Genre

Today we were asked to use DISTINCT, which stands for:

Describe

In detail

Setting

Theme

Icons

Narrative

Characters

Textual Analysis

 to analyse opening scenes to movies. I first analysed Harry Brown, the first thing you notice is the point of view camera. It gives the movie a handheld, amateur feel, much like 'The Blair Witch Project' which consists mainly of handheld filmed scenes, the film tries to continue from the success of the British film industry by incorporating realism by using a hand held movie approach to show how the film realistically displays London society . 

With dark scenes and fast paced camera work there is an element of unknown towards the opening scene. The only real detail we can gather from the opening scene is the fact that there are typically looking hooded 'Chavs'. The distinct suburban feel and scenes paired with the graffiti and distinct London accents gives off the impression that Harry Brown is set in London. 

The camera work draws attention to many key icons in the opening scene, the first being the light bulb that the main protagonist smokes drugs from. This paired with the fast shaky camera work makes us feel as if we are the character that is on drugs. Moreover there is a lot attention drawn to the gun, which suggests that the film has a violent undertone, with possible killings involved. 

The constant cutting of the scenes gives a very manic feel to the movie which also makes us feel the effect of the drugs. Also another key icon in the movie is the pram that the mother is seen pushing. It makes the audience automatically have an emotional connection to the woman, as she is a mother and is killed in the opening scene setting a dark story-line from the offset of the movie.

Guardians of The Galaxy

The opening scene gives the movie and very dark moody feel, with the opening scene taking place in a cavernous setting. It has man old fashion objects mixed with newer, futuristic objects, such as the 80's Walkman and the futuristic jet-pack and also the neon lighting text throughout the opening scene is not futuristic at all.

The main protagonist in the opening scene is displayed as childish, when he is seen kicking the rat like animals in the cavern. This paired with his singing gives more of a comedy feel than a sci-fi. At the end of the opening scene a mystery glowing object is shown, this icon gives the movie a mystery feel from the offset.

What Lies Beneath
The entire opening scene is one giant build up of suspense, with subtle yet creepy music playing in the background, a glimpses of a figure in the mirror, the movie puts its audience on edge right from the off.

When the main character of the scene asks 'What do you want?!' the paranormal entity replies by using the condensation of the mirror, saying 'You know' which is a very 'clique' for paranormal horror, however it gives a clear indication to the genre of the film and also creates suspense for the audience.