Opening Sequences

Opening sequences always help to set the scene and enable the audience to get an idea of what genre to expect throughout the movie. Establishing shots are used quite a lot to show the majority of the setting of the first few sequences. Some sequences may not reveal much as they want to keep the audience on edge and guessing what's about to happen next, where as some sequences reveal a few character identity's as well as a bit of action to show what's involved with the film and what to expect next. An aerial shot may also be used at the beginning of the film to enhance the movement of the movie or the pace of which things may be going. The variation in the different shots are always to enable the audience to find out a little more of what to expect. The genre is usually reflected in the first type of shots in the opening sequences; the shots reveal more detail little by little, not giving too much away too fast which is what the directors want.

Film titles and credits

Film titles are important as they set the mood of the movie. They give clues to what type of film you're about to watch, and what to expect in suttle ways; the titles usually also set the location. Revealing which stars are in the movie also add atmosphere as someone may feel more intrigued to watch it if one of their favourite actresses/actors are starring in the film. In film titles you usually expect a subtle amount of information about the film as well as the main actors/actresses names; location is sometimes revealed as well as a few characters. Not a lot is given away during the titles, but it's meant to appeal to the audience and make them want to find out what the film's about and to watch on.

The titles/credits usually show:

• film title
• production company
• writer
• director
• producer
• actors/actresses

The titles should convey messages about the film through the style/design used.

Catch Me If You Can is a good example of how well produced film titles can be. The first three minutes already tells you so much about what to expect throughout the movie. It reveals the genre of the film as well as how quick paced the film will be just through revealing the titles and credits of the movie; the style used is very unique. Just from the titles of the film you find out:

• the film will have something to do with a guy and a girl
• several different job roles will be involved
• the guy changes his identity
• a chase will be involved as of the music used and the title of the actual film
• Steven Speilberg, Tom Hanks and Leonardo Di Caprio star in the film which will make it more appealing to certain audiences

You know that the film will be using different locations as of the pace of the titles as well as the various changes in job roles. The actors/actresses appeal to certain people which may excite the audience watching if they enjoy watching them; the production company has the same effect; if the same company has produced other films that the audience may have enjoyed, they'll be more willing to watch it. They may also expect certain things because of the production company name; if certain companys have expectations, they've got to make sure they live up to them to please their audience.

http://www.artofthetitle.com/2011/08/22/catch-me-if-you-can/ - film titles (Catch Me If You Can)

Characterisation

Conveying information about a character can be conveyed in many different ways:

• the clothes they wear
• the things they say
• their reactions
• their friendships/relationships
• their emotions

Understanding audiences in the 20th century relate to a lot of issues shown in movies. They also relate to stereotypes and can clearly understand/see the difference in the characters created. If a character created was to be wearing tracksuit bottoms, a hoodie, a lot of jewellery and spoke using the words 'innit' and 'bruv' they would be seen as a 'chav'.

An expected plot of a 'chav' character would be involving murder, robbery or some sort of violence/crime in general. It's the typical stereotype of a 'chav' which is expected as soon as they're spotted.


Pretty Woman

Pretty Woman conveys the characters to outline the different personalities as well as the individual backgrounds.

Firstly, the clothes they wear clearly tell the audience what working backgrounds they both are. Vivienne is lower class and she represents this by wearing high heels, fishnet tights, a short skirt and a revealing top. She is also cakes in make up and quite clearly doesn't show that she has any pride. Where as Edward is of a higher class. This is represented by the suits he wears; showing his business man status, as well as how nearly he presents himself. He has a high status which he is wary of as well as a reputation that he intends on keeping.

Within the first few minutes of being introduced to each character, the way they're spoken shows their differences. Edward is very well spoken; he knows how to talk to the ladies; he comes across as a bit of a ladies man. Vivienne talks like a 'proper commoner'. The scene shown between herself and her room mate Kit shows the audience that she's a worrier; she knows she's only human and has worries like the rest of the world. Vivienne conveys the fact that she also has a bit of an attitude which covers up her emotional side as she's quite opinionated and wants things her way which she believes the right way. You see this through the scene with Kit about rent money.

They both face troubles in life and things don't alawys seem to go their way. For example the scene where Edward is in his car; he starts the car a few times before he actually gets going and even when he drives away, he ends up going in the wrong direction. It reveals to the audience that he had to work hard to get where he is and the status he has, he truely has earned. He had to go through a few 'hiccups' and life wasn't always as smooth as it is shown in the film; things usually get in his way and Vivienne is in a similar situation. She's a prostitute but it's the only way that she's been taught to live/survive. The first camera shot of her lines up her body; it reflects the fact that her body's her main attraction, it also shows that she sells her body as it's all she knows; that's all she truely cares about as she hasn't been taught any better.

When things get tough, Edward tends to run away from his problems where as Vivienne faces them and tries to sort them as best she can. This shows the audience that although Edward may seem as though he has the upper hand in life with his lifestyle choices, some of Viviennes choices have helped her to become the strong person that she is. The differences between both of the characters are shown in various ways yet they're accesible ways which are quite clearly shown. The differences show that sometimes in life, opposites do attract; this creates a narrative through oppositions.