters
Establishing
aracters
 The opening sequence is where many of the main actors
in the movie are credited, this can bring in a huge fan
base, some actors have particular followings that will
immediately be drawn to a movie or genre that the
actor is in, this is great for producers as it means they
can be certain that loyal fans will follow the movie.
These actors therefore are usually shown instantly to
keep the fans hooked, and satisfied.
 Establishing these characters and what their roles and
motives are is an important role of an opening
sequence, a character that the audience will be
positioned to dislike later on in the movie is not the
most idealistic or usual choice for an opening
monologue or cameo, instead this scene is given to a
character who we are positioned to sympathise with
and support.
 The opening sequence is where many of the main actors
in the movie are credited, this can bring in a huge fan
base, some actors have particular followings that will
immediately be drawn to a movie or genre that the
actor is in, this is great for producers as it means they
can be certain that loyal fans will follow the movie.
These actors therefore are usually shown instantly to
keep the fans hooked, and satisfied.
 Establishing these characters and what their roles and
motives are is an important role of an opening
sequence, a character that the audience will be
positioned to dislike later on in the movie is not the
most idealistic or usual choice for an opening
monologue or cameo, instead this scene is given to a
character who we are positioned to sympathise with
and support.