If the first sentence of your writing doesn't captivate the reader, you might as well just not write it at all. The same goes for film openings. The ability to grasp the audience’s attention in the first few minutes is extremely crucial, especially in the age of film streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu etc. where an average viewer would simply click off or change the channel on the TV. It is necessary to intrigue the audience and convince them to watch the rest of the film, or maybe even bring them to the edge of their seat. A film opening sets the foundation of the entire film, because as it is commonly said, a first impression is the last impression.
A successful film opening provides the audience with a glimpse of vital elements of film including the characters, the setting, and the storyline while reflecting upon the genre to ensure that the audience isn't completely lost. It sets the mood and tone, which provides the audience with a sense of direction. For example, the mood set by a romantic comedy would be drastically different from that of a typical horror film. It would be odd for the audience to view dull, dark and intense scenes paired with gloomy sound in a film opening which is supposed to be a romantic comedy, ergo it is crucial to get the opening of a film just right.
Example of a Film Opening
An example of a good film opening can be that of The Dark Knight’s (2008) opening. It clues the audience in on the genre by diving right into action, brings in a sense of curiosity by making the audience wonder “what will happen next?” every passing minute, and leads to a magnificent establishment and introduction of the antagonist. The element of surprise is present throughout the opening, which only draws in the audience further.
Opening of The Dark Knight (2008):
Opening Credits
Opening credits are often overlooked as film openings, when they are just as significant. Opening credits introduce key production members and the cast in a visually appealing manner. It is critical to make opening credits captivating and unique, by pairing just the right fonts and music or the audience would simply sulk for a few minutes.
Example of Opening Credits
Lets take the example of the opening credits of Catch Me If You Can (2002). Although you don't figure out the characters at first, you still get a gist of the storyline in a creative way, coupled with appealing motion graphics and suspenseful music, which instantly give the audience the hint that a crime film is coming their way.
Opening credits of Catch Me If You Can (2002):
All in all, any film opening should be able to encapsulate the viewer in order to be deemed a successful film altogether. We will be exploring more film openings in the research category of this blog.
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