In many ways, the opening sequence of a film is like a starter of a meal. It gives you a taste of, and hopefully prepares you for, good things ahead. Therefore, opening sequences, just like starters, should leave the audience wanting more, not overindulge, just expectant – because, of course, there is still the
main course and desert to come!
The opening sequence should present the audience with the main character and/or characters of the feature. Establish the genre of the film and display the film’s main credits; it’s title, key production members and principal cast members.
Each of these aspects can be presented in intriguing and imaginative ways, and this is what potentially makes a great opening sequence. I will be analysing the presentation of the opening sequence of ‘Office Space’ (1999).
The ‘20th Century Fox’ trademark logo opens the film. This may, to the bigger movie fan, endorse the quality of the feature to come. ‘20th Century Fox’ is one of the six major American film studios, responsible for producing hit after hit with films such as, the unforgettable Romeo + Juliet (1996), Independence Day the highest grossing film of 1996, and the phenomenal Titanic (1997).
Non-diegetic sound, in the form of Perez Prado’s - Mambo #8, is played during the opening scene. The transition between the various camera shots of traffic are synchronised with the tempo of the music, detracting from the reality of the scene. The song is upbeat, funky and invigorating; making toe tapping inevitable. This energetic track captures the audience’s attention instantly and gives an impression towards the tone of the film. The music makes light of a situation that we can all identify as real and frustrating, thus making it integral to the comedic atmosphere of the scene; as without it - for example with the sound muted - the comedic value of the scene is diminished. Conclusively, Office Space demonstrates music is vital during the opening sequence as it reaffirms to the audience the genre of the film, in this case – comedy.
The typeface used to display the key production details confirms the movie genre suggested by the soundtrack. The font features no serifs and as such is informal, friendly and open. It even has a playful aspect to it as it resembles ‘bubble’ writing. The blue colour of the font adds to its affability, particularly since blue has connotations with calm, harmony, tranquillity and confidence. In high contrast to, for example, the Harry Potter typeface which is dark and dangerous and leaves the audience in anticipation, possibly on edge about the uncertainty approaching. Overall Office Space’s font style and colour represents the genre of the film as comedic and sets the tone as calm and relaxed.
In conclusion there are many aspects that are integral to making a good and successful opening sequence. Office Space’s opening sequence ticks all the boxes as it clearly illustrates to the audience, that the film is a comedy, and displays the production details, cast members, main characters and title of the film. In relation to my introductory analogy, this opening sequence is a very successful starter as it leaves the audience hungry for more!
main course and desert to come!The opening sequence should present the audience with the main character and/or characters of the feature. Establish the genre of the film and display the film’s main credits; it’s title, key production members and principal cast members.
Each of these aspects can be presented in intriguing and imaginative ways, and this is what potentially makes a great opening sequence. I will be analysing the presentation of the opening sequence of ‘Office Space’ (1999).
The ‘20th Century Fox’ trademark logo opens the film. This may, to the bigger movie fan, endorse the quality of the feature to come. ‘20th Century Fox’ is one of the six major American film studios, responsible for producing hit after hit with films such as, the unforgettable Romeo + Juliet (1996), Independence Day the highest grossing film of 1996, and the phenomenal Titanic (1997).
Non-diegetic sound, in the form of Perez Prado’s - Mambo #8, is played during the opening scene. The transition between the various camera shots of traffic are synchronised with the tempo of the music, detracting from the reality of the scene. The song is upbeat, funky and invigorating; making toe tapping inevitable. This energetic track captures the audience’s attention instantly and gives an impression towards the tone of the film. The music makes light of a situation that we can all identify as real and frustrating, thus making it integral to the comedic atmosphere of the scene; as without it - for example with the sound muted - the comedic value of the scene is diminished. Conclusively, Office Space demonstrates music is vital during the opening sequence as it reaffirms to the audience the genre of the film, in this case – comedy.
The typeface used to display the key production details confirms the movie genre suggested by the soundtrack. The font features no serifs and as such is informal, friendly and open. It even has a playful aspect to it as it resembles ‘bubble’ writing. The blue colour of the font adds to its affability, particularly since blue has connotations with calm, harmony, tranquillity and confidence. In high contrast to, for example, the Harry Potter typeface which is dark and dangerous and leaves the audience in anticipation, possibly on edge about the uncertainty approaching. Overall Office Space’s font style and colour represents the genre of the film as comedic and sets the tone as calm and relaxed.In conclusion there are many aspects that are integral to making a good and successful opening sequence. Office Space’s opening sequence ticks all the boxes as it clearly illustrates to the audience, that the film is a comedy, and displays the production details, cast members, main characters and title of the film. In relation to my introductory analogy, this opening sequence is a very successful starter as it leaves the audience hungry for more!
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