Opening Sequences

Opening Sequences

Toy Story 2

This opening sequence starts with the opening titles and then goes straight to a tracking shot, and then a close up, of Buzz Lightyear. The camera also uses long shots in this scene to show the background and setting for the scene. Most of the shots use a straight cut as a transition, but there are some shots where the camera pans up or down to follow the movement of the character. The opening scene is fast paced which goes well with the upbeat music, making the music parallel to what is happening in the scene. Also, the sound is non-diegetic so sound effects have been added in over the scene to make the story interesting for the age group. This opening scene uses low-key lighting to show the contrast between the setting and characters. The costumes used represent the toy characters well and because it is a cartoon, no real actors are shown so the speaking is a voice-over. This scene has been edited well because it is set in space but then goes back to the bedroom to show the scene opened in a video game.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

This opening scene uses more level close up and mid shots of characters but also includes some tracking shots. The music begins a little way into the scene and sound quite eary, like something dramatic could happen soon. It includes diegetic sounds, without extra sound effects being heard. The editing uses the 180 degree rule for when the actors are talking and straight cut transitions are used. The dialogue in this opening scene is serious which gives you an idea of the genre being a thriller, along with the dark lighting used. The girl in the film has an extreme costume which shows she is different. The other character is Daniel Craig which shows that the genre may be an action or thriller.

Star Wars- Return of the Jedi

This opening scene uses extreme long shots to show the setting in space and there are also close ups of people talking. The transitions are usually straight cuts although the camera pans up and down sometimes to show follow the movement of objects and characters. The sound effects are non-diegetic and the dramatic music is parallel with the vast setting but is quite dramatic for the slow pace of this scene. The music used is a well-known Star Wars theme tune. The mise en scene suggests that the film will not always be as slow paced as this scene but that the scene is just introducing the setting and characters. Dark lighting is used and many people are in soldier-like costumes, whilst others are in space-like costumes, including Darth Vader, which suggests the sci-fi/ action genre of the film.