Today, I'll be elaborating upon the opening sequence of Without Remorse. Directed by Stefano Sollima, an Italian director and screenwriter. The two production companies that helped support & produce the film were, 'Paramount Pictures Studios' and 'Skydance Media'.
How are the audience engaged?
The audience are quickly engaged by the diegetic ambient sound of the rainfall. The rest of the surroundings remain quiet, besides the rain and it appears peaceful yet desolate. Then, an incident of chaos as a solider is struck into the pond by somebody underneath the water.
Then another soldier is shot, stood directly by a discrete fire. This juxtaposition between fire & water is beyond intriguing. Director Sollima, is illustrating two oppositions that don't work together, to display the conceptual values & ideologies of war in a modern-day context. This information helps engage audiences further, as they come to acknowledge the considerable symbolism.
Then, the soldiers carefully emerge from beneath the water surface. Eluding to this concept of secrecy associated with war circumstances, following the conventions of the following genre. They exit the water, to where they come together appearing to be on a rooftop of some description. Then, they show a landscape shot of the town. This engages audiences as the town appears broken, disheveled and ruptured intriguing them in the narrative elements that consist of questions.
We are then enlightened via text that we are in Syria.
The opening scene continues and we are fronted with many characters. Including one of the men, who audiences saw retreating from beneath the pond. He appears to be the main characters, as other characters refer to him as 'badass'.
What tone / genre is set?
The tone of this opening scene is eerie, as the scene is absorbed by cool toned colours, that obtain connotations of death, destruction and low morale. Highly adhering to the themes and the sheer prospect of war, being the genre itself. The genre war is illustrated, mostly via costume and prop guns. The characters costume obtain a familiar pattern majorly associated with war, camouflage. The prop guns are utilised by the characters in the opening sequence, to murder the apparent opposition. A common theme of war, furthermore, suggesting the war genre.
Setting / Where & When?
As Syria is a country situated in West Asia, we can assume this was perhaps a historical event. However, I found no landmarks suggestive of which war this could be? Due to the use of colloquial language, we can understand the film must be of a modern context to a certain degree.
What do you think the narrative will be?
I think the narrative will be the troops on their exploration through Syria, featuring historical events or landmarks to inform / educate the audience.
What is the dynamic between the characters in this sequence?
I think that the character that is referred to as a 'badass', isn't very friendly with his troops and co-workers. He doesn't look as if he answers to anybody other than himself & possesses the role of leadership. Even if he weren't meant to obtain a higher status, he would continue to due to his determined ambience.
Today, I'll be elaborating upon the opening sequence of Coma. Directed by Nikita Argunov, a Russian film director, writer and VFX artist. Multiple production companies help produced Coma, including; 'Group of Companies Gpm Kit', 'Enjoy Movies', 'Mars Media', 'Big Cinema House' and 'Fresh Films LLC'.
How are the audience engaged?
Immediately, the audience are completely engaged. As you see the astonishing VFX, that help illustrate a corrupt and surrealistic interpretation of our universe. Furthermore, helping engage audiences. The non-diegetic soundtrack also helps keep audiences alert, as it obtains a sinister undertone creating profound apprehension. We are also introduced to our first character, who appeals to be male. His costume is naturalistic as well as simplistic of a young man within his late 20's.
We can tell via the characters facial expression, that he appears conflicted by the cryptic new resemblance of his world. This engages the audience as it further eludes to the tone of apprehension exhibited to audiences, helping them gage further within the narrative elements of this opening scene.
Then, audiences are acquainted by a supernatural creature of some description. That appears unfriendly, due to its sheer darkness and faceless figure all connoting to evil. The non-diegetic soundtrack begins to intensify, engaging audiences in the suspense of current events. The creature then strikes the man, ultimately injuring him. Audiences hear the diegetic sound effect of ears ringing in pain, when we are now introduced to an ensemble of characters that come to his aid.
These new characters begin to fend off this creature, exploring this new world & the cultures that come with it. The non-diegetic soundtrack is now at its climax, the tension has arisen and the audience are left in apprehension. Furthermore, all of these components of the opening scene help engage the audience.
What tone / genre is set?
It becomes evident from the beginning of this opening sequence that the genre is sci-fi, this is represented through utilisation of editing within the sequence, that illustrates this cryptic and surrealistic interpretation of our world.
The tone of futurism is set through the obscure atmosphere of where the opening sequence is set, captivating audiences in further anticipation.
Setting / Where & When?
It is clear to assume that the sequence is set sometime within the future. It is unclear when however, due to no historic landmarks / figures within the scene. However, the creature that we see, is the ultimate suggestion that the opening scene takes place far in the future.
What do you think the narrative will be?
I think that the narrative will consist of this man, attempting with great conflict to overcome this reality of his. Exploring his relationship with the other characters introduced within the sequence, as well as more encounters with this supernatural creature exhibited earlier within the sequence. We may gain depth & understanding on the purpose of the creature?
What is the dynamic between the characters in this sequence?
It is unclear so far what the dynamic will be.
Leadership is a theme suggested within this sequence, as the man holding the other characters back in the picture exhibited above appears to be in control. With exploration of the dynamic, we may discover what his true intentions are & what is his serving purpose within this futuristic world.
Today, I'll be elaborating upon the opening sequence of Cry Macho. Directed by Clint Eastwood, an American actor, film director, producer and composer. The production company that produced this film is, 'Warner Bros.' With the contribution from, 'Malpaso Productions', 'QED International', 'Daniel Grodnik Productions' and, 'Albert S. Ruddy'.
How are the audience engaged?
The opening sequence begins with the title of the film, further informing the audience of what they're about to watch. We then witness a birds-eye-view shot, exhibiting the distinctly Western location. The camera tracks the car from above as we hear the non-diegetic soundtrack of the unmistakable country music, further adhering to the poignant genre of the film. All these elements further engage the audience members watching, as it helps enthral the audience in the apprehension of the narrative components of the film about to be seen.
We then witness a close up mirror shot of the first character to be introduced, they appear to be male & wearing a cowboy hat. Helping audiences engage in the possible narrative of this character. He obtains a mysterious ambience that again, engages the audience further.
He then arrives at his destination, pulling into what audiences assume to be a gravel driveway of some description. The non-diegetic soundtrack continues to play, further adding to the baffling nature of this man that we are yet to have seen completely, within his entire essence.
It is then, that our second character is introduced deeply discretely. Through the reflection of glass we see a faint figure of a man wearing a costume blazer. His face is blurred through the glass, again building this atmosphere of secrecy. We also see a prop lamp within the foreground of the image, that appears striking and bold. Engaging the audience further.
This secrecy is then juxtaposed, as we see the man exhibited in the car. He reveals himself in a Western fashion, with the camera shot of only his cowboy boots. Then his entirety, exhibiting to audience's a character they must now become familiar with.
What tone / genre is set?
Via the setting, you could argue that the tone seems joyous. Due to the hints of yellow & green within the surroundings. Yellow heavily connoting to sunlight and joy, then green, connoting to nature within its purest form. However, when deciphering the characters, there is a counter-argument that the tone can appear cryptic and mystifying. These two arguments gently contrast each other, creating a juxtaposition that creates a baffling context yet succeeds to engage audiences.
Setting / Where & When?
We can speculate that the film is set sometime within the 1960's or 70's, due to some explicit features. Such as the prop car, as Chevrolet's were most popular within the 1960's. The tone / atmosphere of the opening sequence also helps adhere to this time period. The location is clearly somewhere within the countryside, however it is unclear exactly where.
What do you think the narrative will be?
I think the narrative will be uncovering the secrecy of the first character introduced, and exploring the relationship between the character seen within the glass reflection. As within the opening scene, they have no interaction to dictate their relationship further engaging audiences with apprehension on what their dynamic will consist of.
What is the dynamic between the characters within this sequence?
The dynamic between either two characters, remains unclear to audiences. As both characters have had no interaction with each other within the opening sequence. Their dynamic is yet to be explored, however this creates the effect of apprehension. Almost like a cliff-hanger, furthermore, engaging audiences in the dynamic soon to be explored.
There are many roles when it comes to creating a film, however they can be narrowed with thorough inspection. The following roles are most essential to roles in production; director, camera operator, editor, art director / DOP and producer. I will now be exploring each of these roles in detail, to gage a detailed understanding of each role.
Director
When it comes to production, the director is a critical role within the development of the film. They are the creative leads of the film, they obtain the creative vision of the film throughout the whole process from pre-production to post-production.
An excellent example of a magnificent director is Ryan Murphy. He is the creator, executive producer, writer and director of 'American Horror Story'.
Here is an interview, where Ryan Murphy surrounded by other directors, explains his filmmaking to the table and expresses his fondness within elements of particular filming. It is insightful to understand the difficulty the director must go through.
Some tips for being a good director would be clear direction, ensuring actors are aware of what you want. Don't always stick to the script, this can make for authentic and vulnerable performances that can enable the prospect of awards and find a clear way to communicate your goal. Communication is key to excellent filmmaking.
Camera Operator
Camera operators are responsible for capturing the action. They shoot no matter the given circumstance, using tips from the director of the film. Ensuring all that is captured, can be used.
A camera operator that really astonished me, working on the popular film 'San Andreas'. Was camera operator, Keir Beck an Australian film director based on the Gold Coast. There were a lot of camera operators, broken up into units for this major film. However, Beck appeared to be the main camera operator.
My tips for being a camera operator include; professionalism, confidence and punctuality. Those three things will ensure you promising work if you abide by them.
Editor
An editor is responsible for taking the footage previously made, using sound effects, graphics and special effects to produce a final film that is of great quality.
The editor for 'Mean Girls' Wendy Greene Bricmont, an American film editor. She did a splendid job on this movie, making it the iconic film that it is today.
My tips for editing would be, use good judgement, ensure you're detail oriented and use your writing and language skills.
Art Director / DOP
Art directors are responsible for the visual style of the film or animation, ensuring the style aesthetics of the film are in correlation to what the director agrees with.
When I think of a film that's visual style is alluring, I think of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'. There were a sizeable amount of art directors working on the film, which is why the film is as magnificent as it is today. There were 10 DOP's for that Harry Potter film.
Tips for becoming a good art director, would include; never stop learning, learn how to give useful direction and don't lose your love for art.
Producer
A producer is responsible for finding and launching a project, arranging finances, hiring writers and a director as well as key members of the creative team. Over-seeing all elements of pre-production, production and post-production, right up to release.
A pair of producers that I think are incredible, are Cathy Konrad and Douglas Wick who both produced the popular film of the 2000's, 'Girl, Interrupted'. They did a spectacular job with this film, which is one of my favourites. The portrayal of mental illness within this film is depicted well, the DOP's did an excellent job ensuring all elements of visual style were correct for the time period the film is set in. The director / writers / editors did an incredible job, ensuring all characters had a distinct persona with characteristics. Furthermore, all of the elements of this film would have been overseen by Konrad or Wick. They're responsible for the final cut.
To be a successful producer, you must have desire and passion to make films or TV. You must obtain creative thinking and have a problem-solving ability. Lastly, you must have drive, persistence and assertiveness.
Today, I'll be elaborating upon the opening sequence of Black Swan. Directed by Darren Aronofsky. The production company that produced the film is, 'Fox Searchlight Pictures'.
The tone appears eerie and ghostly, the low-lighting creates this nightmarish effect that conflicts audiences making them apprehensive. You can make an educated guess that the genre with adhere to thriller, judging purely via costume of the male characters and the diegetic sound of music that they are dancing to.
Setting / Where & When?
It becomes obvious that the setting occurs on a stage, as the reflection of the light hits the floor. There is no explicit hint to time period, however, audience do receive definitive suggestions of stage due to the makeup exhibited upon the female actress.
What do you think the narrative will be?
Purely based off of this opening scene, we can suspect that the narrative will include this actress' determination to succeed as a dancer? Featuring the trials & tribulations of being a professional dancer, as an audience member, we can dictate this due to her incredible ability to dance excellently.
What is the dynamic between the characters within this sequence?
We can infer that the characters dynamic is cold & remote. An obscure relationship that isn't positive. Audiences can witness this via the female characters facial expressions, adhering to panic / distress. When the male character enters the dance, the camera's hand-held action begins to intensify and the diegetic soundtrack's tempo increases. Furthermore, creating profound tension and concerning audience's making them apprehensive to future events & enthralling them.
Titles & The Function of an Opening Title Sequence
What are titles?
Titles are crucial to film. They help convey key institution information such as studio, producer, director and main cast. They can also help establish genre, tone, atmosphere, time and location and can occasionally introduce the protagonist and antagonist.
The titles exhibited in this opening title sequence are a perfect example of how the overall atmosphere is established within seconds as well as the genre of the TV series. Opening title sequences can also introduce the protagonist & antagonist.
How does this opening title sequence establish genre?
The genre of horror is established promptly within the sequence, this is recognised through utilisation of non-diegetic soundtrack. This helped evoke a dark tone and set a sinister atmosphere throughout, making audiences uncomfortable.
How does this opening title sequence set tone / atmosphere?
The 1980's vintage aesthetic is established within components of the font, the style helps convey aspects of a horror comedy? The vibrant neon colour of the text connotes to this playful energy exuded throughout the sequence, which is then juxtaposed by the horror imagery of the prop knifes and fake blood.
How does this opening title sequence set the date, time and location?
We gage that the film is set within context of the 80's, purely based off of the title of the series. We can also acknowledge this via the VHS, vintage style of the film.
Today, I'll be elaborating upon the opening title sequence of Carrie. Directed by Kimberly Peirce, featuring Chloe Grace Moretz, Julianne Moore and Judy Greer. Established in 2013 and made by the production company, 'Red Bank Films'.
How are the audience engaged?
The audience are immediately engaged via the ambient sound featuring dogs barking and birds chirping. You then hear the deafening scream as the hand-held camera follows the noise into the house. You then hear the deafening diegetic scream that captures audiences attention substantially, engaging them further within the aspects of narrative. The low-lighting sets an ample sinister tone that encapsulates audiences, helping to conform to the genre of the film.
The use of prop candles to evoke and accentuate this sinister atmosphere helps engage the audience with anticipation when referring to the narrative of the opening title sequence. The use of costume with blood spray on it and the diegetic dialogue of screams of anguish, helps keep the audience engaged as the narrative unfolds.
We then watch, as the initial character seen holds scissors to her babies face, further engaging us as the anticipation continues to enthral the audience. We then watch as we hear the pleonastic sound effect of the scissors about to slash the baby, then hearing the diegetic dialogue of the baby whaling. This extensively engages the audience, as you're unsuspecting of what's about to happen. We then see as the scissors stop abruptly when about to hit the baby, suggesting that this baby may obtain an element of supernatural?
What tone and genre is set?
The tone is almost juxtaposed. In the beginning of the sequence, we see a suburban house that looks typical of middle-class America. With ambient sound effects of birds chirping and dogs barking with sets a peaceful tone, the light indicates that it is possibly early morning and the audience acknowledges this information openly. We then enter the house with the utilisation of hand-held camera, to connote to the chaos audiences are about to experience. This is all suggestive of possibly a romantic comedy genre and a peaceful / tranquil tone is set.
We then hear the shuddering screams of the first character introduced to us, as we enter the house we witness a display of Christian artefacts, such as symbolic crosses and candles. This all adheres to a sinister and religious tone and establishes the genre of horror. The female characters screams also help depict the genre of horror successfully.
The use of the prop scissors to attempt murder upon the baby, adheres to a violent and homicidal tone as well as suggesting the genre of horror. She then holds the baby as she recognises her wrongdoings, regretful & remorseful of her actions. This is still suggestive of the previous tones mentioned. The juxtaposition in lighting also helps to depict this idea. The comparison in the outdoor peaceful lighting that communicates a light-hearted atmosphere. Then, the moody indoor lighting that constructs an ominous and perverse atmosphere. Further helping set the genre in an authentic and unique sense.
Setting / Where & When?
The setting is not obvious from the beginning, but some elements of the sequence are suggestive of a distinct time period. For example, the architectural features of the home as well as the prop car adhere to a 1980's atmosphere. It becomes apparent that we're most likely in the suburbs, as the house appears quite suburban in it's overall appearance.
What do you think the narrative will be?
We can assume that the narrative will be about the child growing up with the trauma, facing the trials & tribulations of life alongside her mother who is clearly mentally unstable. Exploring the dynamic of her relationship with her mother, as well as elaborating upon the child's supernatural ability.
What is the dynamic between characters within this sequence?
We can tell from this sequence that the dynamic between either two is tense and will create an unstable and possibly toxic relationship, considering the mother trying to murder her own child! The dynamic is clearly and profoundly established within the sequence and this is made poignant to audiences early on, to help navigate the narrative as the movie continues with the audiences acknowledgement of previous events.
Do you think this is successful?
To conclude, I think Peirce is successful in creating an excellent opening title sequence that establishes tone, genre, setting, narrative and dynamics between characters early on, as well as engaging the audience.
