The Dark Knight Opening Sequence

Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Released: 2008
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger and Aaron Eckhart

The start of this opening shows the back of a man on the corner of a street holding a clown mask at a mid shot low angle.  The main focus is on this mask which immediately shows the audience that clowns are going to be a  main feature throughout this film. This feature then becomes more apparent when a car pulls up and the men inside are all wearing clown masks as well. They're talking about the robbery that is about to take place and mention the name of the head guy, 'the joker', which immediately makes the audience ask who the joker is and how they are going to get away with it. At the same time there is the use of high angles and low angles as other robbers are making their way across the city on a high wire, which also establishes the setting for the film. There are no credits in this opening. The concentration is all on the main bank robbery.
The lighting is mainly natural with only some key lighting within the actual bank. The only colour present in the opening is that of the school buses at the end and the colours on the clown masks which makes them stand out and be the main focus of the film.
At the end, the joker reveals himself, as an extreme close up and we immediately recognise this face and know that this man is going to be a main focus through the rest of the film.

Juno Opening Sequence

Genre: Romantic Comedy
Released: 2007
Directed by: Jason Reitman
Starring: Ellen Page, Michael Cera and Jennifer Garner

The video above of the Juno opening sequence doesn't actually show the start of the opening where the scene for the film is set and important information that the audience need to know will be revealed. We learn that the main character Juno, who is using a voice over to tell us the story, likes a guy at her school and they decide to have sex together. However, we later learn that she has become pregnant which is the bases for the rest of the film. The main part of the opening, which is featured above, is the credits and opening song. If you listen to the lyrics, it fits in with the relationship theme of the film and the fact that the main character only wants this boy; 'All I Want is You'.
The sequence goes from reality into a cartoon strip, where the different frames have been drawn over to create the unusual effect. This helps to establish the audience as being younger, with the childish like drawings and also makes it more fun and interesting for the audience to look at.
The opening follows a girl drinking Sunny D, so we immediately recognise her as the main character and the Sunny D drink is relevant shortly after when she takes a pregnancy test. The credits are also presented throughout the whole opening, not all in one place, which adds variety and keeps the main focus on the actual opening. There are also boys running in the background every now and again throughout the sequence, the colour of their shorts stands out against the dim coloured background and we later learn that these are the group of boys that Junos 'lover' runs with every morning and they feature as a main theme throughout the film.

Cleaner Opening Sequence Analysis

Genre: Crime/Thriller
Released: 2007
Directed by: Renny Harlin
Starring: Samuel.L.Jackson, Eva Mendes, Ed Harris

This film opening shows many narrative functions. It introduces us to the main character and what he does for a living. This is shown through the use of a voice over coming from the main character, which becomes more clear as the opening sequence progresses. He uses the first person narrative, me, I etc, to show he is talking about himself. The credits of the opening appear on the image, they're not placed on a different shot on a plain coloured background, and they aren't all shown all at once, they are spaced out along the sequence, to keep it simple and not throw too much information at the audience in one go.
The use of a sound bridge at the beginning of the opening, makes the production company name less boring to look at on its own and also gives the audience a feel to what might be coming up next in the opening and for the film itself.
There is also an establishing shot that allows the audience to see the setting for the film. It is a modern city and the colour looks as if it has been washed out, suggesting a more dull, dismal city, as opposed to a more lively, vibrant one. The camera mainly stays at lower or higher angles, to get a better perspective on different situations, and also to hide the main characters face until the end of the opening when a close up shot of his face is used to tell the audience that this was the man speaking and this is the face that you need to remember, because he is the main character.
At the beginning the camera follows the characters at a low angle, whilst the sinister music continues to play, suggesting something is about to happen and keeps the suspense building. The music and the short story also help to show the main themes and style of the film. It shows the film is based around death and the music helps to show that it's mysterious and sinister, as if something in the film is not going to be right. The shots are simple and kept in an everyday life flat, with no additional lighting. The only other place the camera moves to is the cleaners van and the street outside, this avoids confusion and doesn't add too much to the film too soon; it spreads it across the film.
However, after the short story introduction, the line, 'death is tragic', different music begins to play, which is more up beat and jazzy, explaining the good sides of death. The music is contrapuntal, as it is a happy song, being played to a sombre situation. This change of music could represent the characters feelings towards his job and also the fact that he isn't ashamed about the way he feels. The lyrics, 'tell me something good', also fit in with the side of the story the voice over is now telling, which is the good side of death and the benefits people get from it. There is also the us of graphic match. In the van, the character lifts up a sheet and shakes it, this then becomes a sheet inside the house that he is shaking down onto a table. This more up beat side to the opening suggests to the audience that it is no longer as sinister as before, but is still a mystery as to why we need to know about this mans job in order to watch the rest of the film.

Secrets and Lies-THIRTEEN

Mise-en-scene: A group of older gentlemen in business suits, all centred into the middle of the scene. The oldest looking one is in the middle, in front of the others, on a chair. This suggests he is the centre of attention and that he is in a higher position/role than the others, or that this picture could be specially taken for him. The suits make them seem more formal and that they either all work together or they are a family. They are all wearing similar suits with the same coloured ties except the man at the front, which would link them together and makes them seem more like brothers, than business partners. The bald man at the left of the shot, glances at this watch, shows he doesn't really wish to be here and is uncomfortable with the situation and wants it to end.

Light and Sound: The light is coming from the centre and doesn't light up anyone and take the focus to anyone seperately, so the focus is on the group as a whole. The only talking comes from the photographer who is trying to get the men to be more energetic and smile, as they are looking slightly bored and lifeless.

Britishness: Classic british working men.

Colour: The mens suits are dull, so they don't really stand out and you focus on everyone as a whole group. The men at the backs red ties links them together and adds a hint of colour to the shot.

Stereotypical: Boring, british, working men.

Secrets and Lies-TWELVE

Mise-en-scene: The lady is wearing seductive lingerie, with a greek-esque props in the background to set the scene for the picture. Her hair is in an old-fashioned style to show the year of the shoot. Lying on a white table to empower in the picture. The greek-style props contrast with the position and dress of the woman in the centre.

Lighting and Sound: Dialogue of the camera man and then the giggles of the woman and her speech, shows she's not taking this very seriously, it's all a bit of a laugh. Then the flash and click of the camera.

Britishness: The accent.

Colour: The white table and props make the scene seem angelic and pure, but then the woman is wearing black lingerie which contrasts with the props, as the lingerie is not as subtle and sweet as the white.

Stereotypical: Lady who still wants to act like she is younger than she really is.

Secrets and Lies-ELEVEN

Mise-en-scene: Young boy sitting on a lavish chair, which matches the colour of his formal clothing. The lady in the background, possibly his mother, she's positioning the child to sit where he needs to be for the photo. the chair is positioned in the centre but the boy is sitting towards the left to add a bit of difference.

Light and Sound: Sound of the photographer and the mother talking to each other and the child, who doesn't have any dialogue; his facial expressions are more of a concentration. the light i coming from the centre, with it all focused on the child.

Britishness: Posh, wealthy-looking, young boy.

Colour: Dull background, makes the child and the chair stand out. The childs waistcoat is the brightest red out of the whole shot and so the audiences attention is drawn to him, and the top half of his body so that we aren't drawn away from his facial expressions. The 'mother' is wearing duller colours that are more informal to suggest she is not taking part in this shoot, she's just watching and doesn't have as much importance as the child.

Stereotypical: Wealthy, little boy

Secret and Lies-TEN

Mise-en-scene :identical blue dresses on each of the children. Stands out against the dark background. Lady that works there is wearing dull clothing and blends into the background. The mothers dress is slightly dull but still has the blue color to show she’s associated with the girls in the centre. Work ladys hair is scruffy and tied back to show shes busy and at work compared to the mothers hair which has had more time and care put into it the girls hair is all identical and neat and tidy, and is being cared for thorughout the extract. The triplets hands are all linked showing their bond and they all link towards the girl in the centre suggesting she’s the oldest of the three. The two women on the edge are symmetrical in the way they are positioned and sat , creating the focus of the scene, the girls in the centre. Mum looks proud and the worker looks tired and not very interested in the mothers story. Two of the triplets look jealous of the sister in the centre getting all the attention. Makes you wonder where the father is in all of this?

Sound and light: Two lights behind focus in on the triplets to add to the main focus of the scene which is them. Light coming in from above and filler lights on the side to soften the faces. The light casts a shadow over the worker to show she’s less important to the scene and the light is more focused on the mother who is telling a story. Sounds of the mother talking about how she conceived the children showing she is comfortable with the other lady in the scene. And there is sounds of fussing over the triplets, to show they are still setting up for the actual photo. Cannot hear the male voice of the photographer like you can in other scenes. adds to the fact they’re not ready for the picture yet.

Britishness: ballerinas. British girls take ballet classes when they were younger. Mothers british accent. Proud british mother.

Colour: dark background. Triplets stand out in the blue. Lady that works there is wearing dull clothing and blends into the background. The mothers dress is slightly dull but still has the blue color to show she’s associated with the girls in the centre. Triplets white shoes stand out against the dark flooring also.

Stereotypes: classic blonde ballerinas. Typical mother in background trying to push her children to greatness as well to the front of the picture. Possibly single mum trying to do good by her daughters to make up for no father, possibly spoiling them?

Secrets and Lies-NINE

Mise-en-scene: The two ladies at the back are more immature than the one at the front, judging on their positions leaning forward with their tongues hanging out. The one at the front is positioned more seductively to show her being more grown up and likes to show off her body more. All the women are grouped into the centre meaning all are centre of attention.

Lighting and Sound: Ladies are laughing to help add a light atmosphere to the shot. Speaking from the photographer and then the flash and click of the camera.

Britishness: A group of good friends having a good time together.

Colour: Two women are wearing black which blends into the background and contrasts with the woman wearing blue. Makes the audience question as to why she is wearing a different colour to the other two.

Stereotypical: older ladies still out having fun with a young mind.

Secrets and Lies-EIGHT

Mise-en-scene: Man is central to the shot. He is wearing a fake moustache which shows a side of his character that is still humurous but is used ironically during this shot due to his attitude towards the photographer. His hand movements show his attitude towards the photographer and that he is not going to take any nonsense from him.

Light and Sound: Character in the shot speaks authoritively to the photographer, who dismisses his request and still flashes the camera.

Britishness: Formal, gentlemanly dress. Clothing for a formal event. however, the fez is not part of this.

Colour: Wearing a red fez, only colour in the shot which makes you concentrate on the man wearing it. his clothing is a black and white suit, which stands out against the background, but shows he has made an effort for the shoot and he is a serious man and takes life seriously.

Stereotypical: Man in formal wear. sense of humour with the fez and fake moustache.

Secrets and Lies-SEVEN

Mise-en-scene: character is placed n a chair to sit up right, look more formal. posture and facial expressions are stiff and uncomfortable, he doesn't really want to be here. the dialogue explains to the audience why he is here and the background information.

Lighting and Sound: dialogue between photographer and man in the chair. then the click and flash of the camera.

Britishness: london, cockney accent.

Colour: suit blends in with brown background, showing the character is quite dull and boring like the colour brown. The character doesn't really want to be there.

Stereotypical: asian man looking for a wife in an arranged marriage.

Secrets and Lies-SIX

Mise-en-scene: The cat sitting on a chair with a bow on the front, showing it is quite special to its owner, the woman behind it, holding it still. The cat is the centre of the shot, in front of the owner, the owner loves her pet, bringing it forward into the spotlight instead of herself.

Lighting and Sound: camera flashes and clicks.

Britishness: typical older white woman who adores her cat

Colour: Chair and rug underneath and grey and white to match the colours of the cat. take the attention away from the owner, who is wearing plain black and not much of the focus.

Stereotypical: of an old woman who adores her pets

Secrets and Lies-FIVE

Mise-en-scene: Dog placed on a table with a red cloth, which matches the red clothing of the owner, shows a connection between them. Also has a dog on her jumper, showing she must have a big love of dogs. Stands out from the rest of the scene. Central to the scene. Dog looks relaxed, despite the excitable owner combing the dog, fussing over him.

Light and Sound: Owner talking and fidgeting noise. Camera click and flash.

Britishness: Lady proud of her dog. Britsh people with dog as a mans best friend.

Color: Red blanket stands out. Blanket matches the woman's clothing, shows the focus on these two characters.

Stereotypical: Owner fussing over her pet. Proud of her dog.

Secrets and Lies-FOUR

Mise-en-scene: Wearing white clothing to show the angelic mood of the scene. Baby does not look very comfortable and is very small so is not very old. The baby isn't wearing anything, and along with the white background shows purity of the scene and the new born baby.

Light and Sound: White light is used to seem happy and angelic. New baby gives a ‘happy glow’. Click and flash of the camera. Bright, filler lights from the side to soften the faces and add more 'glow' to the scene. Make the two characters seem more angelic with softer faces.

Britishness: English accent.

Color: White and pure. All concentration on the characters in the centre.

Stereotypical: Stereotypical happy glow from the new mother.

Secrets and Lies-THREE

Mise-en-scene: Woman dressed as a stereotypical nurse. Her body language is stiff and serious, showing her approach to her job, as she stands behind a chair which is there as a prop for the picture. Facial expressions are serious and showing no emotion; she isn't easily amused and works in a serious role in her job. Only smiles quickly when the photographer says a joke.

Light and Sound: flashes of light when the picture takes, same as before, natural light is used the rest of the time.

Britishness : stereotypical nurse and outfit.

Color: the lady's blue dress stands out and shows the character is the focus of the scene, not the chair.

Stereotypical: Nurse; serious looking and takes their job seriously

Secrets and Lies-TWO

Mise en scene: stereotypical clothing for a boxer; boxing gloves and shorts. Facial expressions show aggression and enthusiasm and passion about his boxing. No hair or make up, its kept simple to show he just concentrates on the boxing. Smiles in between photos to show he’s proud of himself and his work, most likely vain.

Sound and light: flashes of light when the picture takes. Rest of the scene is naturally lit.

Britishness: not applicable.


Color : the gloves and shorts are bright red, so they stand out and are the main focus in the scene to show what the character is doing.

Stereotypes: black man boxing

Secrets and Lies-ONE

Mise en scene: Dated clothing and hairstyles, show date of film. Formally dressed except the child. Dressed scruffily and casually. Stereotypically stood, the mother is more enthusiastic than the rest of the family and the grandmother doesn’t really look like she knows what’s going on. Women look like they’ve made an effort to wear make up. Grandmother is wearing glasses shows her age. Mother is in the centre of the shot to show she’s central to the family and she’s the only one that is enthusiastic about it as she keeps talking to the photographer. Father and son are hiding behind the mother showing thy don’t really want to be there and feel awkward and ‘protected’ by the mother and grandmother. Facial expressions on the son make him look fed up and bored. The father keeps pulling faces and deep breathing to show he’s preparing himself to pretend he wants to be there and that he is fed up of being fussed over about his tie and papers in his pocket. The mother is smiling and over the top with her emotions to show her enthusiasm about the picture and the grandmother looks confused about where she's meant to be and laughs randomly.

Sound and Light: Classic photographic lighting studio, sets the scene. Standard lighting with filler light on the side to soften the faces. People talking and its as if we’re overhearing the conversation. Flash of the camera and the sound of a camera clicking shows the audience a picture has been taken.

Britishness: Classic family. Mum, dad, child and grandmother. The way they’re dressed. Their accent. Mother is head of family and in control. Son is fed up.

Color: two characters that are fed up with it are wearing dull colours and the other two characters are wearing more vibrant colours to show their more enthusiastic approach to the picture.

Harry Potter Billboard

Harry Potter 7 is also being advertised on billboards. The one featured above is very interesting as it shows two of the main characters that are easily recognisable as they have been in the previous 6 Harry Potter films and are on either side of the billboard as they are on different 'sides' in the wizarding world within the film; good vs. evil. The two different characters are shooting spells out of their wands which is obvious to people that have seen the previous films and so suggests that the audience will have needed to see the previous films. The spells coming out of both sides are of different colours to also distinguish between the two sides and they met in the middle where they clash and create a larger space for the title to appear. The audiences eyes follow the two spells into the middle where the title is to confirm what is probably already being registered; the new Harry Potter film. The whole billboard is quite dark and eery, suggesting the film is going to be the same and the only colour present is that from the spells which is where the audiences eyes are immediately drawn before looking at the rest of it. The film title is also written in the iconic style that is instantly recognisable which is why the name Harry Potter is not featured, the initials are enough for people to recognise. It also keeps the amount of writing to a minimal so the audience take in the information they need and are not wasting time reading too much information and getting bored.

harry potter advertising

There are many ways to draw in a mass audience for a new movie. the poster above was just one of the ways in which the makers of Harry Potter captured their audience. 
This poster is for part one of the last ever Harry Potter film and uses the main character in the centre to emphasise how main he really is and so that people will see his face first and instantly recognise the film because it is so well known. This is also why the character has been placed over the majority of the film title because the style in which the title is written and the face of the character are instantly recognisable by people and so the actual name is already in their minds without having to read it off the poster. 
The whole poster is very dark and mysterious to suggest that the film itself is going to be dark and mysterious. the only light is coming from behind the main characters head, which also casts a shadow on the front of his face, adding to the darkness and mystery. 
The character is also holding what looks like a 'snitch', which would only be known to people that have watched the films and are therefore Harry Potter fans. The fact that this is being held in the main characters hand can tell us that it probably features in the film and that the poster is mainly aimed at Harry Potter fans or people that have seen the first six films. This could also tell us that this film is not be watched by anyone who hasn't seen any of the other films as it is a follow on to the others. 
The mysterious side of this poster continues underneath the character hands with the quote, "I open at the close". The colouring of this quote is similar to the 'snitch' in the characters hand, which would suggest that these two things are linked in some way but the audience will have to find out by going and watching the film.

Horror Still

I have chosen to take my horror still as a point of view shot of the victim in the scene. The victim is hiding underneath a bed from the person looking for them and can see this villain walking around the edge of the bed searching for them. 

The edges are slightly blurred and the floor is very close to the victims 'eyes' suggesting that they've already been injured earlier on in the film and their condition is deteriorating causing their eyes to slowly close, creating this effect. 

There is very little lighting in this shot, creating a dark, mysterious mood and also showing it could possibly be night time, which would add to the suspense and scary mood of the scene. There is also a large shadow around the villains feet which makes them look more large and scary than they might have looked without it and makes the victim under the bed feel more intimidated because the shadow also makes it look like the villain is coming closer towards the floor, especially as their feet are placed facing outwards which people do when they are beginning to crouch down, and closer to seeing the victim laying under the bed. 

The mise-en-scene I chose very carefully and decided to not change anything around in the room and leave it looking normal, with hair products and wash basket in the background to show that it is a ordinary, real-life setting and so makes the audience look at it and feel more scared because they think it could happen in their own home. 

For the costume as well, i chose to keep the trainers normal and everyday to make the villain seem like an ordinary person that could pass you on the street to also make the audience feel more scared as they start to believe it could happen in their own life. 

the only trouble I had with taking this picture was the fact that i couldn't fit under the bed, but the zoom on the camera allowed me to reach under the bed and still achieve the shot I intended on taking.