Genre Opening Analysis

Genre Opening Analysis

In todays lesson we watched three movie openings and analysed them using DISTINCT. 

We were then asked to go and find 2 of our own movie openings and use DISTINCT to analyse them ourselves.

The first film opening I have chosen is Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels by Guy Ritchie.

Setting- British City, industrial area, alleyway
Theme- Comedy, Illegal distribution
Icons- Suitcase, Cigarettes, Stolen goods
Narrative- Illegal actions, gambling, violence
Characters- Ed, Bacon, Police officers, Civilians
Text Analysis -Shaky camera makes it exciting, Bright filter attract attention, Sellers personality is comedic, Slow motion scene with narration over it

The opening to the film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels shows and sets the scene on the alleyway most likely situated in an industrial area of a city with the camera shots being almost Point of View based as an amateur film. This makes the scene more excitable and makes it appear that you are actually there. This adds to the atmosphere of the bidding of the illegal goods and makes you connect with Bacon and laugh alongside his witty remarks.

Furthermore the slow motion scene later in the opening helps to set almost the 'cool' atmosphere of the film as the two primary protagonists get presented with a an over narration. This again helps to build on the very British basis of the film and allows the scene to be set easily.



As part of the lesson we looked over three different movies. The first movie was Harry Brown.

Setting- London, Late night, Suburban, Early morning
Theme- Gang affairs, Murder, Delinquency
Icons- Drugs, Gun, Motorbike
Narrative- Gang affairs, Violence
Characters- Teenagers, Gang members, Mother
Text analysis-
Camera POV makes the audience feel like they experiencing the live action of the scene and works very well as part of the motorbike scene as it adds to the 'excitement'. The amateur film aspect also adds to this as it again makes you feel like you are actually there
The dark cinematography in the tunnel sets the scene of the atmosphere of the events occurring and also foreshadows the events that occur the morning afterwards.


The second movie we analysed was Guardians of the Galaxy.

Setting- Space age with contrasting 1970-80's technology blending with the Sci-Fi technologies
Theme- Comedy and Sci-Fi
Icons- Walkman, Blue globe light, Jet boots
Narrative- A blend of comedy, action and Sci-Fi elements in one story that has intertwined references throughout to old technology.
Characters- Currently non-introduced protagonist that appears to be cheerful yet equipped for action.
Text analysis-
The cinematography of the entire opening scene is that to make the protagonist appear to be dancing and enjoying himself to encapsulate the audience with the excitement of the scene. Furthermore the music being played is one that could be nostalgic and 'catchy' to people and so encourages audience activity and lets the audience feel more connected to the protagonist and care about his actions.
Lastly the text displayed on the screen for the opening title and credits is that that is reminiscent of past Sci-Fi movies with the neon light feel and so again shows the blend of old ideas and technology and new ideas and technology in the movie.