Film opening scenes (3)

   My group and I used our time in class to discuss possible film opening and genres. We have decided to go into researching the thriller and coming-of-age genres. This genre appeals to us the most as it sparked the most ideas from us during our group discussion. I have watched and researched three different film opening scenes that fall under the thriller or coming-of-age genre. I have watched videos on YouTube that explain characteristics of a thriller and coming-of-age so that I can accurately analyze the opening scenes. This research and analysis will help me view possible choices for my opening scene as I learn the characteristics of a thriller film in depth. 

 ”Drive” (2011) 

The first thriller film opening scene that stood out to me was the one from the movie “Drive” that displayed many characteristics of thriller. There was quiet yet suspenseful music. Not scary music but wordless sound that created a feeling of suspense. There was a start off of a voice over. The character's face was not revealed until he was in his car. Before then, the camera panned around the room as we hear the main character on the phone talking about doing a job. There are many moments of long silence, building up suspense. This is a common characteristic for thriller opening scenes as thrillers mostly take time to build the tension.  

There is minimal dialogue, allowing the audience to focus on the actions of the main character played by Ryan Gosling, and his calm, collected, demeaner in such a tense situation. The audience knows the situation is tense due to the other actors' body language. The other actor that gets in his car is dressed in all black, suggesting he is a criminal, and is breathing heavily telling the driver to go. These small details are what make or break an opening scene. The low-key lighting and tight shots of Ryan Gosling's face create a confined mood. The thriller opening scene also includes an unexpected plot twist of a car chase. All these factors contribute to the opening scene and keep the viewers wanting to know what happens next. 

 

The second opening scene that caught my attention is the opening scene from “The dark knight” (2008) a thriller. This film's opening scene also displays a sequence of events that create suspense, display high stakes, and psychological manipulation. This film, much like the previous one “Drive” that I researched, does not immediately reveal the face of the characters. I have realized that keeping the face of the antagonist masked for most of the opening is a common way to create suspense. The audience is forced to then focus on the dialogue as they don't have a face to pair it with creates mystery. 

 ”The dark knight” (2008) 

There are plot twists to this opening scene. The Un expectancy the audience feels creates anticipation. This is no regular bank robbery, the Joker uses his cunning personality, quick thinking, and psychological manipulation to throw off the predictability of what will happen next.  

The shots and angles are also significant as there is an establishing shot of Gotham city, setting the stage. There are close ups and a zoom in on the mask to suggest a classic bank robbery and create first-hand experience of the audience. This is created through the camera being inside the car. The coloring of muted cool tones mixed with low key lighting reflects the tone of the city’s corruption. The cross-cutting keeps the opening scene engaging and exiting. This is a long scene, but it feels fast paced because of the parallel sequences. 

The third film opening scene that interested me is from “Clueless” (1995) a coming-of-age film. This opening scene displayed many characteristics of a coming-of-age film. The opening scene starts with a first-person voice over of the main character introductions her lashing life, although she seems confident there are some hints that she and her life is superficial. This foreshadows her eventual self-discovery and character growth. Themes of self-discovery and character growth are significant in a coming-of-age film. As we get an insight into the main character's life, her big house, the way she talks, and her clothes display themes of materialism and popularity. 

“Clueless” (1995) 

There is a bright color pallet that compliments the high energy mood and Cher’s personality (the main character) the outfit Cher wears is an iconic one as it stands out being bright yellow plaid, reflecting her personality. Her outfit also emphasizes Beverly Hills life and how fashion is used as identity. The montage helps develop the setting. Quick cuts and close ups are used to reflect the fast-paced world of a teenager. 
 

Theres is nostalgic music playing, “kids in America” by Kim Wilde to display high energy of teenagers and youth. Cher’s non diegetic voice over introduces the audience to her humor and personality, bringing the audience to form a connection with her. Her narration also hints at her emotional journey that will go on throughout the film with her narration remarks. The story is told from a teenager's perspective, hinting at a personal growth arc through narration, and the high school setting emphasizes the coming-of-age themes. I will take all of these factors into account when brainstorming my opening scene.