Openings: Initial Research

In our first lesson with Mr Cole, we watched a variety of openings. Here is what I noticed, in a couple of lines.

Trainspotting

Hard hitting. We are very quickly introduced to the central group of characters and their lifestyle. Drugs are established as a key theme of the film, and the central issue of quitting is raised.

London to Brighton

Again, we meet the central character and we quickly understand the relationship between them. We also get an idea of what the main issue of the piece is, and a general idea of whats going to happen.

Breakfast Club

Upbeat. Introducing the group of friends and we are given a general idea of their personality (ie. which stereotype they fit into) a bit about their background, and the issue that ties them together.

In general, it would seem an opening has to introduce characters, and give the audience some idea of what they can expect throughout the course of them film. A general mood is clearly established from the start, normally by music and mise-en-scene.