JS: Film Openings - research

Task

• Embed an opening from a film that you think is effective and uses techiques you would like to emulate in your own production.
• bullet point technical codes (media language techniques) that you have noticed. Any narrative, action techniques that you could represent in your production.

Link #1 - The Dark Knight Rises Opening Scene (Nolan, 2008)

Techniques:

• Characters describe the main villain before the audience actually see the villain for the first time.
• Quick cutting rate used to show fast paced scene.
• Main villain's first appearance is a close up of his face.
• Fast soundtrack to show fast paced scene.
• High angled shot to show the dying man so the audience looks down on him because he is inferior to the main villain.

Link #2 - Lord of War (Niccol, 2006)

Techniques:

• Consists of the production, transport and use of a bullet, a unique film opening.
• Titles appear on screen with the shots of the bullet.
• Soundtrack is a song about war which is also what the movie is about. The soundtrack also helps with continuity
• Dark, gloomy colours used to enhance a war look appearance.

Link #3 - Spiderman (Raimi, 2002)

Techniques:

• Credits stuck in spiders web.
• Narration at the end of the opening.
• Theme of the opening sequence matches the theme of the main character
• Lots of different camera techniques used.