The opening sequence of the film Love and Basketball is divided into four sections like a basketball game to set the tone. It begins with establishing shots that set the location and show a character moving there. A character watches some boys playing basketball from behind grass in a way that builds intrigue. When the character is revealed to be a girl by taking off her hat, there is an effective reaction shot. Throughout, shots of making baskets are paired with a catchy song to engage viewers until the close of the sequence on an injured character.

1. What makes a good film opening ? By Sharon Uyinmwen

3. Case study http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahIDrr7y_v4&feature=PlayList&p=AB4547CF26945DF9&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=36 3mins 30secs

6. Another long shot showing a van being unpacked which makes it clear to the audience that a character is moving.

7. I think this is a clever extreme long shot because the angle of the camera is placed to give the impression that the three boys are being watched, which, initially they are but the viewer is not aware of this until the character approaches them ….

8. I think it is clever the way the character comes out from behind the grass walking up hill . Studying Mis-en-scene in this case costume , I feel that the character being dressed in a tom boyish way is relevant to the scene as it is key to how the other characters react to her, and when it comes to creating a good film having mis-en-scene relevant to the film is vital.

10. ACTION REACTION!!!!! When the character takes off her hat it becomes apparent that she is a girl and we have a good action reaction shot of another characters reaction.

11. ACTION REACTION!!!!!

13. At the end of the opening sequence we have a close up of a character hurt on the grass