Opening Sequences

White Chicks- Keenen Wayans

Camera

In the opening sequence in the movie started at a normal movement as we got the characters introduced the camera started to move quickly as also this is a comedy and the opening uses funny elements to show the characters facial expressions. Then suddenly is it changes to action scene we can tell that by fast camera movement.

Mise en scene

As movie started we can straight away tell it is a mainstream film as it has all the big studio company names and this is one of the conventions of a mainstream movie. Also we can tell it is a mainstream movie as known actors are in the film. In the opening scene it showed characters facial expressions because characters are being introduced.

Sound

Non-digetic sound as the soundtrack was being used. Also the director used a soundtrack to take the funny side to action by adding an exciting soundtrack as it complimented the actions.

Editing

As soon the film started editing has been used to introduce the film by editing the font the way it pops out on the screen.

Seven pounds-Dir Gabriel Muccino

Camera

The first shots are close-up of his face to show facial expressions because we see the character sad. The camera movements are quite slow which could have a meaning that time running slow and he still remember what he done wrong or regrets of what he has done in the past. The second shot is a long shot to show where he is the setting because is different from the first shot we cant really see the setting in the first shot anyway.

Mise en scene

The costume his wearing in the opening shot looks like prison uniform colour which has connotation of a killer. It also shows facial expressions in the first shot which were sad. Props used were a telephone. The lighting was quite dark which could mean his a bad person.

Sound

Non-digetic sound is being used the in first couple of shots the sound track and also the voice-over. The soundtrack used his slow track and sad which could represent characters feelings.

Editing

The problems they had in the editing as the movie started from the end the director didn’t want to give that much information about the character he didn’t even wanted us to know his name.

Water- Deepa Mehta

Camera

The first camera shot was a long shot to show the setting where we are also the sound track supplements that by using an Indian style soundtrack.

Mise en scene

The lighting was bright in the opening sequence and it seemed like a normal day. Props used were the scissors when the girl is getting her hair cut.

Sound

Used non-digetic sound soundtrack in the beginning.

Editing

Didn’t really use effects in the opening sequence because it was produced with low budget and also is a bollywood film which doesn’t have funds like Hollywood films.

Memoirs of a Geshia: Rob Marshall

Camera

The opening shot show a long shot of the setting which shows lighting and storm.

Mise en scene

Lighting was quite dark the setting was stormy which suggests something bad will happen to the characters or nature.

Sound

Digetic sound as lighting and wind also in the other shot the train steam noise are in the set which makes it digetic. It also shows to men having a conversation and two girls crying which will attract audience and by looking at the two girls facial expressions gives us clue that something bad is going to happen to them.

Editing

The editing producers had to do was the subtitles as the film was in Japanese language.

Pan's Labyrinth: Guillermo Del Toro

Camera

The camera movement of the opening sequence is quite slow because the beginning is shocking which will get audience hooked. Then the second shot was close-up of the boys’ facial expression and then it zooms in the boys’ eye where they show the setting. The camera movements are slow as its starts dramatic to create tension to the audience.

Mise en scene

We can tell that it is a mainstream film at just looking at the front cover seeing all effects used. The lighting was dark because it seems something evil happen and there will be violence in the movie.

Sound

Non-digetic sound was being used which was the soundtrack.

Editing

Zooming into the characters eye also unrealistic setting needed to be edited.

Independent film

Similarities:

· Both introduce the actor names and producers

· Both used non-digetic and digetic sound

· Soundtracks

Mainstream film

Differences:

· Big studio names come up

· Effects are being used

· Take longer for a movie to start

· Better camera techniques

· More global

· Better camera techniques

What differences do you note between an Independent film opening and a Mainstream film opening?

Mainstream has better camera techniques better opening sequences that’s why they really need to focus on the opening scene because they spent lot money on producing a film and therefore they need to make more than they spend which means is it vital for them to have a good attracting opening scene. Also they use effects which also attract audience that is why they make lots of money by using effects graphics and etc. Whereas independent movies really focus on the narrative rather that the effects because they don’t realty have the funds to use big effects in their films. Mainstream openings are more appealing by sound tracks, creative graphic effects whereas indie film has letters black and white which really don’t interest you and don’t catch an audience eye.