Film Openings Analysis

Spider-man 2 (2004)



The genre of Spider-Man 2 is action-fantasy and fits to the genre's conventions within the opening sequence. The target audience for this film could be argued as being for male teenagers as well as people who are fans of Marvel comics and Spiderman, as the film is based on the comic.

The narrative of the film is not clearly revealed as images and graphics used within the opening focus on the previous film, as this movie is in a sequence of films. The imagery used shows the main characters- such as Peter Parker, Mary-Jane and Spider-man- to familiarise the faces of the characters with the audience. The images used show the action that occurred in the previous film, helping the audience to remember what happened so they are understanding of the position characters are in in the current film. The images are illustrations, linking back to the origins of the movie- a comic book- which appeals to the target audience of comic book fans. The illustrations also impose questions about things not addressed in the previous film in order to make the audience interested for what is to come.

The shots used are relevant to the film's genre as they depict both action scenes and fantasy that fit into the narrative, also with colours such as red and black that relate to the iconic image of Spiderman's costume. Fast cuts are used as more characters are introduced into the frame, shown with almost transition-like graphics- black lines that form webs- as they are revealed. The use of sound and editing helps to build an intense, fast-paced atmosphere which makes the audience know that a lot will happen in the film and that it will be action-filled.

The sound used within the opening is non-diegetic music that is dramatic and intense, with a fast pace that builds up in time with the movement and action of the piece. This fits the conventions of the action-fantasy genre due to the build up and anticipation which is created. The text and titles shown in the opening straight away inform the audience of the film's producers and main contributors- Columbia Pictures Corporation and Marvel Enterprises- with their iconic and familiar logos. This gives the audience and impression of how the film will be based on their own knowledge of previous films produced by these companies. Fifty seconds in the title of the film is introduced in large, shining text across a spider web- this relates to the main topic of the film: a superhero.  Other text, which lists the actors involved in the film, are shown in correlation with the illustrations of the characters they play. This helps the audience to know instantly who will be playing who and so that they are aware of people included.

Overall, the opening helps to clearly show the genre of the film by fitting to the conventions of its genre of action-fantasy. The narrative is not completely revealed but it does give a background to the story by showing the narrative of the previous film through illustrations and photos, appealing to the audience and making them anticipate and question what might happen next. The opening gives an indication of the film's style, atmosphere and tone, setting up the audience for what is to come as well as allowing them to have first impressions.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011)



The genre for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a hybrid of crime, drama and mystery, which is not necessarily highlighted in this opening but is more shown through undertones such as atmosphere that will be later explained. As the movie has a certificate of 18 the target audience is of above this age, their audience is limited but also allows for different sorts of content in the movie.

The limited use of colour within the opening helps to instantly set the atmosphere, themes and feelings that will reoccur throughout the movie, with black and white tones as well some fiery colours which may have some importance or significance later in the movie. These colours also give a mysterious tone which makes the audience become intrigued and question certain things shown, as well as fit to the conventions of the movie's genre. Certain imagery is used, such as with the close ups on the keyboard- this is relevant to film's narrative as one of the character is a computer hacker. Aside from this, little of the narrative is revealed as I believe that this opening is more to set the tones and atmosphere for the movie and keep the watcher interested rather than begin or reveal the narrative.

With regards to editing and camera angles, lots of fast cuts are used to go in pace with the fast, loud music as well as build tension and intensity. Lots of close ups and pans are used to focus on the movement of the black liquid, also focusing on detail and keeping the viewers interested. The fast paced music increases in volume as the opening continues, perhaps reflecting the chaos of how the movie will be and how a lot will happen, fitting in with the drama part of the film's genre. The text used in the opening is quite discrete and hidden, with small white text used in ways that don't obscure the image, as the viewer's attention is primarily focused elsewhere- however, the main title sequence is shown twenty one seconds in and is quite large and stylised to suit the rest of the opening. The opening then fades out to black in order to show that it is the end of the sequence and that the narrative in the film will begin.

In conclusion, this opening, that although does not reveal the narrative or necessarily comply to conventions of the film's genre, is used as a way of grasping the audience's attention to make them interested and intrigued as to what will happen in the film. This is a good way of appealing to the audience and the symbolic sequence has a music video feel to it whilst still clearly being a part of the film, with the film title, various other text and imagery used that has significance or importance later in the film. This movie opening is very visually appealing to the viewer despite the limited colour scheme, with a lot going on in the piece, accompanied by music.

The Fall (2006)



The genre for this film is adventure-drama-fantasy and has an age certificate of 15. This suggests that the target audience is late teenagers and up, with no specific gender target due to the surrealist style of the film that could appeal to either gender.

The opening starts out with text over a black background, introducing the main producers before a fade is used into a close-up shot. This close-up shot pays particular attention to detail as the swimmer emerges out of the water, and the audience is instantly aware that the shots are being shown in slow motion. This sets a particular artistic atmosphere to the opening, which leaves the viewer asking questions, making them interested in watching. Twenty seconds in the title of the film is revealed and made clear to the audience. The various other text used that lists actors and other members of cast do not obscure in a way that they take up the whole frame, and are normally discrete and to the side so that the audience can focus more on what is happening and refer to cast members if needed.

The sound used throughout the piece- which fades in slightly after the first shot is shown, emphasising the lack of sound as the man emerges from the water- is non-diegetic, classical string music. This adds an almost comedic, story-telling feel to the piece, as it is something of a juxtaposition to the urgency and action of what is being shown. The shots shown are all in black and white; a limited pallet of colours which gives the film a photographic, dated atmosphere which sets the scene as what is shown is set in the past. This, combined with the slow motion shots, gives a sense of confusion and leads the viewer to question from the start what is going on- thus prompting them to keep watching.

The narrative of the opening, despite being shown through slow motion shots, reveals quite a lot of what is happening whilst also without fully explaining why. This can lead to some confusion for the viewer, but it is not in a way that trying to understand becomes frustrating- rather, it is more comical and surreal to watch and therefore makes the audience interested. The narrative depicts a lot of action (fitting to the conventions of its genre) as well as chaos. Various characters are shown as well as the rural setting around them, but not much information is revealed about these characters aside from their appearances- nor is it made totally clear who the main characters may be.

In conclusion, this opening fits to the film's genre in a comedic, surreal and artistic way which can both baffle and intrigue the viewer. The narrative is not made totally clear and various characters are introduced amongst all the action going on, all of which is set to non-diegetic music which adds to the comedic aspect of the opening scene.

Wall-E (2008)



The film Wall-E is an animation-adventure-family film, which is not necessarily immediately shown through this opening, but does fit various conventions of its genre within the first minute and a half. The film has a 'U'  (Universal) certificate, meaning that it is suitable for all audiences- this helps fit into the genre that it is a family film.

The sequence starts out with the Pixar logo being shown- a familiar animation that is iconic and helps the audience get an impression of the film before it starts, particularly as Pixar have a reputation for making good animation-adventure-family films; a genre they are familiar with. After this section is shown, two other titles are shown- the producers of the film. These also set expectations for the audience and helps build anticipation and excitement.

Colours used throughout the opening sequence are quite dark-toned and not very bright, which can give a slightly gloomy atmosphere which is a juxtaposition against the happy  music. The colours of the planet- which the audience later learns to know as Earth-give a gritty feel as the planet looks abandoned and uncared for, and this is a significant part in the plot of the film which is explained later on. This links in with the narrative as the sequence starts out by revealing space, then slowly panning into the planet- little of the narrative is revealed with this opening, but more so sets the tone and atmosphere for the whole movie. Within the narrative no characters are revealed in the first one minute and a half, but later on a main protagonist is shown.

The sound used is non-diegetic for the mostpart (then revealed to be diegetic after the opening) with jolly, happy music which is a juxtaposition to the setting of the planet shown and may also be quite confusing for the audience, as music involving singing is not perhaps expected to be played over shots of the universe. However, this is used to intrigue the viewer and make them question what is to happen as well as explain why such music is played, making them interested in carrying on watching.

Most of the shots used within the opening are wide, long and establishing shots which clearly set the scene that is perhaps other-wordly or set in the future- this gives a science fiction vibe, but does also pertain to the adventure genre as shots such as panning bird's eye view shots reveal a desecrate planet that is later known as Earth. These shots also interest and make the viewer question various factors of the plot, prompting them to keep watching in order to find out what happens.

In conclusion, this opening sequence, although short, does pertain to its genre of animation-adventure-family film. Little of the narrative is revealed and the opening minutes are used more so to set the scene with a variation of zooms, pans and establishing shots to show clearly to the audience that the planet is rather isolated and empty in the expanse of the universe. The juxtaposition of joyful non-diegetic music (that later turns diegetic) against the gritty, dirty colours of the planet is used to make the viewer become interested and intrigued in what is going on in order to sustain their attention.