Evaluation of Opening Sequences - Form and Function

i) What forms can opening sequences take? Can you list the conventional features of opening sequences?

- Opening sequences are all unique in their own ways and they are created in a certain way to relate and get forward the genre and type of film it is. They do however, have conventional questions answered that appear in most opening sequences, just in different ways; Who, what, where and when. They introduce where the story is located, and include establishing shots usually to give the viewer a good idea of where the story is set. When the film is usually set in the start of the film, with the environment and people in it usually giving an idea to whether the film is set in the past or is more contemporary, or even in the future. The who is answered by introduction of the main characters and their personalities, as well as their roles in the film. The what is the plot, which is not always uncovered in the opening sequence but is often hinted at with many signs.

ii) What narrative functions of opening sequences can you identify?

- The opening sequence doesn't give away the plot but introduces it in an attractive way so that the viewer wants to watch on. It sometimes introduces it straight away, but often is introduces the characters and setting first to set the scene of the film, and give an insight to the characters. It makes the viewer wonder the rest of the story without making the story obvious, to make them watch on. the characters are introduced, but their past is usually not, especially if it contains something relevant to the unfolding of the story, giving a vague appearance of the characters. The opening usually informs us of what and where the film starts from, so that we can relate to it and understand it more.

iii) What do audiences gain from watching the opening sequence?

- The audience understand the aspects that affect the story from watching the opening sequence, and then can decide if they want to continue watching the film. The opening sequence usually excites or compels the audience in such a way that they want to continue watching the film. They take in what happens in the film by gaining knowledge of the location, time and characters in the film, and guess what the outcome could be, and then find out by continuing the film.

iv) What do film-makers gain from including an opening sequence?
- Film-makers can gain from including an opening sequence as it sets the scene of the film, introducing the characters and location. This sets the base of the film up so that the rest of the film can be continued swiftly without needing to explain and inform each of the factors individually, which takes up time. The opening sequence can also be used to fit conventional genres and can portray a certain genre by the shots used, as well as the music and lighting combined with the location and characters. The opening sequence of an action-adventure film for example, would need to be so gripping and exciting that the audience wants to watch the rest and find out the resolution, or even just the main problem.