Opening Sequences Analysis. 

Crime/Drama: 'Drive' (2011) Nicolas Winding Refn

The opening sequence of this film opens with shots of a bustling city at night. This shot establishes the setting and also gives it an epic feel as the audience can see the city is massive. We see a close up of the main character driving, it is a long take, this familiarises the viewers with him before any other characters are introduced and also gives you an understanding of him as a character. An example of a characteristic we find out is that he is a cool/calm individual from his leather driving gloves and his tooth pick. There is then a birds eye view shot of the car driving through the streets, once again this emphasises the grandiosity of the setting. We then see the car he drives for the first time as it pulls into a parking lot, the camera follows it suggesting it demands attention and is therefor a status symbol. The camera then cuts the an over the shoulder shot of the man walking, we can clearly see a gold scorpion on his jacket, this gives the impression that he is both an individual and also chooses to embrace an abnormal life. The scorpion could also be a clue to something that happens later in the film. there is a POV shot from the characters perspective, showing him looking at a woman, this could mean hat he is either a womaniser or perhaps that despite what looks like a luxury lifestyle he is alone and has no one to share it with. The lift then closes, the doors are golden, this could show that he allows what some may class as important, to be blocked out of his life by materialistic things and wealth. Ryan Goslings character enters the hotel room shortly after, in the sequence of showing him alone and in the darkness, this could be an microcosm of his life. We also see his shadow looming on the wall, this could show that he leads a double life, and finds it hard to escape. During the last shot the man turns out a light, as he does this the music stops. This sound keeps the music in sync with the filming. We then see even more shots of the city suggesting its importance once again. The final shot is an over the shoulder shot of him looking through the windscreen, this could suggesting that new things are coming to him.

The first title we see is 'Ryan Gosling', the name of the the main actor. This shows his character high status in the film. It could also ease people into the film as they may know him already. The titles, in an informal San-Serif font, and are shown over footage, this is stereotypical of a modern hollywood film, as appose the the older ones that often cut to blank screen showing just the names.

The soundtrack is synthesised electro. This sort of music is typical of the 80's and could suggest either that the film is set in this era or perhaps that the film shares some of the social perceptions people had of 80's USA, such as excesses of wealth and fast paced lifestyles.




Comedy: 'Step Brothers' (2008) Adam Mckay

The first thing the audience see is an 'actual quote' from George Bush, who was the president of the USA when the film was released, this aids the audiences interpretation of what a typical American family should be/is. The opening titles then start rolling in a traditional blank screen format, however we see the firs comical/immature aspect in the way that they are in a chalk-style font, this immediately makes the initial quote seem sarcastic and therefor gives an impression that the stereotypical interpretation is soon to be broken. A crackling audio can be heard over the titles, this could be mistaken as the vintage crackling of a record, however when the first shot comical reveals that it was actually just the noise of crisps being put onto a plate, we see once again that stereotypes and interpretations are going to be broken. The occurrence of breaking initial interpretations continues when we see a close up of hands hands preparing nachos and cheese, the audience are led to believe that the character is an adolescent, but but a shot of him looking into the microwave shows that he is infact an adult. Some titles showing important but less focal characters, such as the mother of Will Ferrels character, are shown over shot, this allows the audience to continue watching the opening sequence whilst giving them the option to watch it. When the second son is speaking to his dad, the dad is standing in the doorway suggesting to the audience that his son is firmly distanced from him and he would not want to step into the world of childishness, also the son is dressed in clothes that are clearly too small, suggesting he has grown out of his lifestyle. The sequence then cuts to an establishing shot of a chandelier, the class and elegance of such an time again showing instant contrast to the lifestyles of their children. When the man is giving a speech there is shot reverse shot, showing that there is a mutual attraction between the two of them, they are both wearing lighter clothes making them stand out a lot more to the audience. The soundtrack is also merry and upbeat suggesting, at the start of the movie at least, all is well and happy.

Social Realism: 'Trainspotting' (1996) Danny Boyle

The sequence opens with a block title, stating the production company, this shows how Channel 4 (a relatively small company in the world of film making) are eager for recognition of this cinematic piece of art. We hear the sound of footsteps running, before we see or hear anything else, this could suggest that it is fast paced, they use a sound a sound motif to link the footsteps into a sound motif. The first man (Renton) running. This immerses the audience into the film from the very beginning. Each character is then introduced with a short shot, and then a freeze frame with their name in shot.  The shots help show the characters behaviour and characteristics.  For example: 'Spud' concedes a goal, and the rest of his team shout at him. This could show that he is the weakest of the group. Another example is 'Begbie'. He tackles violently. This could suggest he is a violent character.  The clip ends with a shot of Renton laid out on the floor. This is to show the harm that his addiction does to him. In regards to titles, only one is used. 'Channel Four Films represents'. The title is used on a single black slate, and is only on screen shortly. The reason only one title is used is to keep the audience  immersed in the experience. Audiences are meant to be sucked in to the lifestyle of the film. In this case, fast paced. If more titles were used, the pace would be a lot slower.