3.2 Analysis of two opening sequences - Scary Movie

Scary Movie (15)

Wayans Bros. Entertainment, Dimensions Films, 2000


The second opening sequence of my chosen genre is 'Scary Movie' an American comedy which parodies various horror movies.

Deconstruction of the titles - relationship to sound

'Scream' face about to stab girl and the' whoosh' of stab turns into title opening 'Scray Movie'.


'Screams and heartbeat' accompany title opening which eventually turns into red (symbolising blood)

DECONSTRUCTION OF THE SHOT SEQUENCE

• 
  shot types and Framing

• Medium close ups throughtout phonecall scene.
  
  Editing
  
  
  Parallel editing of girl and 'scream'

Mise-En-Scene

• 'Scream' mask - connotes mystery and fear

Lighting

• 
  unnatural/ darker lighting/tint throughout opening to present 'scary' presence /atmosphere.
• 
  
  Sound
  
  sharp tones/violins- connotes sense of upcoming danger/realisation of danger


• Sounds aldso included to increase sense of fear (even though it only presents parody of film)

PRODUCTION- Textual Analysis


Budget: $19 (estimate) Gross Revenue: $278,019,771(est).

This is a rather high budget film due to the special effects used in order to demonstrate particular humour and so it will probably appeal to those interested in special effects or more rather good comedy.


Written by: Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Buddy Johnson, Phil Beauman, Jason FriedbergAaron Seltzer


Directed By: Keenan Ivory Wayans.

Starring: Carmen Electra, Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Shannon Elizabeth..

How do these details impact on the target audience?

Rating 15 - Suitable for those who are 15 years and above (target audience). This film is a parody of previous horror films such as 'Scream' trilogy, Halloween, I know what you did last summer, The Blair Witch Project etc. and so those who have previously seen any of these films and my not have particularly enjoyed them in terms of entertainment value may enjoy the 'spoof' take of them in this film.

Starring: Carmen Electra - She is an actress as well as a glamour model and entertainer so those who have previously seen her elsewhere will probably enjoy watching her act.

Marlon and Shawn Wayans are both well known actors and comedians so this film will excite those who enjoy their films as well as their stand up comedy.

Having at least a few actors/actresses that are well known help to have further impact on the target audience.

How may the opening sequence address the target audience?

'Scary movie ' instantly begins with the typical expectations of a horror comedy film. At first, we are made to believe the phonecall is from a potential serial killer/monster though this thought immediately transforms into a parody of a horror film. The use of sharp tones and violins presenting danger help to bring about the idea of 'horror'. The 'scream' mask reminds the audience who are possibly already aware of the movie 'Scream' though he is given a more humorous outlook on him to underly the idea of 'horror comedy'. Since this film is rated 15, the use of specific language which is better suited for this age category and above help provide 'grown-up' humour, rather than conventional humour in cartoons for instance.

3.2 Analysis of opening sequences- 1. Shaun of the Dead

Shaun of the Dead (15)

Edgar Wright, Working Title Films

The first opening sequence I have decided to analyse in my chosen genre is a 2004 British comedy film called 'Shaun of the Dead'.

Title name 'Shaun of the Dead' written on the ground whilst 'zombie-figures' walk around and the tracking camera moves along to another scene. Relationship with Sound: 'Comic' music to the beat of walking zombies feet.

Symbolism: No specific symbolisims regarding title opening.

Technical Construction: The heading of the film has been applied unto the scene in order to make it a part of the scene without it actually playing a role in the shot.

DECONSTRUCTION OF SHOT SEQUENCE

Shot Types & Framing

• Medium close ups in conversations
• Pan on walking scene

Editing

• Eye-line match between two characters whilst conversing in opening scene.

Mise-En-Scene

There appears not be anything which is demonstrated as an important aspect of the film.

Lighting

• natural lighting during opening sequence. Setting is quite dark and this may be used to present the tone of conventional horror film lighting.

Sound

'Ghost Town' The Specials- non diegetic voiceover of characters in opening.

PRODUCTION

Budget: $4,000,000

This film is of a low budget and may therefore not appeal to those interested in special effects such as CGI. It is however a typical British film and is therefore not expected to contain any special effects in order to appeal to it's audience.

Working Title Films: A popular British production company based in London, England.

Director: Edgar Wright - An English Film and Television director.

Distributors: Working Title Films.

HOW THESE DETAILS IMPACT ON THE TARGET AUDIENCE?

Rating 15- 'Shaun of the Dead' is suitable for those aged 15 years and above, therefore those under the age may enjoy the film but are not part of the target audience.

Starring: Simon Pegg, an award winning actor, comedian and film producer who has starred in other films such as 'Hot Fuzz' and 'Run, Fatboy, Run' will appeal those who may have seen these later films and therefore may then go on to watch this earlier film. He also co-wrote this film and so those aware of his kind of humour will enjoy this film.

How does the opening sequence address the target audience?

The opening sequence of 'Shaun of the Dead' begins with a conversation begin two significant characters within the plot although we do not actually see anything which fits particularly with the genre 'horror-comedy'. It does however demonstrate various events and statements which can be considered humorous. There is use of particular strong language only suitable for the target audience age of 15 and above.

Research & Planning - V for Vendetta [plan]

V for Vendetta

Warner Bros, 2005

Shot types & Framing

Extreme close up on eyes, Wide shots of the crowd, focus pull on woman in the crowd, Over the shoulder shot of Evey- Parallels shots of V. Cross-cutting. Long shot of Guy Fawkes when hung.

Editing


Cross-cutting of V and Evey underscored by television sound bridge. Opens with a voiceover describing the plot. Sets up the romantic ideal. Eye-line match between Guy and crowd woman.

Mise-en-scene


The mask- connotes mystery and heroism about character.



17th Century costume denotes original gunpowder plot era.



Fire also represents the Gunpowder plot.



Lighting


Opening scene uses minimal lighting with minimal fill to illustrate the 17th century setting.


Brightly lit television shot takes central focus and connotes important message is being given.


Yellowish tint applied to 17th century scene.

Sound


Non-diegetic voiceover from Evey (main character)

Sounds added to increase tension. For example, when chasing Guy Fawkes and when he is dropped in the noose.


Summary: How these details impact on the target audience?

Rating 15- Suitable for those 15 years and above therefore those under the age of 15 may enjoy the film but are not part of the target audience. Starring: Natalie Portman - Those who have previously enjoyed a film with Natalie Portman may be likely to enjoy V for Vendetta. Budget: 54,000,000 - High budget film so is likely to appeal to those interested in various special effects, CGI.

The opening sequence begins with Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder plot. This instantly captivates historians/those interested in history. The fast-pace action throughout the opening will excite the targeted audience. The music corresponding with action throughout sets the action of the film. 'DC comic' fans will be interested in seeing the film adaptation of a comic which they probably would have previously read or at least being aware of. 'V' elevates his character by speaking in an educated/sophisticated manner which will interest intellectuals or well educated people.

3.1 - What you learn by doing the preliminary exercise

In the preliminary exercise, we filmed a short continuity task following a scenario where a character was meant to open a door, cross a room, site in a chair opposite to another character, whom they are to have a short dialogue with.

Though we didn't follow this example particularly, we managed to present the continuity editing by presenting three characters throwing a set of keys to each other, followed by a seated character reading out a news report. Since my film genre is 'Horror Comedy', our focus was on being able to capture a comic element as well as trying out the green screen for the 'breaking news' scene.

We all took a different role on the filming. Enshell agreed on doing the acting part on the news report and I was able to get further assistance from Maya and Cheryl who helped to present the 180-degree rule in the 'key throwing' scene. Though we did not consider lighting as an important aspect of our filming, we did pay attention in aiming to create a dark tone possibly to present the 'horror' aspect we are going to present. We were able to present shot/reverse shot as well as 180-degree rule.

The editing of our continuity task allowed me to understand how to apply an image behind the green screen as it will come in handy when presenting the news report scene I intend to add in my opening sequence. I was also able to use Final Cut Pro furthering my knowledge of the programme. We edited the filming in order to create a smoother run of events within our scenario. It did however occur to me that we had not particularly presented 'match on action' in our continuity task and therefore hope to present this during our filming.