JH: Film Openings: Research

JH: Film Openings: Research:

Hot Fuzz:

• The first thing to comment on would be recognising the films genre being a comedy/ action. This is crucial to recognise a films genre in order to view how its techniques are used accordingly.
• One of the first effects that this intro has on the audience would be the suspense before the start of the montage. This is done in the clip by using a long shot of the character (Nicolas Angel) walking towards the camera including a slow zoom and an increase in volume (crescendo). Until he reaches the camera to break the tension using dialogue in an eye level shot. Reasons why I particularly like this technique is that it creates suspense among the audience which can be used to improve the quality of a film in all genre, especially horror.
• The fading in credits also appeal to me as they are simplistic yet introduce the film throughout a suspense, to grab the audience.
• The next technique that is evidently effective in the opening of Hot Fuzz would be the montage effect used to describe the accomplishments of the character (Nicolas Angel) which is accompanied by use of voice-over by the character as well as soundtrack being 80's hit Goody Two Shoes by Adam Ant. The use of a montage including varied matched cuts to scenarios in a characters life is something that I feel could be effectively replicated in the horror film in order to position the audience on the main characters side as well as giving a basic character overview which links to the films plot.
• The use of props and mise-en-scene throughout the extract also highlights how effective it is to represent the genre, as in the clip police uniform and training scenarios are shown. This could simply be replicated in a horror film and would reinforce the genre with use of different kinds of props such as weapons etc.

The Dark Knight:

• In the intro of Batman: The Dark Knight, the director Christopher Nolan has decided to show credits before the film begins. This unique style combined with the eary mood created from the soundtrack and colour (being blue) which highlights the genre of the film before it has started. In a horror film this technique could be used well to set the mood similar to that in The Dark Knight however instead of famous film brands the credits would have to include members in our group.
• The next noticeable technique which could be imitated in our production would be the use of sound to create tension, as in the extract the music begins with non-diegetic sound of a clock ticking, which then progressiveness grows into a denser and tense soundtrack throughout the intro before the climax where the robbery commences.
• Mise-en-scene is prominently used throughout the intro to add mystery and suspense to reinforce the films genre being action/thriller. For example, I like the use of props and costume on the antagonists as they all wear antique style clown masks not only to hide their identity but also to emphasise the mood of the thriller. The use of masks also adds suspense to the unveiling of the prime antagonist being the joker, who is found out to be one of the bank robbers. This technique could be emulated in our production with similar use of masks, but of different design to highlight the horror genre to the audience.
• The camera techniques in this extract also create a smooth and continuous plot, one thing used by Nolan that is note worthy is the cross-cutting between two lines of action between the two groups of antagonist which offers the audience different perspectives on the opening plot.
• The cutting rate used is also interesting as it adds suspension which is key for its genre. In the extract the cutting rate starts off slow and then gradually increases to build tension which is accompanied by the dynamics of the sound used. This would be useful to use in our production as tension is not only key for thrillers but it is also key for horror films to grab the audiences attention.

Slumdog Millionaire:

• The camera techniques used in this opening sequence are what appeal to me most. The use of a freeze-frame to introduce the title, is a technique that can be manipulated in all genres including horror and may be worthwhile investigating for our production.
• I also like the use of handy-cam and high cutting rates to bring the audience into a high pace film, which could be replicated for a horror film in the form of a chase sequence. In addition to this the fast cuts between long shot to medium shots make the extract seamless and add visceral pleasure for the audience.
• The sound in the extract also reinforces the cultural genre of the film, as it is Indian music by A.R. Rahman. This music seems fitting in accompany to the slum location being Dharavi. Another point to make about the music would be the use of drums and the increase of tempo when the chase sequence begins to emphasise the mood and genre. This technique may also be emulated in a horror chase sequence to effectively create tension among the audience.
• I like the use of mise-en scene in this extract. At the start props are used to primarily highlight location, genre and characters. For example the location being a dump near a shanty town in India as well as the young boys clothing being worn out highlights how the film starts in a place of poverty which is crucial to the films plot and genre. In our own production clothing could be used to highlight how the character is an average person yet juxtaposed to a horror situation, furthermore location could be crucial in our production, as our project is of a horror genre a desolate location should be used to reinforce the mood, for example a dark forest or abandoned house.
• All in all, this sequence has highlighted techniques and the effectiveness of a chase sequence to reinforce genre as is evident. As a result experimentation for a chase sequence in our production must be done.