Brief Analysis of Film Openings

Pulp Fiction:-

Genre: Pulp Fiction is an Action film, distinguished by the guns and robbery set up in the opening scene.

Conventions: The camera shots of a typical american diner sets the scene well and allows the viewer to become familiar with the surroundings. There is alot of swearing and bad language used, as well as loud, fast tempo music played as the opening few minutes of the scene end suddenly.

Information in Credits: The credits mention the staring actors/actresses, director, film makers and the title of the film.

Narrative/Storyline: The immediate sense of a storyline we as the audience get is of a typical normal couple planning to rob a bank. Althought we get an element of humour ( form the characters names, 'Pumpkin' and 'Honeybunny'), there is still an overall dark theme to the film.

The Dark knight:-

Genre: Action/Adventure film. This is suggested from the fast paced action and destruction from the very beginning of the opening.

Conventions: Part of the Batman series-Elaborate, costly opening, guns, masks (to hide identity of potential villians), explosions, murder, crime, fast paced music to build tension.

Information in Credits: Film makers/institutes - Warner Bro's and DC Comics ( shows logo's),

Narrative/Storyline: Main villian, 'The Joker' introduced. The audience get a vague idea of the Jokers evil plan in which he tricks men into robbing a bank, only to murder eachother for his entertainment and benefit.

Final Destination 3:-

Genre: Horror/Thriller film, suggested by the old fashioned circus like setting, with clowns, fortune telling and haunting fairground music. Use of turning something fun, childlike and innocent like a fun fairground into something dark and sinister is popular in the Horror/Thriller genre.

Conventions: Use of haunting music and screaming to suggest terror to come. The main group of characters are also intorduced. Them being teenagers helps create a sense of youth and vulnerability, suggesting to the viewer that these characters may be playing the part of helpless victims. The use of close up shots of the characters faces help to show their emotion and fear, again strengthening their sense of fear and helplessness.

Information in Credits: Film makers, Actors/Actresses, director, editor, Film Title, producer and co-producers.

Narrative/Storyline: There is a particular focus on the element of chance and fortune, maybe suggesting something dark and sinister like torture of death which may occur at the fairground

Pretty Women:-

Genre: RomCom/ Chick Flick

Conventions: Sophistication of a somewhat glamourous, fairytale like setting, stereotypical flash cars, posh surroundings, rich people and big houses. upbeat, happy go lucky 80's music soundtrack, Main character on the telephone highlighted talking to a women who may be conceived by the viewer as a possible love interest for the leading role.

Information in Credits: Touchstone pictures, film institutions, Producer, Director, Film makers, Main actors/actresses

Narrative/Storyline: Conflict between a main focussed couple. There is an obvious contrast between the rich, glamourous lifestyle of the leading man and the poorer, working class status of the woman.

I then analysed a film of my own choice, that being 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleest street'.

Genre: Sweeney Todd is a Horror/Musical, suggested by the haunting music played on an organ, as well as the dark, stormy weather.

Conventions: Dark, desolate setting, thunder and lightening, rain and blood dripping from the sky- suggests gore and foreboading danger and tragedy which may occur. establishing shot, pans around an old london town, straight into a barbers shop window with blood splatted on the window. This gives the viewer an idea of the genre, as well as the setting and overall mood of the film. camera zooms all around London town. Haunting music builds tension and creates a quite scary and haunting atmosphere.

Information in Credits: warner bro's logo as well as important information such as actors/actresses names, director, producer, casting director, music producer etc shown in credits, with relevant images of the film behind, i.e. pies, oven, photographs and a barbers chair, blood flowing into the sewers etc. Low key lighting to set dark mood of the film

Narrative/Storyline: Strange man on a mysterious ship, sailing to London down. It is apparent by his reminiscing that he has been here before a long time ago, and has obviously come back, haunted by ghosts of his unknown past. The fact that not much of the story is given away in the film opening leaves the film open for any unexpected events to take place. It also creates a feeling of mystery and fear of the unknown, persuading the viewer to continue watching the film to find out what will happen next.