opening scene

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Opening Scene Analysis Robert Baker As Level In this PowerPoint I will be looking at the opening scenes of various movies in different genres. Due to copyright issues, numerous links cannot be made to the opening scene. Sorry for the inconvenience . CLICK ON THE POSTER FOR THE OPENING SCENE (note hyperlink will not work if video wasn't permitted)

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MISE EN SCENE Make-shift camp complete with poor living arrangements and old equipment LIGHTING Obviously the only thing we can see is the earth, so the earth is well lit with clear colours Bright sunshine through the trees – brings out the colours of the leaves making them seem vibrant and full of life (surviving) CAMERA Extreme High Angle Long Shot of the earth suggests to us that the movie will be a disaster film, similar opening to “Armageddon” Panning camera shows various shots of nature from different angles EDITING CGI of disasters make the movie more believable Orchestral music crates a sense of power which is echoed throughout the film We Were Warned 2012 “ No matter what happens, we'll all stay together ”

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This is not a love story. This is a story about love. (500) Days Of Summer MISE EN SCENE Children playing – Creates a sense of happiness and tranquillity, a couple having fun and not having anything to worry about. Playground - Creates a visual metaphor about innocence. LIGHTING Sepia tones / Old style camera - Creates a feeling that the whole movie is in the past or in other words, the events that occurred are memories. De-saturated colours – Used to create a dull atmosphere, which reflects the emotions of tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) CAMERA Hand Held – Creates the feeling that all the memories were created by armatures. In the past – The children playing shows that the memories were fun, and also that reflects the storyline, someone talking about their past. EDITING Actors names and titles run asynchronously with the memories Soundtrack non diegetic “Summer, Sid stabbed Nancy, seven times with a kitchen knife, I mean we have some disagreements but I hardly think I'm Sid Vicious”

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Imagine Having To Win Over The Girl Of Your Dreams Every Friggin’ Day 50 First Dates MISE EN SCENE Background of the mountains, location. Exotic. The vibrant colours of most if not all objects in the scene make it seem happy. LIGHTING Bright sunshine very little shadows cast creates a happy and vibrant mood Blue Lights work alongside a blue filter, which fits in with the main characters job and also indicates that somewhere in the movie he may feel “Blue” CAMERA Establishing shot of exotic location again suggests a romance Mid shots of women as they talk show us clearly who is talking and their actions EDITING Soft music creates romantic mood Sound bridges are used to link the story and make it flow (Beach-kitchen etc) “You’re Pablo Picasso. Really? No”

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No Introductions necessary. American Psycho MISE EN SCENE ‘Beauty Pack’ kept in the fridge – Shows us that the main character cares about his appearance. No indications or hints that the man is a killer - Makes it more of a shock when later on in the film we find out exactly who he is. LIGHTING Daylight – Creates verisimilitude, makes us believe that the events are in real life. Blue lighting under tanning bed - makes us uncomfortably close to the character and places us in the same location as him. CAMERA Smooth, no flash cuts and very prolonged shots – creates a sense of emptiness and dullness. EDITING Voice-over of main character talking about his daily routine of getting washed. Seems weird to talk about. Song is faintly heard in background, but there is no way of telling if it is diegetic or non diegetic, however, the music bridges from shot to shot with no interruptions, which would suggest that the music is non diegetic. “I like to dissect girls. Did you know I'm utterly insane?”

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It’s Simple. Kill The Batman . Batman The Dark Knight MISE EN SCENE Guns that are possessed by the jokers minions, creates a powerful overview of their status. Bank manager has shotgun, makes it seem as if the public are more powerful than given credit. LIGHTING Daylight – Creates verisimilitude, makes us believe that the events are in real life. As the light shines through the windows of the bank, it casts a sepia atmosphere CAMERA Quick cuts – Shows speed of operation Placed on a dolly and then moves along with the minion and the manager as he wields his shotgun. EDITING music to add to the tension – heavy bass and strings Gunshot sounds – would have come out muffled if sound was recorded on location. “Why So Serious?”

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We Are At War Battle : LA “Two hours after the first contact, an unidentified enemy has reached our coastlines in a swift and militaristic attack. Right now one thing is clear: The world is at war.” MISE EN SCENE Helicopters and other army vehicles, army uniforms – makes us identify who’s side we are on and pinpoint the era in which the movie is set. LIGHTING Harsh light through windows – diverts our attention onto the characters and their feelings. Night vision - Military cameras CAMERA Quick cuts between night vis shots of attacks Shot reverse shots – between the soldiers in the cabin of the helicopter EDITING music to add to the tension – heavy bass and strings TV voice over

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A chilling, bold, mesmerizing, futuristic detective thriller. Blade Runner “I need ya, Decks. This is a bad one, the worst yet. I need the old blade runner, I need your magic.” MISE EN SCENE Towers shooting fire into the sky, something that wouldn’t happen in day to day life. Futuristic towers and structures transport us into this make believe world. LIGHTING Dark, apart from the flying cars lights, the lights of the towers and its fireballs. CAMERA Long shot / establishing shot of towers, place us high above the events that are occurring, keeping us as an audience “safe”. This is why it’s a shock to us when we are placed in the same room as a stranger. It unnerves us. EDITING Futuristic sounding music and twinkling noises again adding to the futuristic feel. CGI car inserted into scene, of which we follow to the next.

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MISE EN SCENE Lantern – creates a poor ambience to the housing. Mud hut house in a village in famine. LIGHTING Night-time / Sunrise – Earliness of the day, shows that they need to make the most of the hours they have. Light comes out of the lantern and illuminates the hut, creates calm atmosphere. CAMERA Long shots of fishermen doing their daily routine creates calm mood, which is then broken later in the day when the militia attack. EDITING Soundtrack adds to the calmness of the scene. Diegetic music of the militia's stereo as it rolls into the camp. It Will Cost You Everything Blood Diamond “That's a polite way of putting it, ja. Mum was raped and shot and uh... Dad was decapitated and hung from a hook in the barn. I was nine... boo- hoo right ?”

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Leave No Man Behind Black Hawk Down “We can either help, or we can watch a country destroy itself on CNN” MISE EN SCENE Bodies wrapped up in canvas ready to be buried, alongside those about to be prepared. Twisted metal and shrapnel sounds the area LIGHTING Dawn, shows the new day and the potential for a new beginning, but the death reveals that it’s going to be the same as always, with little hope of peace CAMERA Slow pan across dead bodies lets us get a good look at them (or not) Grey-ish blue filter is used on the camera to give a cold and empty appearance, symbolising death EDITING Facts appear over images of dead bodies – lets us know the background to the war Soundtrack playing originates from Somalia, setting the scene

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Bond James Bond Casino Royale MISE EN SCENE Poor village in an obviously poor and corrupt country with poor people sets the style of the movie – juxtaposition to the rest of the film. Bond and his partner have ear pieces equipped – technology LIGHTING Antagonist is amongst a crowd, he is shadowed by them, making him appear hidden whereas bond is atop a roof, clear in the sun which makes him appear powerful or godlike C AMERA High angle shot are used to show the area, making the free running scene seem larger. Close up shots show us the characters emotions clearly which helps us understand the status of the character. EDITING Fast paced cuts, typically found in action films to make the action seem faster Voice over puts us inside the characters heads “I've got a little itch, down there. Would you mind ?”

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In Vietnam The Wind Doesn’t Blow It Sucks Full Metal Jacket MISE EN SCENE Scene opens with new recruits getting their hair shaved off, emotionless faces show last resort. Desperation. Everyone has the same uniform on, showing their equality. LIGHTING Plain colours matched by plain lights, faces are fully illuminated fully, showing their emotion. Light comes in through the windows at the billets. CAMERA The camera follows the DI around, this shows his importance and makes us focus on him and what he is saying. Close up low angleon the DI’s face when he is standing over the injured soldier. Makes him look powerful. EDITING Soundtrack played when shaving hair scene is taking place, however the sound of the razor still precedes the sound of the music. “Only two things come out of Texas, steers and queers! And you don’t look like a steer to me!”

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Everything Will Change Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire MISE EN SCENE The gravestones and the graveyard symbolise death hinting what is to come The costumes adopted by Voldermort’s followers are dark and plain, showing their soulnessness LIGHTING Owner’s torch creates a lot of shadows, indicating that something may be hidden Light on owner’s face as the spell is cast onto him makes it look realistic CAMERA High angle looking down on snake shows the length of it as It moves across the floor POV shots as the farmer moves up the stairs, puts us in his position which makes us feel scared EDITING Classical music plays, seems mystical which is a reference to the narrative Harry Potter theme is instantly recognisable as titles appear “I'll show you mine if you show me yours .”

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There Are Heroes There Are Superheroes And Then There’s… Hancock MISE EN SCENE Empty bottles of alcohol suggest Hancock’s problem TV’s showing high speed chase indicate where the next section of the scene will take place LIGHTING Harsh sunlight and plain colours put symbolise Hancock's hangover Glare of the sun – Obviously, as he was not really flying, there are numerous lights shone onto Smith to mimic the suns rays CAMERA Fast cuts are used to represent the action in an attempt to disorient the audience Gyroscopic camera rotates around Hancock as he flies, putting us in the sky with him EDITING Soundtrack “Move Bitch” plays as he flies As he lands in the car the roof rips open, obviously edited in later on in production “Call me asshole, one more time…”

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They Are Going To Bust Your Arse Hot Fuzz MISE EN SCENE Police uniforms and cars – verisimilitude Interview room in which we are introduced LIGHTING Natural daylight sets the time of day Blue lights from police sirens show law enforcement CAMERA Fast paced action forces the camera to constantly cut to different shots, which disorientates us as an audience Over the shoulder shots between the 3 characters in the opening conversation EDITING Voice over, sound bridge etc. connects the main character’s background story to the main narrative Fast paced tempo music makes the scene fast “ Y arp”

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Some Guys Just Can’t Handle Vegas The Hangover MISE EN SCENE Used to create a wedding like scene with a lot of white, clean colours shown Juxtaposition – The dirty appearance of the men and the harsh sunlight of the desert create a totally different atmosphere LIGHTING Harsh lighting of the desert disillusions us and makes it hard to keep our eyes open, mimicking characters feelings Reflectors used to make Phil stand out against the background (blurred) CAMERA Shots of different locations and different objects Close ups show emotion and juxtaposition of the characters feelings EDITING Voice over of recorded messages tell us that the characters location is unknown “WHAT IS GOING ON?”

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Your Mind Is The Scene Of The Crime Inception MISE EN SCENE Totem and gun placed on table indicates the variety of the film Cobbs costume looks a lot like that seen in the hit game “Hitman” the suit and tie instantly makes us connect him to power. LIGHTING Dark areas of the room create shadows and the sense that something is being kept hidden. Gold room represents wealth, lights coming from chandeliers. CAMERA The camera cuts between the various dreams, pulling us through the worlds which helps us to understand what is happening. Close ups of faces show emotion and also represent the person who is dreaming EDITING The beginning of the story is also the end as Cobb is in “limbo”. Dark ominous strings are heard continuously throughout the movie, this creates a foreboding sense of doom. Edith Piaf’s “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” – the kick that wakes Cobb and his crew “Where’d the train come from?!”

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We’re In The Nazi Killing Business, And Business Is A Boomin’ Inglorious Bastards MISE EN SCENE Costumes show the status of the characters for example, the mans costume looks ragged and worn, whereas the daughters looks somewhat more elegant. As the characters are chopping wood and hanging out clothing this shows that they are of a poorer background. LIGHTING Plain clear daytime colours create a sense of calm which makes the following scene more of a shock to us. Inside the house has lots of shadows and dark lighting. This suggests that something is hidden or doesn’t want to be found. CAMERA Mid shots of the characters introduce us to their social status and position in the household. Over the shoulder shot looking at the Nazi car creates an eye line match letting us know that she has identified the vehicle. EDITING Soundtrack plays over scene making it seem surreal and peaceful. Sound of Nazi cars exaggerated to makes them seem powerful and forceful “each man owes me one, hundred Nazi scalps! And I want my scalps”

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Welcome To The Suck Jarhead MISE EN SCENE White walls create contrast when put behind soldiers. Could indicate a new beginning. Contrast in basic army uniforms to the DI’s more elaborate uniform, which is different to the rest. LIGHTING Bright daylight simply shows realism, no special lighting effects were used in the first scene. CAMERA Close up of Swafford's face show emotion / emotionless face as he is shouted at by the DI. Slightly swaying camera as we look at Swafford’s face represents disorientation. EDITING Voice over of Swafford talking, taken straight from the book, introduces us to the story and gives us a view of how he feels, which enables us to make a connection. Titles appear over film, “JARHEAD” appears in bold stencilled letters as the film opens. “This is my rifle, there are many like it but this one is mine, without my rifle I am nothing, without me, my rifle is nothing”

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In War The First Casualty Is Innocence Platoon MISE EN SCENE Soldiers leaving “The Nam” – Their voices are overshadowed by the soundtrack, but they give Charlie Sheen’s character some words of advice, which stick with us throughout the film. There is a contrast between the two costumes, which show “Fresh Meat” entering the theatre. LIGHTING As in jarhead the lighting is basic, but as they enter the jungle the light becomes VERY natural with light only penetrating through the tree tops, making the characters seem ant-like in other words powerless. CAMERA Close up shots of various characters show their restriction Shots kept close to the squad make us an invisible member and puts us in the same situation as they are EDITING CLASSIC soundtrack played (One of my favourites) to introduce us to the story, I love the way the strings are played so that it makes us feel sympathy for the characters. “You’re gonna love the ‘Nam… for ever.”

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Four Perfect Killers. One Perfect Crime. Now All They Have To Fear Is Each Other Reservoir Dogs MISE EN SCENE The Ray Bans and cigarettes show their confidence and secrecy. This is a great introduction to a character as it makes us want to find out more. The simplicity of the walk is incredibly effective, and the background is so simple, that the scene, although short, allows us to focus on the characters. LIGHTING Daylight – again keeps the scene simple makes it look realistic Reflectors used to highlight the characters as the camera focuses on them CAMERA Long shot of men walking give us an overall view of their costumes and status Close up of men as their names come up link the actors to the characters EDITING Actors names and titles appear over famous “walk scene” Slow motion used to dramatise and exaggerate the walk “You don't need proof when you have instinct.”

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It Ain’t Over ‘Til I t’s Over Rocky Balboa MISE EN SCENE LIGHTING Night time scenes of the city show only the lights piercing the night sky. CAMERA The camera is constantly moving, showing energy and determination, I think that this may have been developed to reflect Rocky’s famous running scene. EDITING Titles appear in contrast to the dark background. Soundtrack plays non- diagetically “You don't need proof when you have instinct.”

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MISE EN SCENE Memorial garden with memorial headstones Families casual clothes and the camera, show that this isn't a formal place LIGHTING Daylight – shows realism, lets us understand that this is real In the boat the characters seem green-ish, which matches old footage of the landing CAMERA Close up of the US flag – shows patriotism and our protagonists nationality Extreme close up of old mans face then cuts to tom hanks – shows us variations in time EDITING Patriotic music – typically found in war films to give us an understanding of the genre The Mission Is a Man Saving Private Ryan “Get off the beach!”

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Someone Is Missing Shutter Island MISE EN SCENE DiCaprio is being sick in the opening scene, I think instantaneously that this is a metaphor for his illness. When he exits the bathroom and meets his partner, they are in matching uniforms, which represents authority. LIGHTING Very dull and dark colours, reflect the twisted nature of the film. The overcast sky allows us to focus on the contrasted characters. CAMERA Close up of mirror allows us to feel as he does while he is feeling seasick and claustrophobic. Mid and two shots show us the two characters in full view and lets us focus on their conversation. EDITING Rain over the island, as well as the island itself. Adds to the realism if we see the actual size of the island. “The woman drowned her kids! She should be gassed”

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You Will Be Unprepared Sucker Punch MISE EN SCENE Baby-Dolls costume seems simple and in a way, make shift, this shows her status in society. She is also in contrast to her father, who is tall, powerful, strong, mean and smartly dressed. LIGHTING Dark areas involving shadows, reflect on the overall narrative of the film. “Lighting” outsides suggests a storm, bad weather, again possibly a metaphor for the narrative. CAMERA The camera starts of in a theatre and then makes its way down the isle to then pan round and we are transported into Baby-Dolls room. There are numerous slow motion sections, this makes the scene seem prolonged. EDITING Voice over of Baby-Doll talking, this introduces us to her character “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything”

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Putting the F back in Freedom Team America MISE EN SCENE Uniforms – both the uniforms of TA and the terrorists help us distinguish sides. The clothes worn by the locals indicate that we are in France. LIGHTING Lights were used to create a realistic sense of daylight, which makes us believe that it really is daytime, and not a studio set. CAMERA Opens with a puppeteer controlling, well… puppets, I think that apart from being a parody of the film, it is also a secret message, possibly suggesting how we are controlled by a higher authority. Obviously the camera was close up when this was filmed, I think its clever how the cinematographer managed to create all the regular shots from the close up. EDITING Every time a character talks on screen, a voice over had to be matched. Patriotic soundtrack as team America are introduced. “It will be 9/11 times 2356. My God, that's... I don't even know what that is! Nobody does!”

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B-ELI-EVE The Book Of Eli MISE EN SCENE Dead survivor (irony) being eaten by the cat, shows a reversed food chain. And fight for survival. Gas mask and radiation equipment shows the unliveable conditions in which we are placed. LIGHTING Light coming through the trees and shining on the dead body. There is no clear sun, only a wall of light. CAMERA Pans across the dead body and then focuses on the cat feasting. Close up of gas mask as the wearer focuses on his target. EDITING Sound of cat when it is hit by the arrow, makes it sound painful to us. Breathing of Eli in the gas mask seems calm, which puts our confidence in him. “I always thought I’d find a place where this book belonged. I haven’t found it yet”

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Welcome To The Grid Tron: Legacy MISE EN SCENE Placed on Sam’s shelf are toys of the “Tron” games, this lets us know the kind of movie we expect to see. This is supported by posters. Also the fathers story, which Sam believes is make believe, however he is telling him the story of how he has designed the perfect system. The grid. LIGHTING Blue lighting mirrors the neon lights used throughout the scene. Lights shone onto the house, making it seem more significant. CAMERA Birds eye view looking down on the city, pans across focusing on the street, then rotates to the left to reveal the title and connect us to the next section of the scene. EDITING CGI of “the grid” being constructed as Flynn tells his son a story. Which then turns into the real world, showing the connection made later on in the film. Voice over of Flynn telling his child the story of the grid. “The game has changed, son of Flynn”

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Justice Is Coming To All Of Us. No Matter What We Do Watchmen MISE EN SCENE Zach Snyder made sure every aspect was covered when he directed watchmen, for example, the pictures on the wall match those in the comic book. Even the smiley face on the Comedian's gun was engraved specially. LIGHTING Dark, lots of shadows were created to hide the attackers face, creating a sense of secrecy and deceit. The light of the buildings surrounding the apartment really depict the height that the comedian falls from. CAMERA Sharp cuts and various angles make the scene move quickly, it keeps the flow of the scene and makes us become disorientated as the comedian is as he becomes more and more beaten. EDITING “Swooshing” sounds as punches are thrown emphasise the power in the throw. Gunshot slowed down and echoed to make it seem more powerful and far missed. “You don’t need to be a genius to see the world has problems”

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Nut Up Or Shut Up Zombie Land MISE EN SCENE Ordinary people getting attacked by zombies, shows contrast. Obviously represented in costume. Locations all over America. Shows a spreaded infection. LIGHTING Daylight, showing realism. Just makes it seem more “real”. Foreground characters are pulled forward out of the scene, which makes us focus on their struggle. CAMERA Slow motion. Allows us to focus for longer. Mid shots – Longs shots show the full body. EDITING Soundtrack played over horrific scenes, adds a comical effect to the destruction. Titles are destroyed by the various survivors, for example, when the window is smashed by the crowbar. “In there is a box of Twinkies, not just Twinkies THE last, box of Twinkies. Believe it or not, Twinkies have a best before date”