Western - 'Cry Macho'

 Western - 'Cry Macho'

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. 

The opening sequence itself)