6. Research: Film Openings - 9 Frames (Anna McConnell)

RESEARCH: FILM OPENINGS - INSTITUTIONAL

Analysis of Skyfall (Mendes, 2012) (Independent)

• The use of blackouts and fast-moving image montages assist in allowing the audience to figure out the genre of this film; weaponry, notably the signature 007 gun, is prevalent in this opening and further allows people to recognize the Bond franchise.
• Within the first two minutes all key Institutional credits - there were 14 within the first two minutes. This opening was 3.55 minutes long in total, which is roughly twice the length of an average opening, implying that there was huge investment into this film and that it will, in fact be a huge spectacle.
• In terms of tone, this opening is melancholy and mysterious, as shown through the dingy lighting and monochromatic colour scheme, with hints of red connoting danger and blood. The images of Bond floating underwater imply that it is almost a hallucination, many images are mirrored or distorted, giving themes of surrealism to the film. Furthermore, in terms of camera angle, shots and movement, the camera pans are slow, focusing heavily on Bond; the other characters seem indistinguishable, mostly silhouettes which perhaps highlight their importance in this film in comparison to the protagonist.
• Daniel Craig, who plays the protagonist Bond, is the main feature of this opening clip and, after directing credits, his is the first name to appear. The credits are written in a white font which juxtaposes the murky background and they subtly fade in and out of the shot as it highlights the nature of a spy thriller and the inevitability of the danger that may be lurking in the shadows.
• In terms of audio, synergy and convergence is used as Adele, a huge contemporary artist, lends her voice in the eponymous title song 'Skyfall'.

Analysis of The Conjuring (Wan, 2013) (Group Project)

• In terms of Institutional credits, there are 17. The main title appears at 1.56, towards the end of the opening credits; allowing the tension and anticipation to build. 
•  In terms of audio the soundtrack is eerie thus creating a sense of fear and intensity; a recognizable feature in most openings of the thriller genre. Furthermore sounds effects such as the crow or the door creaking amplify the tension, with the newspaper pages flicking with correspond with the article visuals in order to create a sense of realism.
  
• In places, the music fades in and out which enhances the viewing experience and assists in building the thrilling atmosphere anticipated by the audience.
• The visuals throughout (the newspaper articles) create the narrative of the film by showing the audience real past events and themes of violence and death are hinted to with the still image of, a noose tied to one of the branches of the tree.
• Different props are used to convey the genre for example a Ouija board is used in one of the clips, which is usually associated with demonic possession and horror/thriller concepts.

What is the general sense created through a film's opening and what do the audience get from it?

A film's opening will establish the location of the film; what country or region it will be set in and the environment of its setting for example a busy city or a deserted decrepit house. The main characters and actors will be highlighted in the opening to be able to make an initial connection with the protagonist and understand their figure expression and costume and makeup. The basic narrative of the film will be represented in the first few minutes and the genre should be distinguishable through the tone and atmosphere. Spread evenly throughout the opening, the main cast, crew, distribution companies and exhibitors should be recognised through visual text, also known as credits.