Conventions of Film Openings

We discussed about the codes and conventions of film openings and came up with lots of ideas so i decided to represent them in a mind map:

The main purpose of a film opening is to entice the audience into carrying on watching a film. After doing research I found out that the director can achieve this in many ways:

1) Flashback - a disturbing sudden vivid memory of an event in the past

2) Planning of landscape/Establishing shot - set the scene and inform the audience where it it taking place

3) Narrations - give information about what is happening or who the characters are to give the audience an  insight to the rest of the film

4) Action scene - fast paced scene (tells genre)

5) Chase scene

6) Production's Logo 

7) Title sequence - show cast and production team, could build tension

8) Animation - portray the beginning in a creative way

9) Compilation of photographs

10) Narrative content - includes the context

11) Soundtrack

Later on we analysed the opening scene of the film "Children of men"

We were able to obtain lots of information just from watching this short clip. We're told that the film is located in London in the 16th November year 2027 therefore it is set in the future, which implies that the genre is science fiction. This panning shot of the busy streets in London is showing how London has become more culturally diverse as transport is different and similar to Thailand's Tuk tuk. The location is unhygienic and messy with care fumes and old buildings along with rubbish is scattered everywhere. People wearing dark/black clothing are walking mindlessly, suggesting the lack of organisation and care, giving sense of oppression and depression in the city.

The dystopian world in the future is dangerous and grim. The news reporter mentioning closure of the British border, the army occupation of mosque and siege of Seattle suggests war and segregation. We also hear the devastating news on television announcing the death of the World's Youngest person is 18 years old, Baby Diego who was "stabbed". Again, reinforcing the idea of danger and conflict in London in 2027.

It is obvious that the main character is the man entering the coffee shop while everyone else is watching the news. He is scruffy and unbothered by the situation as he appears to be the only person unfocused on the news about the death of Baby Diego while everyone else is engaged and static. The contrast of his action makes him more unique, drawing the audience to this specific character. The camera follows him outside where he adds alcohol into his coffee, suggesting that he could be an alcoholic.