The opening of a film is really about differentiating between the actual film. Many directors and producers aim to use extravagant and uncanny camera angles which they might not necessarily use in the rest of the film. This enables the director and producers to be creative. But however, the fundamental purpose of a film opening is, as cliché as it sounds, is to keep the viewer interested and watch the remaining hour or so of the film. So, here are the standard features of a typical film opening;
Exaggerated/unusual camera angles- Many directors use exaggerated angles in order to be creative and intrigue the viewer. Colours- Hues of colours are used to reflect on the mood of the film i.e. Reds to signify blood, therefore leading to an overall theme of horror.
Special transitions- Transitions such as fade to black/white to create either a tense feeling, or a dream like quality.
Lighting techniques- Lighting techniques are used in order to reflect on the genre and theme of the film. Say for example a horror/thriller film, lighing techniques could be used. Lighting techniques such as chiaroscuro, low key lighting and silhouettes could be used in order to give the film an eerie feeling.
Special effects- Three-dimensional, animated features are sometimes used in order to create something abnormal, yet interesting.
Dialogue- They might use dialogue in order to give the viewer a sense of what exactly is going on. The accents also set the scene, i.e. French accent, linking to the idea that the French language/accent is romantic, therefore linking to the theme of the film.Music- Music would be used which could either reflect on the mood, or reflect on the theme later on in the film.
Objects that link to the theme- Almost premonition objects are used. These however are normally subliminal, and make the viewer think what exactly is happening. This should however link to the overall storyline.
The title of the film- This is crucial, because an opening really does set the scene, as well as the title.
Credits- The names of the important people who played crucial roles in the creation of this film.
Time and place- This is sometimes used in order to set the scene, giving the viewer a clear understanding where and when the action is taking place.
Juxtaposition- Music, camera angles etc can all be juxtaposed with the overall theme, giving the viewer an interesting perspective on what’s happening i.e. towards the end of 'This is England', where the black character is being brutally attacked, choir music is being played, combining with slow camera movement. This is juxtaposed to the situation of the theme.
Cliff-hangers- The opening two minutes could end with a cliff-hanger, or more well known as a 'hook', hooking the viewer to watch the rest of the film.
Genre- A combination of camera angles, transitions, objects, scenery, colours, possibly dialogue, all reflect on the genre of the film. This is crucial, giving the viewer an understanding on what he/she is going to be watching later on in the film.
Exaggerated/unusual camera angles- Many directors use exaggerated angles in order to be creative and intrigue the viewer. Colours- Hues of colours are used to reflect on the mood of the film i.e. Reds to signify blood, therefore leading to an overall theme of horror.
Special transitions- Transitions such as fade to black/white to create either a tense feeling, or a dream like quality.
Lighting techniques- Lighting techniques are used in order to reflect on the genre and theme of the film. Say for example a horror/thriller film, lighing techniques could be used. Lighting techniques such as chiaroscuro, low key lighting and silhouettes could be used in order to give the film an eerie feeling.
Special effects- Three-dimensional, animated features are sometimes used in order to create something abnormal, yet interesting.
Dialogue- They might use dialogue in order to give the viewer a sense of what exactly is going on. The accents also set the scene, i.e. French accent, linking to the idea that the French language/accent is romantic, therefore linking to the theme of the film.Music- Music would be used which could either reflect on the mood, or reflect on the theme later on in the film.
Objects that link to the theme- Almost premonition objects are used. These however are normally subliminal, and make the viewer think what exactly is happening. This should however link to the overall storyline.
The title of the film- This is crucial, because an opening really does set the scene, as well as the title.
Credits- The names of the important people who played crucial roles in the creation of this film.
Time and place- This is sometimes used in order to set the scene, giving the viewer a clear understanding where and when the action is taking place.
Juxtaposition- Music, camera angles etc can all be juxtaposed with the overall theme, giving the viewer an interesting perspective on what’s happening i.e. towards the end of 'This is England', where the black character is being brutally attacked, choir music is being played, combining with slow camera movement. This is juxtaposed to the situation of the theme.
Cliff-hangers- The opening two minutes could end with a cliff-hanger, or more well known as a 'hook', hooking the viewer to watch the rest of the film.
Genre- A combination of camera angles, transitions, objects, scenery, colours, possibly dialogue, all reflect on the genre of the film. This is crucial, giving the viewer an understanding on what he/she is going to be watching later on in the film.
Here are two screenshots from the film 'A Clockwork Orange'. These images have been taken from the opening, and really reflects on how the opening minutes use lighting techniques, unusual camera angles etc. The first image shows the silhouette of five figures in a tunnel, one on the floor. This intruges the viewer into thinking whats happening. And the second image uses lighting in a very clever way. The man is looking down, and the blue hues combined with the very subtle hint of light around the face gives the figure a sense of superiority.
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