Thursday, 19 December 2013

Opening sequence analysis linked to my film

Snatch:












Narrative function: Montage sequence that introduces each character.
Conventions displayed: Bold font, conveying the characters; there is also a continuity with the font, yet not with the coloured background. Title displayed fairly quickly, upon a diamond; which the audience know has been stolen, suggests genre.
Characters introduced: All main protagonists are introduced and the type of character they are; also their character name.
Cinematography: Colours used suggests genre as they are fairly basic, yet bold.
Camera/editing: Camera tracks the diamond as it is passed around, then the money, etc... . Ends back with the diamond in the mans hand; where it started. Editing is tight and cuts between each character smoothly.

Reservoir dogs:















Narrative function: Starts off with a narrative by a very monotone man; matches atmosphere. The narrative though quickly turns into a music, which narrates until the end.
Conventions displayed: Yellow font which is used throughout; so this is good continuity. Title introduced after the actors have been introduced. Title rises from the bottom of the screen and is placed at the top, above the characters.
Characters introduced: A large group of men in suits; represents power or authority.
Cinematography: Colours are bright, in contrast to the atmosphere.
Camera/editing: Camera tracks the men in slow motion down the road. Cuts from them leaving the bar; which is dark, to a dark screen to the characters outside in the bright sunshine; contrasts earlier scenes.

Godfather:















Narrative function: No dialogue just music; which is easily recognisable to the the film genre.
Conventions displayed: Gun shots and blood appears on screen in every scene; conveys the genre. Images of objects associated with Italian-American gangsters. Red used to signify death and evil; portrays genre.
Characters introduced: The three main protagonists (The Godfather, Al Pacino's character and Diane Keaton's character). No names for the characters, just the actors/actresses names.
Cinematography: Colours of red suggests death and evilness; conveys genre. Black and white background stands out; could suggest good vs evil.
Camera/editing: Smooth editing between each shot, gun shot and blood on screen depicts genre.

Opening credit sequence analysis

Skyfall:



The credits start as the theme song begins, and start with the production companies. Then the actors and actresses names are conveyed in order of importance; hence Daniel Craig first as he is James Bond. Yet after Daniel Craig is introduced as James Bond, the title of the film is smoothly follows before the rest of the actors/actresses. This signifies the importance of Daniel Craig's character. Also Judy Dench is introduced as "M", this also conveys her importance in the film. The co-producers follow, along with the sound recordists and the script writers. More behind the scenes staff follow this, such as the costume designers and editors. Nearer the end the theme song is introduced and the singer and songwriter are also introduced. Moreover the writers and more importantly the director, Sam Mendes, feature last.

Superbad:



The opening credits start with the production companies, Columbia Pictures and Apatow. This is quickly followed by the title of the film 'Superbad'. This occurs before the names of the actors and actresses, unlike the Skyfall opening. Jonah Hill and Michael Cera are the first names to appear, as they play the two main characters in the film. The other actors such as Seth Rogan and Bill Hader, then follow as they play less important roles, than Jonah Hill and Michael Cera. At the end of the names of actors and actresses, Christopher Mintz-Plasse is introduced, as he is making his film debut. Casting, Costume Designer, Co-producer and Music then follow. More behind the scenes staff follow, such as the Editor, Production-designer, Director of Photography, Executive Producers and Producers. Last of all, the writers and directors are introduced; this is also done in Skyfall.  The text also signifies the genre, as the yellow font has connotations of happiness and fun; depicting the genre as comedy.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo:

















The opening credits start with the production companies, Columbia Pictures, Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures and Scott Rudin Yellow Bird production. Then the directors name appears, yet he is not formally introduced as the director. Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara are introduced first as they play the two main protagonists. The rest of the actors and actresses follow. Yet before, they appear, the title of the film appears, breaking up the more important cast members, and the rest of the cast. The first behind the scenes staff to be introduced are the casting staff, costume designers, co-producers and sound producers. This is very similar, if not the same order, to the 'Superbad' film. More behind the scenes staff follow on, such as, the editors, production designer, director of photography, executive producers and the producers. This is exactly the same as with the 'Superbad' film, which reinforces that this may be the correct order to do it in. As the film follows a book, a title appears making reference to the book and its author and publishers. Next up it's the screenplay writes and finally David Fincher, whom is now formally introduced as the director of the film. The credits are done in a iconic style that can be linked to the genre of thriller and horror, of which the film's genre is.

This conveys how important the titles and credits are as they can depict a film's genre, without having to watch any future nor hear any sound/music.